Jen Geraghty had never dreamed of going into the beauty industry. As a teenager, she wasn’t even remotely interested in skincare, makeup, or any beauty regime. Yet, today she runs a successful beauty and skincare business, called Nation Beauty.
While working as a childbirth educator, Jen aligned with a health, wellness, and beauty company as a salesperson and quickly realised how much she enjoyed working in the industry.
“My side hustle actually provided me with the financial freedom to be a stay-at-home mum for my three daughters, which was great, but after 18 months of that, I needed more alongside it. So that’s when I began looking for something to study, to keep my brain going, you know?”
“I looked everywhere, but ultimately UCOL Te Pūkenga was the best choice for me. I really wanted to have a face-to-face learning experience and then when I saw the beauty course it ticked all the boxes — it was only a year, it was practical hands-on learning, and it complimented my side hustle,” Jen explains.
“My lecturer was amazing. I was dealing with a lot of personal things during my first year, and with the support she provided me, I’m just so grateful. She definitely impacted my decision to continue studying after my first year too. The wrap-around support that’s also provided at UCOL was great too. I’m so glad about the choice I made.”
“There were so many highlights, from having the machines to practise using, to all the friends and connections I made during my time studying who I still keep in touch with. Between the staff and students, it’s a real community that I built which I’m grateful for as it made all the difference to my success.”
Her favourite part of the job was really no surprise – “Helping people!” she exclaims. “I love being able to interact with a wide range of clients and have them leave from here feeling happy and confident.”
“I specialise in skin care, which is where my passion lies. I have purchased a hydradermabrasion machine, LED, and oxygen dome facial machine, with plans to add further services to my facial treatment menu. I also provide spray tanning, waxing, lash and brow tinting/shaping, lash lifts and brow lamination services.”
Now 18-months in, there’s no stopping Jen, as in the near future she aims to find a commercial space
to run her business from and hire a staff member or two, and long-term aims to franchise her business – so watch this space.
Discover more about UCOL Te Pūkenga Beauty Therapy programmes