Kristin Mellar - The Complete Beauty Collection Level 3, 4 & 5

What course did you complete? When?

• New Zealand Certificate in Makeup and Skincare Level 3

• New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy Level 4

• New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy Level 5

Did you always want to be in the beauty industry?

I started thinking about my career options at school, and by the end of year 13 I had a huge passion for health and beauty. That’s when I decided that was the industry I wanted to start in.

Why did you choose a course at Elite?

I really wanted to gain a Diploma in Beauty Therapy so that I was able to get into the industry as soon as I could. I had heard great things about Elite, so I started to do some research and it ticked all the boxes for me. So I made the move down to Auckland from the far north to begin this new exciting chapter in my life.

How has your course at Elite helped you in your current role or career?

Elite has taught me all the skills that I needed to begin my career in the beauty industry. At the Queen Street campus they have a beauty spa, which is where we have client days, and that has given me the opportunity to grow and become a more confidant therapist.

Where are you working now? And what is your role?

I am working at an amazing beauty spa called Niche Skin Care and Spa. I am working as a beauty therapist doing skin, body and beauty treatments.

What does your work involve?

We mainly focus on skin care at Niche – every product and spa treatment is specifically created for each client. So it is a new and awesome experience to understand how to create the best treatments for clients, while appreciating that each client’s skin is unique. We also offer beauty treatments as well – so there is a bit of variety.

What is the most exciting aspect of your job?

Making my clients happy! It is such a good feeling. Also beauty therapy is constantly moving so there are new skills and treatments to be learnt which is very exciting!

Did your course at Elite NZST live up to your expectations?

When I started, my expectations were different to what I thought it would be. It isn’t easy and takes up a lot of your time, but I have really enjoyed the new experiences and meeting new people.

What were the highlights of your course?

I enjoyed making new friends and getting along with the trainers and staff. It was a good experience learning new skills and getting outside of my comfort zone.

What is one of the lessons you’ve learnt through your experience to date?

The importance of time management and commitment. There is a lot involved in this course and it is so important to realise how different the course is to school and uni. It takes a lot of dedication, self-motivation and commitment, but it is well worth it in the end. I couldn’t be happier with the decision I made to join Elite.