Joanne finds new beginnings through Beauty Therapy and Nail Services route at SERC.

Developing a passion for beauty and nails, South Eastern Regional College (SERC) student Joanne Chestnutt has found a route to a new career after leaving a previous job due to illness.

Joanne (35) from Bangor, currently had studied at SERC previously, getting A-Level equivalent qualifications, followed by a BTEC in childcare.

She says: “I worked in retail for a while before attending Ulster University to study a degree in Linguistics with Counselling. I got a job as a classroom assistant in Bangor Grammar School, but unfortunately had to medically retire after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.”

She continues, “I had always enjoyed doing nails for my friends and family, and one day decided I would like to build on this and learn some new skills in the beauty world. With this in mind, I applied for an evening course at SERC doing Level 2 Beauty Therapy. I really found a passion for the course, and with a lot of enthusiasm from my tutors, I progressed to Level 3 Beauty Therapy and Level 2 Nail Services.”

“At the moment, I am completing the Level 3 Nail Services course, and am also on the way to finishing my Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. SERC has really taken me from strength to strength and I love that I have been able to explore my talents and tick off more and more things that I want to achieve. The tutors have been extremely supportive in helping me achieve my goals and are always encouraging me to do new things. As soon as one course has ended, my tutors always ask me what I’m thinking of doing next, so I must be doing something right!”

Joanne adds, “I have found such a love for beauty and nails since being a student at SERC, so much so that when I am working, my illness seems to be overridden by enjoyment and happiness. This makes me know that this industry is definitely for me. During Covid, when we couldn’t work in the salon, I started researching and creating my own body scrubs at home with natural ingredients. With a lot of trial and error, I eventually transformed this hobby into a business called ‘Flutter by Jo’ and sold the scrubs during the pandemic to bring in a bit of extra money. At the past three college fairs I have had the opportunity to sell my products and speak to new students and staff members which has been really lovely.”

Sharing her future plans, Joanne says, “My next step is to get my certificate for part time teaching, do a few more courses, continue my small business, and maybe in a few years do a PGCE for full time teaching. I like to keep busy, and SERC has been a great place for me to start. My overall experience has been top notch, and I would highly encourage anyone who has a genuine interest in the beauty or nails industry to apply for a course here.”  

Visit www.serc.ac.uk to unlock your future #BetterOffAtSERC.