A HEADTEACHER whose village primary school was shut has switched classrooms for treatment rooms after training to be a beauty therapist.
Carolyn Clark, of Helsby, ended her 35 year career in education when Dunham on the Hill Primary School was closed in 2008, to take up a new career as a beauty therapist at Bella Beauty and Holistic Therapy, at 10 Bridge Clinic, Chester Road.
“I love teaching and I didn’t think I would have another career that I would find as satisfying,” said the former Village Road school headteacher.
“It was a great community at the school – the staff, parents, governors and the children, It was a such a happy atmosphere.
“I was at a crossroads and I didn’t know whether to continue in education because I felt I couldn’t be as happy as I had been there.
“I felt it was time for a change and skin therapy is something I have always been interested in.”
Carolyn returned to education as a student, completing an intensive four month training course in beauty therapy.
“I thoroughly enjoyed doing the City and Guilds facial treatments qualifications at West Cheshire College and had a very enthusiastic tutor,” added Carolyn.
“It was a condensed course and you gained a certificate for working in beauty therapy.
“It was really scary, after the first week I went home and said I can’t go back.
“I was the oldest by at least a generation, and in some cases two, from my fellow students but went on to form a tight knit, friendly group and I still see people from the course.”
Despite her new career in beauty therapy and experience as a teacher, Carolyn says she has no plans to marry the two together.
“It would be interesting to go into teaching beauty therapy, but I’m really enjoying getting my practical experiences and building up a clientele.
“Already I have got some lovely customers coming back for repeat business.
“I now strive to provide bespoke facial treatments on Mondays to clients who range from teenagers to ladies in their 80s and male clients of all ages too.”
