Jasmin French Primary 5 - 2014

Further education – Mary Reid International Spa Academy & DFMA Make up & Hair School in Manchester 

Current employment and position – Owner of Jasmin French LTD & Gallant Cosmetics LTD. 

Career path - I left school & started working in Retail alongside full time studying for 1 year at Mary Reid. I always knew I wanted to own my own business so had always set out to do this from a young age. From then on I went on to do furthermore in-depth courses in all aspects of beauty including another month down in Manchester specialising in hair & makeup. I always knew Edinburgh was lacking in this area so wanted to create something that little bit different. I opened my Salon Jasmin French in December 2016 and I’m pleased to say we are growing at a rapid rate and about to expand into our next "wedding" venture. We provide services from all beauty treatments all the way through to on location for our brides doing hair & makeup for their special day. In 2021 I set up a Men’s Cosmetic range with my husband this is still very early days but hopefully some exciting times ahead for our brand, I have always dreamt of having my own products on the shelf, so our mission continues to make this happen! 

Notable achievements - Starting my beauty business in 2016 at such a young age was a massive learning curve - I really do believe learning on the job does put you right in at the deep end, but I’m pleased to say I have learnt so much and can't wait to see where the next 10 years takes me. 

How the subjects you studied impacted on your career? - I ensured I picked subjects such as Biology, Business & Administration which would help me with my further education once leaving school. I always knew University was not for me. 

What influence did St George's have on you when you look back? - As it is all girls it builds you to have a lot of resilience and hold your own as best you can 

How did St George's prepare you for the world of work? - By giving me an insight into working with other people and developing my communication skills and confidence. 

Is there anything you would have done differently when setting out for the world of work? - I probably would have studied in areas such as business a lot harder as I have been teaching myself a lot on the job. I was never academic so found school extremely tough which meant not fully focussing as best I could have.