Not qualified but need a new direction

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Oct 22, 2015
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Hi,

I'm not qualified in anything beauty related but just resigned from an office job and feel I need to retrain so I can work for myself.... I'm 42 - am I too old for all this? I'm thinking of doing a 2 day NVQ2 in Manicure & Pedicure and a 2 day CND Shellac then adding waxing and or threading to my portfolio....
Does this sound ok? I hope I've picked the right things....
My friend said there are too many nail /shellac people out there and doubts I could make a living out of it! What's your honest opinion? Am I doing the right thing? Thanks in advance X
 
Following as I'm in the same boat. ....
 
I retrained at the age of 39, so not far off. I did a one year nvq2 to gain a solid qualification. I left college on the Tuesday and had my first client on the Wednesday. I intended to work from home which I did for about 10 years while supporting my ageing mum and my step dad.

Forward to the here and now. I have a salon that employs my eldest daughter and another member of staff.

You can go the short course route but if you're going to make a career out of this, why not do it properly? I trained in extensions but quickly realised that that wasn't where the money is. Two hours on extensions for £25 as it was back then. I charged the same for a one hour facial and had time for a cuppa while the mask was on - and no phone calls about breaking nails, chips splits and the rest. There are some amazing nail techs out there but they are few and far between and competition is fierce.

Good luck

Vic x
 
I am deliberating between a nvq and a nail course. .....
I want to go mobile though and from what I can gather there is not much demand here for facials and waxing. Mainly nails and eyebrows (hd type )
Xx
 
I retrained at the age of 39, so not far off. I did a one year nvq2 to gain a solid qualification. I left college on the Tuesday and had my first client on the Wednesday. I intended to work from home which I did for about 10 years while supporting my ageing mum and my step dad.

Forward to the here and now. I have a salon that employs my eldest daughter and another member of staff.

You can go the short course route but if you're going to make a career out of this, why not do it properly? I trained in extensions but quickly realised that that wasn't where the money is. Two hours on extensions for £25 as it was back then. I charged the same for a one hour facial and had time for a cuppa while the mask was on - and no phone calls about breaking nails, chips splits and the rest. There are some amazing nail techs out there but they are few and far between and competition is fierce.

Good luck

Vic x

So do you think this training school that's offering a two day NVQ2 in manicure and pedicures isn't ok? I only ask as I don't know... X
 
Aah! But it may all change in the future ;)
 
I am deliberating between a nvq and a nail course. .....
I want to go mobile though and from what I can gather there is not much demand here for facials and waxing. Mainly nails and eyebrows (hd type )
Xx

Same here mani/pedi shellac, waxing and lvl is popular here...
 
There is always going to be competition in this job fact .....but you will build your reputation on your passion and ability...I love my job and if you love it and are passionate your half way there.....please don't think oh I'll just be painting a few nails it's easy it's not it's hard work but so rewarding once you have built your clientele ...you will get out of it what you put in .....I left a great job at 30 excellent pension excellent money but knew beauty is what I wanted to do im now 40 and I love it ...worked in a salon for a year hated every min so took the plunge worked for myself and haven't looked back .....do NVQ2 do a 2 day course? wow took me a year to do NVQ2......I have to admit I don't agree with day courses unless it's something like shellac which is like an add on to the knowledge you already know ....there are so many things to learn such as anatomy and contraindications etc etc and personally I don't think you can learn all that in a day or two ......but your question are you doing the right thing? Only you can decide but ten years on I'm still doing what I love so I say go with your heart x
 
I trained back in 2009 and I thought I would have loads of time when I had kids to do this turns out I was wrong! Feb 2014 I decided to stop messing around and start doing nails again for myself and it was working but that was short lived as this year has been really quiet I would be surprised if I have done 10 sets since Jan , I'm thinking of getting rid of all my kit and admitting defeat! Not everyone is the same.

Good luck x
 
Are you going to treat it like a business and do it properly or are you going to play at it... That's the question. You are never too old to start over (42 isn't old lol) but if you're going to do it... Do it RIGHT!!! NVQ will give you the 'minimum' qualification. The branded distributors will give you proper education in their brands. We have CND Education Ambassadors all over the uk that are highly qualified in their fields. Other companies have similar schools. If CND Shellac is the way you want to go... Call the SweetSquared hotline and the team will help. Hth's!!!
 
I did the CND Shellac Beginners course. It's a perfect introductory into nails and you can do skill building courses to add on to your services.
It's not an NVQ but it is the only course that certifies you in using CND Shellac. It is a very indepth course and is recognised worldwide.
It is a 2 day course BUT the hard work begins when you sign up. Your theory is home study, you will learn anatomy and physiology and contra indications. Then you will be tested.

The Creative Academy/Sweet Squared also offer other beauty courses such as MoroccanTan and LVL Lashes...it really is worth considering. Plus many of the courses provide Beginners packs to get you started. (On many 'budget' courses, you use their products. You will end up spending more buying quality products to use after the course - don't be sucked in by cheap prices).
 
I did the CND Shellac Beginners course. It's a perfect introductory into nails and you can do skill building courses to add on to your services.
It's not an NVQ but it is the only course that certifies you in using CND Shellac. It is a very indepth course and is recognised worldwide.
It is a 2 day course BUT the hard work begins when you sign up. Your theory is home study, you will learn anatomy and physiology and contra indications. Then you will be tested.

