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How I made it - Lisa Stone

For the month of March we are talking about education and experience. Salon System Educator and wax specialist Lisa Stone is the first of four guests to talk about how they made it.

Title/occupation:

I am a beauty therapist and a freelance educator for Training Solutions in Beauty and a proud ambassador and wax specialist for Salon System.

I’ve been in the business for…

Here’s where I start to feel old! I have been in the beauty industry for 24 years. I went straight to college to study a full time beauty course at 16 because I already knew from the age of 13 what I wanted to be.

Qualifications:

IHBC (International Health and Beauty Council) Diploma – with credit.
Diploma in Epilation.
City & Guilds Level 3 certificate in Delivering Teaching.
City & Guilds Level 4 certificate in Further Education.

I have also earned qualifications in Reflexology, Hopi ear candling, Indian head massage, Warm bamboo massage, Advance Electrolysis and red vein removal and much more - there are a lot to mention!

My first job

At the age of 16 I was lucky enough to get myself a Saturday job in a very prestigious hair and beauty salon in Clifton, Bristol. This is where my passion for the industry began. I worked there for 16 years working my way up from Saturday girl to senior therapist and then to assistant manager. I had an amazing manager who inspired me and saw my full potential. She believed in education and training and so I was given so many opportunities to attend training courses and workshops which I took full advantage of. This is where my love for training and teaching began and I knew the direction my career needed to go in.

How I got to where I am now

I was studying for my first teaching course and decided to do an IHM course. I began talking to the trainer and sent in my CV. Shortly after I was up in London in an interview with Training Solutions in Beauty, the designated training company for Salon System and I’ve never looked back! I’ve been teaching for Training Solutions now for 11 years and I love it. It has opened up so many opportunities for me, one of which has allowed me to work alongside Salon System as their ambassador and waxing expert and I’ve had the chance to join them for many new ventures and exciting activities.

Worst day at work?

I honestly don’t recall a worst day. Yes there have been some ‘challenging’ days but I try to see these as learning experiences or character building situations.

Best accomplishment so far in my career

This is a hard one to answer as I can think of quite a few. Being asked to be Salon System’s waxing expert is up there with some of my proudest accomplishments. I’ve also been lucky enough to work on the set of Hollyoaks, but I think so far, being asked to be Guest Speaker at the Waxing Exhibition for Salon System. I felt honored to speak and demonstrate a product I felt so passionate about.

How I stay motivated

This is easy to answer. It’s my passion for what I do. I love the buzz I get from teaching. I love the fact that I can pass on my knowledge and skills to others and it’s so wonderful to see my students develop a brand new skill. I’m also motivated by working with such an amazing team and with fantastic products.

Why it’s important to keep learning

It is vital to keep up to date with techniques and trends as our industry is moving and changing so quickly, it’s easy to get left behind. The competition is high so it’s important to stay ahead. Learning new treatments and skills is a sure way to attract new clients, increase revenue and keep valuable staff motivated. You never stop learning no matter how many certificates you have or how long you’ve been in the industry. I love this quote from Leonardo da Vinci: ‘learning never exhausts the mind.’

My working day

Usually starts very early with a very annoying phone alarm. I could be working anywhere from Bristol to Belfast so it’s up and at ‘em with a full face of makeup and a smile. I load up my car with training kits and manuals (and cakes, there always has to be cakes). Eventually I reach my training venue with plenty of time to set up and prepare to meet and greet my students for a full day of fabulous training. After a successful day I’m usually packing up and heading off home or onto a hotel, and that’s where I get the next day’s kit ready to start all over again.

When I’m not waxing…

I’m relaxing! It’s important for me in my busy life to keep fit and to clear my mind so the gym is a place where I spend a lot of my spare time. I also spend time eating out or at the coffee shop as I love cake so much. I go on long woodland walks with my very hairy cocker spaniel – I’ve resisted waxing her! – or spend as much time as I can with my beautiful family.

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