The beauty therapy sector has seen a significant period of growth in and around Plymouth in recent years. To ensure that therapists have the most relevant and up-to-date skills, beauty therapy courses need to constantly evolve to meet the needs of customers and reflect changing trends.
As one of the larger and longest-established salons in the city, Vanity Fayre offers a wide range of services, and its proprietor, Jane Wright, has maintained a close relationship with City College Plymouth for many years. Jane, who set up Vanity Fayre in 1989, has built a team of skilled professionals, many of whom are alumni of City College Plymouth. She credits the College’s training for producing high-quality therapists who are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.
Jane’s involvement with the College extends beyond hiring its graduates – she actively contributes to shaping its beauty therapy courses. She regularly attends meetings, offering insights and recommendations to ensure the curriculum remains relevant and aligned with the latest industry trends. This ongoing collaboration helps maintain high training standards, benefiting both students and local businesses.
The College’s beauty courses provide comprehensive training in facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, make-up, lash perming, and tanning, blending practical, hands-on experience with essential knowledge of health and safety, as well as how to promote products and services. Jane believes the training offers far more than just beauty skills – it prepares students for the workplace by boosting their confidence and enhancing their interpersonal abilities. She explains, “It equips young people not only with practical skills but also with the confidence to engage with others, which is invaluable. Training in our sector can often serve as a stepping stone to many other career opportunities.”
Jane says she loves returning to the College and collaborating with the beauty team, as it allows her to give back. “I appreciate how much the College does to support young people, and I just want to contribute in any way I can. By providing feedback on the courses, sharing insights on industry trends, and highlighting shifts in fashion and beauty standards, I help ensure the curriculum stays aligned with the evolving industry.”
“The College does a great job of collaborating with local businesses to ensure their courses align with industry needs. I think this flexible approach is highly effective, making the courses as beneficial as possible for students. I enjoy supporting their work and appreciate how they engage with young people. It’s also fantastic that business owners can partner with the College to help the next generation build successful careers.”
Vanity Fayre, which operates with three hairdressers and seven therapists at its Plymouth premises, has recently welcomed its first apprentice through the College – a process Jane describes as smooth and beneficial. “The College handled the initial steps, advertising the Apprenticeship and shortlisting candidates, which made everything much easier. We were then able to meet and interview six shortlisted applicants before selecting our apprentice. The process was efficient and well-structured, which was especially helpful as it was our first time hiring an apprentice.”
Jane takes pride in the fact that many of her team members began their journeys at City College Plymouth and have since built successful careers within the industry. “It’s rewarding to see former students thrive in the workplace and to know that we’re providing them with opportunities to grow and develop. Their solid foundation from the College makes them a great fit for our salon, and their skills and enthusiasm contribute to the continued success of Vanity Fayre.”
