"Inspired by a desire to empower women and teenagers, I embarked on a journey fuelled by empathy and a commitment to positive change. With a background in teaching and a firsthand understanding of adversity, particularly during the pandemic when my daughter faced mental health challenges, I witnessed the transformative power of learning practical beauty skills. Seeing how it boosted her confidence and social connections, I realised the potential to extend this impact to others. I had been teaching these courses in our local community but for government agencies and nobody was targeting teenagers, I felt this was a missed opportunity to really do some good and make a difference. I started by hiring a community hall, that first nail course was jam packed with girls and women of all ages. I watched week on week as they grew in confidence, their skills grew and they started to make friends!! I knew then and there I was making a difference.
Driven by my own values of independence, self-worth, and empowerment, I founded my business to not only teach beauty skills but also provide essential tools for personal and professional growth. In 2019 I had a major breakdown and since then I’ve been on a journey of personal development, I’ve been learning skills that I never thought I could . If I’m honest I never thought they were available to me. My vision is to equip my students with not just technical expertise but also the mindset and business skills to thrive in their chosen paths.
Every interaction with my brand is infused with empathy, drawn from my own experiences of overcoming trauma and victim mindset. I've faced numerous challenges on my journey, including my own struggle with victimhood. I was comfortable being the victim!! I had the best worst story ever, but through self-awareness and personal development, I discovered the power of taking responsibility for my own happiness. I used to think it was other people’s responsibility to make me happy. I’m from a time where all women were told your rich prince will ride in on his horse to save you and bring you off to his palace where you’ll live happily ever after!! What tripe! I know now that I have the power to save myself and I know now what it is that I need to have in order to be happy, and it’s not a palace in the hills!!
My mission is clear: to empower women to pursue their dreams, whether through employment or entrepreneurship, while fostering a sense of confidence and self-esteem. I want every customer to feel inspired and motivated, knowing they possess the capability to create their own happiness and success.
My personal experiences, including seeking support from organisations like Pieta House, have shaped my approach to business, instilling in me a deep empathy for others' struggles and a commitment to spreading the message that every woman is enough. Since 2020 when I discovered gratitude journaling my life and beauty business have changed so much. I can tell you it was so hard some days to find anything to be grateful for, I remember one morning being so resentful and angry of my entire family while I was filling the dishwasher I was literally shouting I’m so f@@@ing happy and grateful to fill this dishwasher, and as I listened to myself I began to think of all the people in the world that don’t have food to put on plates, that don’t have clean water to wash a plate and I realised that in order for me to put these plates into a dishwasher at all we would have had a good nutritious hot meal to put on these plates, we would have had food in our bellies, we would have sat around together to eat. This realisation and shift in my mindset was the beginning of my change from victim to victorious.
Looking to the future, I aim to expand my reach globally through an online training platform, coaching, and mentoring women from all walks of life. Together, we can create a world where every woman feels empowered to pursue her dreams and live a fulfilling life."
Empower Your Journey: Cultivating Gratitude and Pursuing Your Dreams
Are you a woman looking to unlock your full potential and pursue your dreams? You're not alone. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. But I'm here to tell you that you have the power to create the life you desire, starting today.
My journey of empowerment began with a simple but profound shift in mindset: embracing gratitude. It's a practice that has transformed my life and empowered me to overcome obstacles, fulfill my potential, and find true happiness. And I believe it can do the same for you.
Gratitude is more than just saying thank you; it's a mindset that cultivates appreciation for the present moment and everything it has to offer. When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we open ourselves up to a world of abundance and possibility.
Here are some easy steps to start your own gratitude journal and begin reaping the benefits of this powerful practice:
1. Choose Your Journal. Find a notebook or journal that speaks to you. It could be a beautiful notebook with inspiring quotes or a simple spiral-bound notebook—it's up to you. I’ve included a free gratitude journal that you can download and print out here.
Free
Gratitude Journal – Beauty Business in a Box®
2. Set Aside Time. Carve out a few minutes each day to dedicate to your gratitude practice. Whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed, find a time that works for you and stick to it.
3. Reflect on Your Day: Take a moment to reflect on the events of your day. What moments brought you joy, peace, or fulfillment? What are you grateful for today?
4. Write It Down. Start writing down your thoughts in your gratitude journal. It could be as simple as listing three things you're grateful for each day or writing a detailed reflection on a specific experience.
5. Focus on the Positive. Even on tough days, try to find something to be grateful for. It could be a supportive friend, a warm cup of tea, or a beautiful sunset. There is always something to be thankful for if you look for it.
6. Celebrate Your Wins: Don't forget to celebrate your achievements, big and small. Whether it's landing a new job, completing a challenging project, or simply getting out of bed in the morning, acknowledge and celebrate your successes.
Design the life you want. Taking Action Today
As you embark on your journey of gratitude and self-discovery, remember that you have the power to create the life you desire. Here are some actionable steps to help you get started on your path to happiness :
1. Define Your Dreams. Take some time to reflect on your goals and aspirations. What are you passionate about? What do you want to achieve in life?
2. Set Intentions. Once you've identified your dreams, set clear intentions for how you want to pursue them. Write them down and revisit them often to stay focused and motivated.
3. Take Small Steps. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on taking one small step each day towards your dreams, no matter how small.
4. Seek Support: Don't be afraid to reach out for support and guidance along the way. Whether it's from friends, family, or mentors, surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams.
5. Stay Resilient.Remember that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the journey. Stay resilient and keep moving forward, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.
By embracing gratitude and taking action towards your dreams, you have the power to create a life filled with purpose, passion, and fulfillment. So start today, and let your journey of empowerment begin.
Are you ready to take the first step towards your dreams? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—I'd love to hear from you! Sarah Naylor helping you to Nail it in your Beauty Business.