Shaping a future in beauty: Gabby’s inspiring journey

Gabby Mannix’s journey into the beauty industry began with a simple but meaningful decision: choosing a place to study that felt accessible and supportive. For her, Chisholm offered exactly that. As she explained, “Going to Chisholm was easy for me… I couldn’t imagine driving an hour plus every day to the city for years.”

Once enrolled, Gabby quickly discovered that the hands‑on learning environment and the encouragement from teachers and peers were what truly set her experience apart. She loved the practical nature of TAFE and the personalised support, sharing that“everyone gets the help they need and extra support.”

While she didn’t receive formal awards, Gabby became a strong advocate for the Chisholm community, recommending it to others because of its flexibility and welcoming environment. She consistently felt supported—whether she was tackling assessments or navigating life outside the classroom.“Every question asked was always answered,” she said, noting how valuable the guidance was when preparing to enter the industry.

Gabby’s career journey reflects her growth both personally and professionally. She began working at Coles and Priceline during school, but everything changed once she completed her Certificate III in Beauty. She secured her first role as a beauty therapist and is now employed at The Belle Beauty Collective in Langwarrin. She credits her studies and industry experience for helping her come out of her shell: “When I first left school, I was quiet… but from doing these courses and working in industry I have gained so much confidence and now talk to absolutely anyone.”

For Gabby, beauty therapy is about far more than treatments. She sees her work as a way to uplift others “you’re not only making people feel good about themselves… but you’re listening to them, supporting them and creating relationships with clients.”

Her passion for beauty is matched by her love of the outdoors—running, fishing, camping, and meeting new people. Looking ahead, Gabby is determined to continue her studies, with plans to complete a Dermal Degree at Victoria University and eventually open her own dermal clinic. “My future goals are to get my Dermal degree… and hopefully one day open my own.”

Gabby’s advice to future students is simple but powerful: “Go above and beyond… ask as many questions as you can… it really pays off in the end.”

Her story is one of confidence gained, skills strengthened, and a passion for helping others—an inspiring example of where dedication and the right learning environment can lead.