Returning to Learn Turns into Beauty Success for Fiona

For anyone considering a career change, 40-year-old Fiona Parker is a real inspiration. After working in the fast-food industry for sixteen years, Fiona from Newcastle, decided to follow her dream of becoming a beauty therapist, meeting all the challenges life could throw at her head on with, apprehension, fear and determination.

The mother of three decided to enrol at SERC after coming along to an open day to support her daughter who had just completed her GCSE’s.  But after speaking with the tutors, Fiona decided to enrol onto a part-time course herself.

Fiona said, “I left education after my GCSE’s as I had one child, quickly followed by a second. It was impossible to look after them and study for A- Levels when I was so young myself, but my young family had to come first.”

She continued, “When they started primary school, I returned to SERC to do an Access Diploma in Foundation Studies which led me to starting a degree in Accountancy at Queen’s University Belfast. However, in my second year, I became a single parent and now with three young children to look after, it was necessary that I returned immediately to full-time employment, so I had to pack in my studies.    I parked all notions of further study or a career until that day I visited SERC with my daughter some 10 years later, and it was then I decided it was the right time for me to follow my dreams.   I had abandoned the idea of a career in accountancy, but I was still interested in doing something that would give me the freedom to work for myself and perhaps even set up my own business.   I always had an interest in beauty therapy, so it seemed the perfect course for me, and I enrolled on a Level 2 in Beauty Therapy at the College’s Downpatrick Campus.”

Apprehensive about coming to college and worried about being the eldest in the class, Fiona added, “I was absolutely petrified returning to education, but I haven't looked back. Everyone is in the same boat. It is important to remember every adult returner is faced with the same obstacles and worries, but it is simply about getting over the first hurdle! There are lots of mature learners at SERC, so you won’t be alone, and there really are opportunities for everyone. The tutors go above and beyond to ensure you are getting the best out of your course and I aspired to do exactly the same.”

Fiona and her daughter Aimee, both completed the Level 2 in Beauty Therapy and Fiona went on to complete a Level 3. Together they opened up their own beauty salon, Beautifia, in Newcastle in 2019. Fiona said, “Although my daughter and I were on the same course, we were in different classes.   We were able to practice on each other and push each other so it worked out well for us. Likewise, opening up a business together took away some of the fear in those early days, as we were able to support and bounce ideas off each other about the business.”

She said, “Coming through the pandemic was tough. Because our work was close contact, we were the first industry to be affected by the pandemic and had to close our doors. We were a staff of four at that stage and thankfully the furlough scheme and Government grants meant that we were able to get through the challenges that every business faced.” 

Right now, business is going well and Beautifia now has five members in our team, and all have come through SERC. We all have a minimum Level 2 qualification, and I am currently working towards the VTCT (ITEC) Level 4 in Spa and Salon Management so, for me the learning never stops.  I am looking forward to embedding the learning and skills into our business and I am keen to go as far as I can.  I love the fact that I can study a relevant qualification so close to home. I teach and train our team at Beautifia but I think I might also like to do this in a college setting at some stage in the future.”

Fiona concluded, “I would encourage anyone who wants to get a career started, or is thinking about a change, to just go for it. Once you take the initial step the rest falls into place, you will never regret trying.”

Unlock your future at SERC’s Higher Education Open Evening 4.00pm – 7.00pm, Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn and Newtownards. Visit www.serc.ac.uk  #BetterOffAtSERC.