Transforming passion into profession: Sophia’s journey after Elite

From childhood curiosity to successful employment, Sophia Evans’ journey into the beauty industry has proved that anyone can follow their passions. As someone who was always fascinated by beauty and self-care, whether it was giving foot massages to her parents for a small donation or watching her mum apply makeup, Sophia knew early on that she wanted to help others feel confident and beautiful inside and out.

“I realised how much of an impact beauty therapy could have on someone’s self-esteem and mental health,” Sophia shares. “I knew I wanted to be a part of that transformation, helping people feel more confident, refreshed, and connected to themselves.”

When it came time to pursue her dream, Sophia looked for a school that would provide more than just the technical skills needed for a career in beauty. She wanted a place that nurtured a holistic approach to beauty, that focused on the care and experience of the client. “I wanted to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive, hands-on environment”, Sophia states.

Sophia was a stand-out student during her time at Elite, studying the level 3, 4 and 5 courses as well as earning herself the Student of the Year Award for 2024.

After completing her studies, Sophia joined the team at Urban Sanctuary Day Spa in Wellington, where she’s been able to further expand her skills in a professional setting. At Urban Sanctuary, Sophia’s focus has expanded beyond beauty treatments to include wellness and relaxation, creating an environment where clients feel truly cared for. “One of my key achievements at Urban has been the ability to build a loyal client base, thanks to my consistent work and dedication to their needs,” she says.

We are proud to have been part of Sophia's journey and to help her achieve her goals in the beauty therapy industry. For anyone looking to follow in her footsteps, she offers some simple but powerful advice: “If you have a dream, never give up. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it!”