Accessing support to start her own business has helped Dilly pursue a career in beauty.
Leaving school
When Dilly became a school leaver earlier than anticipated in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she found herself following a different path to most of her friends. Whilst they were planning to start university in September, Dilly had felt that this wasn’t the right path for her.
“I didn’t feel like it was what I wanted to do, and I didn’t want to spend all that time and money on doing something that wasn’t going to make me happy.
“Just because I didn’t go to university when I left school, it doesn’t mean there won’t be opportunity for me to go when I’m older, if I change my mind.”
“I felt I’d rather go straight into doing something I really wanted to do!”
Pursuing a career in beauty
Dilly knew that she wanted to pursue work in the beauty industry. After being unable to get onto a local beauty therapy course at college, Dilly signed up to a private course.
Whilst this was postponed due to the firebreak lockdown, Dilly was contacted by Chloe, a careers adviser from Careers Wales to see how she was getting on.
Dilly spoke to Chloe about her beauty ambitions who provided advice and support with the steps she needed to take next.
“Chatting to Chloe was like having another type of support after my parents, like a teacher figure. She was another person to talk to.”
Starting her own business
The pair had regular catch-ups and Chloe helped Dilly to access programmes that would support Dilly to develop her own beauty business to provide eyebrow and eyelash treatments.
This included The Prince’s Trust Explore Enterprise Session, which led Dilly to receive a grant of up to £150, and the Be Your Own Boss webinars.
“I’m so grateful to Chloe because without the help she gave me, I wouldn’t be where I am now. It wasn’t just the support and referrals she provided, but also all the little bits of advice that helped so much.
“I also don’t think I would be in this position if it wasn’t for Covid-19 – so there has been something positive to come out of it.”
If you’re currently in school or college and would like to explore your interests and opportunities with a careers adviser, please speak to a member of staff who can advise on how to book an appointment. You or your parent, guardian or carer can also call us free on 0800 028 4844, email post@careerswales.gov.wales or get in touch through live chat.
If you’re aged 16 or over and would like to explore your opportunities with a careers adviser, please contact the Working Wales team by calling free on 0800 028 4844, emailing workingwales@careerswales.gov.wales or through our live chat.
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