The Creative Academy/Sweet Squared also offer other beauty courses such as MoroccanTan and LVL Lashes...it really is worth considering. Plus many of the courses provide Beginners packs to get you started. (On many 'budget' courses, you use their products. You will end up spending more buying quality products to use after the course - don't be sucked in by cheap prices).

Sienna Kate, thanks so much for the above info. I do believe the Creative Acadmey in Manchester does lashes but just an FYI... S2 don't. Just didn't want there to be any confusion. Although Julia represents all S2 brands I do believe she carries a lash brand too. The creative academy is the training arm of S2... Hope that helps.
 
Sienna Kate, thanks so much for the above info. I do believe the Creative Acadmey in Manchester does lashes but just an FYI... S2 don't. Just didn't want there to be any confusion. Although Julia represents all S2 brands I do believe she carries a lash brand too. The creative academy is the training arm of S2... Hope that helps.

Sorry for the confusion, I was half asleep and obviously didn't get my point across correctly. But in saying that, (back to OP) - nails and tanning are a perfect introduction into beauty. Adding further courses as you go along ie lashes and brows.
NVQ are the national standard but generic. Will you learn about CND Shellac as a product - No...will you learn about HD Brows - No...etc
You will still feel like you need brand training.

Where do you see yourself? Employed in a salon or working for yourself?

I absolutely adored my CND training, even after training, I get all the support I need.

Really consider your options, you are never too old to do anything!
 
Sorry for the confusion, I was half asleep and obviously didn't get my point across correctly. But in saying that, (back to OP) - nails and tanning are a perfect introduction into beauty. Adding further courses as you go along ie lashes and brows.
NVQ are the national standard but generic. Will you learn about CND Shellac as a product - No...will you learn about HD Brows - No...etc
You will still feel like you need brand training.

Where do you see yourself? Employed in a salon or working for yourself?

I absolutely adored my CND training, even after training, I get all the support I need.

Really consider your options, you are never too old to do anything!
Hey no worries... I was up at 4:30am... No idea why and have been happily posting ever since :)
 
Waxperts!! That's the other one S2/creative Academy do!!
Knew there was another one!
 
Are you going to treat it like a business and do it properly or are you going to play at it... That's the question. You are never too old to start over (42 isn't old lol) but if you're going to do it... Do it RIGHT!!! NVQ will give you the 'minimum' qualification. The branded distributors will give you proper education in their brands. We have CND Education Ambassadors all over the uk that are highly qualified in their fields. Other companies have similar schools. If CND Shellac is the way you want to go... Call the SweetSquared hotline and the team will help. Hth's!!!

Absolutely treat it like a business - I want this to be my full time occupation
Defo going down the NVQ route and the CND training too - already got the dates just need to book them! I'm scared lol X
 
I did the CND Shellac Beginners course. It's a perfect introductory into nails and you can do skill building courses to add on to your services.
It's not an NVQ but it is the only course that certifies you in using CND Shellac. It is a very indepth course and is recognised worldwide.
It is a 2 day course BUT the hard work begins when you sign up. Your theory is home study, you will learn anatomy and physiology and contra indications. Then you will be tested.

The Creative Academy/Sweet Squared also offer other beauty courses such as MoroccanTan and LVL Lashes...it really is worth considering. Plus many of the courses provide Beginners packs to get you started. (On many 'budget' courses, you use their products. You will end up spending more buying quality products to use after the course - don't be sucked in by cheap prices).

Fabulous! Exactly what I wanted to hear! Thank you so much! X
 
I retrained as Beauty Specialist aged 35, having been made redundant and always wanting to work as a beautician. It was THE best decision I ever made but also the hardest (luckily I have a very supportive partner) Going 'back to school' and being the oldest in the class by at least 15 years was really hard ! Ha ha. I paid for the best possible training I could (just about!) afford and am so glad I did. There is SO much to learn!! Before you decide on the right course for you, do your research...... As has been already said, if you want to solely be a nail tech you need to be exceptionally good to make a living out of it. Doing odd 1 or 2 day courses here and there might work for some (?) but I'm not convinced. It's about more than learning the 'basics' and having a certificate for your insurance. I would have really struggled if I hadn't done a full qualification. I also worked for nothing in a salon while I was training to gain some experience in preparation for setting up on my own. I've now been up & running for 6 years and I absolutely love what I do. BUT..... it took 3 years to establish a good name and a good client base. It is hard going, particularly when you have people popping up daily who woke up this morning thinking "I know... I'll be a beautician today!" Lots of competition, particularly in nails. I have made sure I am the best at what I offer and try not to be swayed by fads and what other salons are doing. I know my target market and I stick to it. If you're totally committed to retraining and ready for a hard slog GO FOR IT !!! Good luck :) x
 
I'm 44 and did my manicure & gel polish qualification in July and now I'm doing an nvq3 in nails. It's scary but we'll worth a go. I love all the gorgeous nail designs lots put on here and Facebook, and my goal is to continue advancing myself once I've finished my NVQ3. There are so many amazing art classes I can't wait to start. I have to say it was my age and my non existent brain (frazzled after having 3 children :p ) that worried me the most, hard to retain the theory side mostly, but you only live once. Go for it and Goodluck xx

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So if I was to start all over again who would be best to do the nvq's with ? Online or collage? X
 

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