A READING mum who runs her own business is on a mission to inspire girls and women in the area to follow their dreams.
Andrea Jones, who runs the Andrea Danielle beauty therapy school in Reading, became a single mum at the age of 16.
That didn’t put her off pursuing her dream of becoming a beauty therapist.
Now, with 13 years of beauty therapy experience and eight years of teaching experience under her belt, she wants to give girls and women of all ages the confidence that they can achieve their goals if they put their mind to it.
“Whether you are 16 years old with no qualifications, a young mum, or in a later stage of life and looking to learn new skills, the opportunity is there for anyone who wants it,” said Andrea.
“It’s a great confidence boost to be able to work for yourself, on your own terms.
“It suits all types of people, including mums who have kids at school, or whose current job doesn’t support working within school hours.
“There is no age barrier, so even if you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s or older, you can still become a beauty therapist.
“People who are not very academic can become very good beauty therapists, as it is more about creative and visual learning.”
Andrea says she wants to use her own story as an inspiration for other women.
“Becoming a single mum at 16 meant I was judged and looked down on, but I wanted to prove a point and work around my daughter.
“I wanted to use my initiative to earn money and show my daughter and others that it doesn’t mean you’ve ruined your life if you are a young single mum.
“I have raised my daughter on my own whilst building a business from scratch, buying one product, tool and training course as and when I could afford it.”
She added: “Before starting my business I always worked, even when pregnant I had a cleaning job, sold Christmas trees, anything I could do to earn money.
“Then I went to college after my daughter was born and had a barmaid job.
“My dad wasn’t around and my mum worked two jobs to provide for myself and my sisters – which is why I’m so passionate about hard work and showing others what can be achieved if you put your mind to something.
“I was approached and asked to teach GCSE beauty courses in two secondary schools and a SEN school. I’m passionate about teaching, as my daughter has ADHD and Autism and working in the sen school meant they could be free and creative without being under pressure.”
Andrea believes that working for yourself is a great way to live your life on your own terms.
“Starting my business meant I was able to raise my daughter without any financial support, and work hours around her,” she said.
“It has built my own confidence and has helped with my mental health, as I was diagnosed with OCD and an anxiety disorder.
“I’ve created a way of life for myself and my daughter and built friendships.
“Being in this role is very rewarding when you make people happy with beauty treatments and teach them something new, so they can build their own businesses.”
For free advice on how to become a beauty therapist, Andrea can be contacted at info@andreadanielleuk.com
