One of the best ways to understand a career is to get in and experience it yourself. But in order to know if you want to even try your hand at something, you may find it helpful to hear stories about those that have been there and done that before you. I really do believe that reading a person’s story and journey to where they are today is truly inspirational. Many people take straight-and-narrow paths, while others have a bit more of a windy Yellow Brick Road experience. And that’s what makes these stories interesting.

The “Work It” section of SpaBeautySchools is a great place to find stories of those that have stories as to how they achieved success in their professional lives. Here, we have stories of an artistic colorist who is a master in his own trade, makeup artists who have been involved in special effects, and others. These are just some of the inspiring stories within our grand scope of concentrations on our site. But it makes sense to do your homework and read up on a potential new career possibility. And remember that career changes are possible and very popular these days. Though it may seem daunting to start from square one, once you get started on a new career, the time will fly by and you’ll get into your new life’s calling sooner than you think.

Research is key! Good luck in your search!

-Amanda Fornecker

So what do you do on a weekend where you find yourself in the midst of a record-breaking snowstorm? Sure, you can snuggle in bed and catch up on your shows or watch some of your favorite movies, but why not take advantage of this time to research a new career? And while I realize that most of you are not experiencing this record-breaking snowfall the way I am, you may still want to take your free time to check out these fun career paths.

As someone very interested in speech therapy, I am one to know the definite advantages of both occupational and physical therapy. This career is one in which you certainly help others feel better and rehabilitate. In fact, the National Opinion Research Center named physical therapy as the number two career in which its employees are most satisfied. Not too shabby!

A fitness school education may be extremely beneficial, especially during hard times like these. Lots of people who have been laid off have found themselves with a plethora of extra time and are taking this opportunity to get back in shape. That means that fitness instructors and maybe even personal trainers will be in higher demand. And the best part of a fitness career is that you get to stay in shape for a living!

For proof that you can change careers and still be successful, check out this beauty career story. Success stories don’t always come out of a first job, you know. The old saying goes: “If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.” I think those are great words to live by. Keep up your dreams and go for what you really want. It’s the best way to be happy in life.

There are lots of reasons to go to nail school. Check out 10 reasons that we’ve come up with here at SBS. And those aren’t the only reasons. But it’s a good place to start so check them out!

Lastly, be sure to see some of the school profiles we’ve featured in beauty and spa/wellness…

Good luck, stay warm, and use your time wisely!

-Amanda Fornecker

I miss the days of the old Disney cartoon movies. I grew up on The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and others. These are some of the greatest movies of my childhood and when I think of them a little deeper, I can see some great lessons…

Cinderella
OK, so we may not all have a fairy godmother, but this can be seen as a lesson (although extreme) in paying your dues. Sometimes, you may feel that you have been working up your way for quite some time at your job. But one day, your prince will also come and you’ll finally flourish into the princess you’ve always been. So with a little hard work and some patience, the clock striking midnight will not turn the carriage back into the pumpkin, but may indicate your advancement in your beauty career. Don’t let your evil stepmother get you down!

The Little Mermaid
We all know that Ariel wanted more and what’s wrong with thinking outside of the box (or the ocean)? Although you may sometimes need to make sacrifices to get where you want to be, it can be worth it in the end. Obstacles come up (let’s just hope they’re not as scary and crazy as Ursula) and you can overcome them with a little perseverance, honesty, and hard work. Maybe a little rearranging of your life may be in order, but just think of how happy you can be in the end when you finally get your yummy Eric.

Beauty and the Beast
Yes, this was certainly a lesson in beauty being more than just skin deep and going beyond first impressions. But it was also about taking chances, standing up for what you believe in, and even hitting the books. Belle loved books and got everything she wanted. Of course, she had to overcome some tough situations, but her curiosity and zest for life (and beasts) helped her to get her gorgeous golden gown and her gallant gent (even though he was kind of a giant gargoyle before…).

These were all Disney love stories between two people, but your love affair can be translated to a beauty or spa career. Do what you love, work hard, and you will triumph in the end.

-Amanda Fornecker

Wouldn’t you just love to try out a product before you commit to a full size? That’s what’s so great about samples. And what about easily accessing these samples? Wouldn’t it be great to pick from a vending machine full of great products? Well, now you might be able to.

At the Nordstrom in the Aventura Mall in Florida, a vending machine of sample products is available for customers to check out. Products range in price from $3-5 and you receive a deluxe-size sample of skin care, hair care, or makeup products. It’s the perfect way to try that fab new product you’ve been dying to check out but don’t really want to shell out the cash for without knowing how it works on you.

This new idea has been implemented by Boca Raton-based New Beauty Magazine. The goal is to feature products in the vending machine that can be found on the pages of their magazine. The goal is to place more of the vending machines around the country in malls and at airports.

I love this idea. How many times have you sampled a full-size product only to realize that it’s not really for you? I’ve done it countless times. I hope to see a New Beauty Sample Bar near me soon!

-Amanda Fornecker