Tracey Hoy: The Next Step in a Beauty Therapy Career

For Tracey Hoy, returning to education was about more than gaining qualifications, it was about investing in her future and opening new doors for her career.

Currently studying the Foundation Degree in Hair and Beauty Business Management at South West College's Omagh Campus, Tracey has already built a successful career in the beauty industry. Now, she is combining her industry experience with higher education to take the next step towards her long-term ambition of becoming a Beauty Therapy lecturer.

South West College was a natural choice for Tracey.
"SWC was an obvious choice for myself due to location, the course on offer, its strong focus on practical learning, and the supportive environment it offers to all," she said. "Overall, SWC has played such an important role in helping me grow both as a student and as an individual."

Tracey's educational journey began in 2012 when she completed her Level 2 Beauty Therapy qualification in Enniskillen. After spending many years working within the industry, she returned to education in 2023, studying part-time at SWC's Enniskillen Campus to achieve her Level 3 Beauty qualification. This progression led her to enrol on the Foundation Degree in Hair and Beauty Business Management, where she is now completing her first year.

Alongside her studies, Tracey is self-employed at House of Hair & Beauty in Enniskillen, working on a rent-a-chair basis. Balancing the demands of running a business while studying has required dedication and strong time-management skills.

"Balancing the demands of both my business and my course has certainly been challenging, but not impossible," she explained. "I've learnt to lean into what is demanding my attention at that time, whether that's an assignment deadline or a busy period in the salon. I've become more disciplined with my time and learnt that staying consistent and doing a little bit every day all adds up."

The knowledge and skills gained through her course are already making a difference in her business.

"I've found the content of this year's modules so useful and have already been able to implement many elements into the day-to-day running of my business," she said. "My ultimate dream is to be at a level where I can teach Beauty within the college, and my current course will help me get there."

Throughout her journey, Tracey has been inspired by the people around her, including her family, friends, fiancé and clients.

"I love seeing anyone – especially young people – take a chance, put in the hard work and make a success of what they set out to do. It motivates me and makes me happy to see others doing well."

Looking ahead, Tracey hopes to continue growing her business while pursuing a career in education, helping to inspire and develop the next generation of beauty professionals.

Reflecting on her decision to return to education, she offers encouragement to anyone considering taking a similar step.

"When I was thinking about returning to education in 2023, I kept focusing on the fact that it would take four years to reach the end of my studies. But a wise man reminded me that in four years' time I'd still be that age – and I might as well reach it with my qualifications than without them. It's a decision I don't think I'll ever regret."

Tracey is also quick to recommend both her course and South West College to others.