Karen Lawrence (left) & Jane Russell (right) both of Chelmsford

We attended the Level 2 Beauty Specialist course at Brentwood Academy at different times and met whilst attending on of the Academy's many post graduate days. We used to meet up and exchange ideas as at the time we were both working independently.

In March 2003 we set up in partnership ISIS Beauty Studio in Writtle near Chelmsford. We now have a very busy salon that is going from strength to strength. Clients are always commenting on the high standard of professionalism we both offer which we feel is a result of the excellant standard of tutoring we received at the Brentwood Academy.

Isis
www.isisbeautystudio.co.uk

Natalie Keane (centre) and team from In-touch Salon, Southend. Winner 'Beauty Salon of the Year, three rooms or fewer, Professional Beauty Awards, 2009. All three team members trained at the Brentwood Academy.  www.intouchbeauty.co.uk

Kings Road Studio Limited
Kings Road, Brentwood

I first started my training at Brentwood Academy about five years ago. I started off doing the Eye Treatment course as a friend of mine wanted me to accompany her on the course!! I enjoyed the course so much and found all the staff so helpful I decided to do more courses and gradually did most of the modules over a few years.
   The staff at the Brentwood Academy were very approachable and were always there at any time to answer any questions and to give advice when needed.In fact they still continue to be just as helpful!
   I now work for Kings Road Studio which is owned by my Manager Christina Ketley who also trained at the Brentwood Academy. She opened the salon in November 2004, with a couple of Nail desks and one treatment room. We are now currently extending the Salon to provide a further two treatment rooms, a spray tanning room, a further two nails desks and a skin bar.
   As both myself and my Manager trained at the Brentwood Academy we know the high standards of training and were so impressed by the Academy that whenever we need new staff/therapists we always ask Jacqui Borely - Principal if she could recommend anyone that has trained there. We currently have three staff working for us that have been recommended by Jacqui and our business is thriving.
   I would highly recommend the Brentwood Academy to anyone interested in any beauty courses. Just by training there is recognition in itself. As a business we will continue to send our staff on any new courses that arise there.

Julia Edney

I decided to train for a career in beauty therapy in 2003, and enrolled on the VTCT Level 2 Beauty Specialist Diploma at the Brentwood Academy. When I started the course all the staff made me feel very welcome, they were all very friendly and supportive. After completing my Level 2 training I started to work for a salon, where I gained more knowledge and experience as well as training in various brands. Whilst working I then went on to train in VTCT Level 3 Advanced Beauty Therapy course along with Indian Head Massage and Thermal Auricular Therapy (Hopi Ear Candles). In 2004 I was proud to receive the Brentwood Academy Student of the Year Award. The flexibility of the part time courses d meant that I could still work and get some good hands on experience. After completing Level 3 I then moved to another salon to gain further experience, and after about a year I decided to set up a treatment room from home. Whilst working from home, I also worked as a trainer for a skincare company and from there my passion and knowledge for skincare grew. I knew then that I wanted my own clinic. After 3 years of working from home I set up Cranwell House, a medispa in Ingatestone encompassing skin, beauty, health and aesthetics. I launched the business in October 2008. I am extremely happy and business is growing rapidly.

I have now developed a good relationship with Jacqui and the Brentwood Academy and Jacqui has given me support throughout my career down to a quick phone call if I needed any advice to helping me find staff for my business, and was there at the launch of my business. Two of the therapists I have employed both trained at the Brentwood Academy, and one of these is also a former Student of the Year.
    I would highly recommend the Brentwood Academy to anyone interested in a career in beauty therapy. The training is of an extremely high standard and the support is ongoing.

Charlotte Nail
www.cranwellhouse.co.uk

I spent 12 years in the insurance industry before I decided to re-train for a change of career at the Brentwood Academy. Upon qualifying my first job was a part-time position at an award winning Day Spa. After working there for six months to gain valuable salon experience I left to focus on my home-based business which I had been running at the same time. My private business flourished and my hard work and determination was recognised in 2001 when I was awarded the Brentwood Academy’s Student of the Year.

In May 2003 I achieved my goal of opening my own salon in Burnham, Escape Skin Care and Body Centre. My business experience has grown and has been recognised for 4 years running in the Mid Essex Business Awards as a winner under the Customer Service Category. I am proud to say that I have now expanded the business and, for May 2009, have opened my 2nd salon in Maldon.

Louisa Scott, Burnham on Crouch.
Escape Skin Care and Body Centre
www.escapeskincare.co.uk