Schoolbooks and skincare: how Kirah started her beauty business at 17

While most teens were juggling exams and uni preferences, Kirah was busy launching a business. Yep, at just 17, she opened the doors to Coastal Skin – a dreamy home salon on the Sunshine Coast that’s now known for its luxe facials, blissful massage and calming client experience. And get this: she did it all while still in high school.

Now 19, Kirah says the biggest reward is that it doesn’t even feel like work.

“I wanted a job that didn’t feel like I was working every day,” she says. “I’m very lucky that this doesn’t feel like a job. It’s just something that I love.”

So, how did she go from high school student to beauty business owner in under two years? Let’s rewind.

Starting early and smashing goals

Kirah was still in Year 10 when she began her Diploma of Beauty Therapy through Demi International, studying every Wednesday as part of a VET in Schools (VETiS) program. By the time she graduated Year 12, her diploma was already in hand.

Steph, her trainer at the Maroochydore campus, remembers her as a standout from day one.

“She was dedicated, always prepared, and honestly had a natural talent for beauty therapy. I even went to her for facials!” Steph says.

It turns out Kirah had found her thing. And once she realised that, she ran with it.

“I really wanted a safe space for my clients, somewhere calm, not rushed, where every person felt valued and cared for,” Kirah says. “That’s what inspired Coastal Skin.”

Today, she’s usually fully booked, has over 30 five-star reviews on Google, and is known for facials that leave clients glowing and relaxed in equal measure.

Balancing school and study

What’s especially impressive is how Kirah managed it all while still in high school. While her classmates were prepping for ATAR exams, she was clocking hours in the clinic, refining her technique on real clients.

“It was definitely a juggle sometimes,” she says. “But I never missed a day of training because I genuinely loved it. It was my favourite part of the week.”

Steph agrees: “Kirah showed up, every single week, ready to learn. Her commitment was awesome. We always knew she’d go far.”

Her story is a great example of how VET in Schools programs can open doors for students who might want something more hands-on, career-focused, or simply different from the traditional school pathway.

And for those who decide that school isn’t the right fit, like 15 year old Cooper, Demi offers training courses that combine online learning with real-world experience to help them step into a career sooner.

Building a brand with heart

Kirah’s business is more than a beauty salon – it’s a brand built on intention. From her Instagram feed to her softly lit treatment room, everything reflects the calm, nurturing energy she brings to her work.

She’s also been savvy with marketing, using booking platforms, Google reviews and social media to grow a loyal client base. For someone still in her teens, her business instincts are strong.

Support that goes beyond the classroom

Kirah credits Demi International with helping her get the confidence to start her own business.

“The hands-on experience is what sets it apart,” she says. “It wasn’t just learning from a book. We were working with real clients in the clinic, which made such a difference.”

She still keeps in touch with her trainer, Steph, who once had a chat with Kirah’s mum to encourage her to take the leap and go out on her own.

“The connection trainers have with students goes beyond the course,” Steph says. “We care about where they end up. Watching Kirah thrive has been so rewarding.”

What’s next for Kirah?

Unsurprisingly, she’s not slowing down. She’s continued her professional development with additional training in brows, lashes and business development. Next up: advanced skin treatments, and one day, perhaps even training others.

“Ideally, I’d love to be able to teach beauty therapy in a small-group setting, just like Demi. It made such an impact on me,” she says.

As for advice for other teens thinking about taking a different path?

“If you’re not sure what you want to do, give something a go. That’s what I did. I tried beauty and realised it was my jam.”

From after-school study to five-star facials, Kirah’s story is proof that when passion meets support, pretty incredible things can happen.

Ready to start your beauty journey? Chat with our friendly Course Advisors to explore your options and see where a qualification from Demi can take you.