At Australian Beauty School, we recently completed an intensive feedback initiative that brought us face-to-face with the people who matter most: our current students. This wasn’t a tick-box exercise or a standard survey. It was an in-depth conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and what our students truly need to succeed in the competitive beauty industry.
Beyond Traditional Education Models
The online education landscape is crowded with providers promising flexibility and support. But how many actually deliver on that promise? Our recent student consultation sessions revealed something we’ve long suspected: students don’t just want course content delivered to them. They want active partnership in their education journey.
During these sessions, we explored every aspect of the student experience. From the moment someone enquires about our Certificate in Nail Tech or Certificate in Nail Art and Design, through to their graduation and career launch, we discussed each touchpoint. Students shared candid insights about course pacing, module structure, assessment methods, and the practical challenges they face while studying.
The Reality of Building a Beauty Business
One recurring theme emerged clearly: students need more than technical skills. They’re not just learning to apply gel polish or create nail art – they’re building businesses, developing client relationships, and navigating the complexities of self-employment. Many of our students are career changers, parents returning to work, or young entrepreneurs taking their first steps into professional beauty services.
This feedback has prompted us to examine how we prepare students for business realities. While our courses include business fundamentals, students expressed a desire for more guidance on pricing strategies, social media marketing, dealing with difficult clients, and managing the isolation that can come with solo practice. These insights are now being integrated into tutor support resources.
Rethinking Beauty Kits and Practical Resources
Our comprehensive beauty kits have always been a point of pride, but student feedback revealed opportunities for improvement. Some students wanted more practice materials for perfecting techniques before working on paying clients. Others suggested including trending products that reflect current market demands.
The Human Element: Tutor Support That Makes a Difference
Perhaps the most validating feedback concerned our tutor support system. Students consistently praised the accessibility and expertise of our tutors, available six days per week. However, they also helped us identify areas for enhancement. Some students wanted more structured check-ins during challenging modules. Others suggested optional group sessions where students could connect with peers facing similar challenges.
What stood out was the value students place on genuine, personalised support. Our tutors don’t just answer technical questions – they provide career guidance, confidence boosts during difficult periods, and celebrate every small victory along the learning journey. This human connection transforms online learning from an isolated experience into a supported pathway to success.
Financial Flexibility and Accessibility
Our payment plan options, starting from $30 per week, have opened doors for many students who couldn’t otherwise afford quality beauty education. During feedback sessions, students shared how these flexible arrangements allowed them to invest in their future without financial stress. However, they also provided valuable input on payment timing, communication about payment options, and the enrolment process. It’s such a great feeling knowing that our students are focused on their finances and driving ROI from day one!
Several of our students suggested clearer information about the total investment required, including any additional materials they might need for practicing on clients. This transparency helps students budget effectively and plan their business launch while still studying.
Creating Lasting Career Success
The true measure of our success isn’t enrolment numbers or course completions – it’s graduates confidently running their own beauty businesses or thriving in salon positions. Students shared inspiring stories of their career transformations with us, from complete beginners now managing fully-booked appointment schedules to experienced beauticians who’ve added lucrative nail services to their offerings.
These success stories also highlighted areas where additional support would be valuable. Students requested more guidance on building client databases, managing bookings, and transitioning from practice models to paying clients. They want templates, practical tools, and real-world scenarios that bridge the gap between student and professional.
Moving Forward Together
This feedback initiative reinforced something fundamental about education: it’s not a one-way street. The best learning experiences emerge from genuine collaboration between educators and students. Every piece of feedback we received is being carefully considered and actioned where possible.
We’re not satisfied with simply delivering course content. We’re committed to creating comprehensive learning experiences that acknowledge the full journey from enrolment to established beauty professional. This means continuously evolving our offerings based on student needs, industry changes, and emerging opportunities in the beauty sector.
Our students aren’t just course participants – they’re our partners in shaping the future of beauty education. Their voices, experiences, and success stories drive every improvement we make.
Learning Online Group supports over 15,000 students globally since 2019, providing job-ready skills as a modern alternative to traditional education. Explore our specialized brands including: Australian Beauty School, Omnia Tattoo Academy, NZ Beauty School, Australian Photography School and My Learning Online.
