By Tate Papworth
Chelsea Rooth is proof that following your passion can be a great move.
The VCAL student at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College left school in mid-2018 to pursue a career in the beauty industry.
Chelsea has loved every minute, landing a stint as junior beauty therapist at Utopia Skin Solutions in Yarraville.
“Everyone thinks you have to finish year 12 to be something, but I found TAFE to be a much better fit for me,” she said. “I realised my true interests lie in beauty therapy.”
Chelsea was given a work experience placement at the salon as part of her studies – by somewhat reluctant owner Leanne Jones.
“The school initially came to me asking if I’d be interested in taking on a work experience student and I, in no uncertain terms, said I wasn’t interested,” Ms Jones said.
“They convinced me to take on Chelsea and I thought I was doing them a big favour. But as we went further into the work experience, I could see the benefits.
“Chelsea came in on her own time and she became a really big help, as well as someone I could teach and mentor.
“Now she’s a junior therapist with her own client base – the clients have had a lot of confidence in someone young.
“I had to eat my words and I’ve already put the feelers out for another work experience student.”
