Chloe is currently completing the Level 3 Diploma in Nail Technology at our Ixion Beauty centre in Plymouth.
Chloe has Asperger’s, a high-functioning form of autism, and wanted to focus on pursuing a career she was passionate about by providing a bespoke studio for people with special needs that find traditional salons overwhelming.
Read Chloe’s inspiring interview below!
“Encapsulating nails I am really good at and my French tip acrylics were good also – my client was really happy and posted on Instagram, tagging me!”
I am 27 and from Plymouth. I have autism and work with people with personality disorders and severe challenging behaviour. I am also currently going through IVF with my partner which encouraged me to look at career paths. I was looking at ways to progress in life and make money, and wanted to do something I am passionate about and good at – I am a very creative person and like to draw.
I was getting my lashes done and the nail lady in the salon mentioned Ixion Beauty so I gave Ixion a call, they gave me a list of their courses and it was a really simply process to apply.
When I first got there, I was really nervous because I have Asperger’s, which is high functioning autism. I suffer with sensory things and sounds and change is a big thing for me in every day life.
I was anxious thinking they wouldn’t understand or be trained in autism but they were really, really lovely. There’s been a few times where I have been overwhelmed, if the class suddenly became too loud or sudden changes, but Ixion has been really accommodating.
Sara, my Tutor, and Rita, the Centre Manager, sat down with me and did a risk assessment about what they could do to support and accommodate me. Things like changes overwhelm me, but they would support me do what I think is right.
For example, I wanted to do French acrylic nails when I should have been doing silks and teabags – but because I had in my head French acrylics I couldn’t make my mind do something else. I burst into tears, but they were lovely and said it’s absolutely fine and do what’s best for you. They would be OK if I had my headphones in to cancel out the sensory around. They would also ask me what they could do make me feel better and were able to cater for me if I became overwhelmed.
I wanted to do something that wouldn’t only help me but also people around me. I hate going into salons as it is so overwhelming, it can be a big change. Sometimes it’s too loud or too quiet and it can be too much so I never went into salons. I wanted to accommodate special needs so my studio is at home, in a friendly environment that gives the client complete control over lights, sound, tv, radio – and there is a large audience out there to cater towards. This will help me financially and support my IVF.
I think it has definitely helped with my confidence. I am insecure and have a lot of anxiety in everyday life, I was concerned I would be be behind everyone as I learn in a different way, but I progressed and I passed my exams.
People are really happy with the service I am providing, which is above expectations. When I do the nails, my tutor Sara said I am so far ahead of the level expected. I think it’s because I see imperfections and work on it, though it takes me longer. It has really helped my confidence and self-esteem.
Encapsulating nails I am really good at and my French tip acrylics were really good and they passed, my client was really happy and posted on Instagram, tagging me!
I didn’t realise there was a lot of science and biology behind the qualification, having to learn about the bone structures and nail structures. We had to learn about the skin and epidermis, technicalities behind that, and part of the course is massaging pedicures and manicures and learning about bones. I love skin care and find it a fascinating subject – it’s not just about nails looking pretty, there’s science behind it!
Yes I would, it’s definitely something a lot of people would benefit from.
If you didn’t’ go to university, or didn’t finish university, if you feel a bit lost and don’t know what you are going to do with your life it’s a great choice. Because of the Advanced Learn Loan it is fully-funded and you don’t have to pay anything straight away, so it financially puts you at ease as you don’t need to pay anything back. With everything that has been happening in the world it’s also nice to get out of the house and do something!
Challenging, rewarding, accommodating, a confidence-boost, plus a bit of an adventure as you aren’t just studying a new course you’re on a journey of self-discovery of finding out what you’re capable of.
Supportive, kind, funny, she caters to you – Sara does a lot of her work physically so you can watch her and she goes at your pace, and is very approachable so if you need help – you don’t have to feel anxious about going to her.
Octopus! Because an octopus has a lot of arms and you’re learning a lot and doing new things and octopuses are naturally curious creatures and they can adapt like we adapt to clients. And I love marine biology!
Bob Marley, Don’t Worry Be Happy – stops me stressing out!
We offer range of courses in hair and beauty in our sites in centres, which are located in Seaham, Sunderland and Plymouth.