You know that moment when you do your friend’s nails and they say, “You should seriously do this for real”?
Well, for Caloundra local Gracie, dreams are becoming a reality – all before finishing high school.
At just 17, she’s studying a SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology one day a week at Demi International, running her own lash business after school, and making plans to open a salon one day. Yes, while most teens are still figuring out what they want to do, Gracie is already doing it.
The best part? She’s still on track to graduate Year 12 and get her Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). If you’ve ever dreamed about turning your love of beauty into something bigger, this might just be your sign.
Here’s how Gracie made it happen (and how you can too).
Building a future, one day a week
Every Wednesday, Gracie wakes up early, jumps in her car, and makes her way to Demi International’s Maroochydore campus. Her day starts at 8:30am with a demo from her trainer, Desiree, followed by real client appointments at 10am and 1pm.
“After Demi, I go home, and I’ve usually got one or two lash clients waiting,” she says. “It’s a full day, but it feels like what my life will be like when I’m working full-time. And I love it.”
The SHB30321 Certificate III in Nail Technology she’s studying is designed for real-world readiness, with students learning everything from sculpting acrylics and gel extensions to using booking systems and marketing themselves online.
“It’s been really fun,” she says. “I’ve already got ideas I want to try with my own clients.”
Choosing to study while still at school
Gracie first joined Demi International in Year 10, enrolling in a SHB30121 & SHB30221 Certificate III in Beauty Services with Makeup Speciality – Dual Qualification, after deciding in Year 9 that beauty was her calling. From there, she started her lash business, built a loyal client base, and realised she wanted more.
That’s when she returned to Demi to add nails to her skill set.
“I really love the girls here,” she says. “Everyone is so friendly, and I’ve made friends I’ve stayed close with for years now. I went to TAFE once, but I just felt more at home here. The environment is supportive and fun.”
Through the high school based program at Demi International, students like Gracie can complete a nationally recognised Certificate or Diploma while still working toward their QCE. It’s a flexible, practical alternative to leaving school early, and sets them up with a qualification before graduation day.
Running a business at 17 and planning for more
Right now, Gracie sees clients after school most days and often works until 8:30pm at her lash business, Lash Addiction. But she’s not just earning pocket money, she’s reinvesting in her stock, building her savings, and thinking long-term.
“My dream is to open my own salon and help young girls learn the industry,” she says. “I love the idea of being the kind of teacher you can always reach out to, someone who really supports you.”
Gracie has even started asking her trainer what steps she needs to take to become a beauty educator herself one day.
Advice from someone who’s studying while still at school
Gracie’s biggest tip for other students considering beauty training while still at school?
“Stay on top of things. It definitely builds up, but if you love it, it’s worth it,” she says. “Why do a job you dread when you can build something you actually enjoy? When you work for yourself, you get to shape your own life.”
And Gracie’s not the only one proving you can kickstart a career while you’re young
She’s joining a growing list of go-getters like Kirah, who launched her own skincare salon before even turning 18, and Cooper, who found his spark in barbering and left school early to chase his dream full-time.
They all took their passions seriously, got qualified through Demi International, and set themselves up for careers they actually want.
Thinking about becoming a nail technician while still in school?
Our vocational education and training (VET) courses let students in Years 11 and 12 study one day a week at one of six campuses across Queensland. Whether it’s nails, beauty, makeup or massage, students gain hands-on skills, real industry experience, and the confidence to start working straight after school.
For students like Gracie, it’s more than a course, it’s a head start on doing what you love.
Ready to start your beauty journey? Read our guide to becoming a nail technician, or chat with our friendly Course Advisors to explore your options and see where a qualification from Demi can take you.
