Cromwell beauty salon owner Bree-Anna Jones has found her niche in the Beauty Therapy industry after training at SIT Queenstown campus
An opening in Beauty Therapy at SIT was perfect timing for Bree-Anna. She hadn’t wanted to complete her final year of high school, so she signed up for a beauty-related STAR programme in Year 12 through her school careers advisor, Kate Borrie.
Bree-Anna admits at first she was uncertain beauty therapy was “my thing”, but the STAR course changed her mind. “I initially chose it because I was interested in beauty, and it also contributed credits towards my Year 12 NCEA.”
”I had always enjoyed photography at school and thought that might be my path, but this [STAR] opportunity gave me the confidence to try something different and take a new direction.”
The STAR course ran at SIT Queenstown campus, where Bree-Anna learned the basics of skincare and make-up with Tutor, Mandy Erskine. “As the course came to an end, Mandy told us about the Certificate in Beauty Therapy … and that enrolments would be opening soon.”
Originally from Invercargill, Bree-Anna moved to Central Otago with her mother when she was 11, so SIT was familiar; Bree-Anna remembers seeing SIT advertised and driving past the campus. A couple of family members had studied there and really enjoyed their experience, which also helped.
“…when deciding to study at SIT, I already had an idea of what it could offer me and my future.”
“I expected a supportive and hands-on learning environment. Both Mandy and Veronica were approachable, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive, which made a big difference to my confidence. The course itself was very practical, which helped prepare me for real-life client work.”
Bree-Anna studied Anatomy & Physiology, Nutrition, Products & Ingredients, Waxing, Small Business, Health, Safety & Hygiene, Manicure & Pedicure, Massage Techniques, Dermatology, Facial Techniques, Make-up Techniques, Spray Tanning, and Reception & Consultation processes.
“It gave us a really strong foundation across all areas of the beauty industry.”
One of the most valuable lessons Bree-Anna learned was balancing the theory with practical skills. “We didn’t just learn how to perform treatments, we learned the reasons behind them - understanding skin types, ingredients, and why we use certain techniques.”
Bree-Anna loved the practical days; whether working on classmates or treating clients, the sessions helped to build confidence and allowed her to put her knowledge into practice.
“I also enjoyed the written side of the course. Creating notes and working through the course books helped reinforce what we were learning in a more in-depth way.”
“I really appreciated the structure of the course because it made everything feel more meaningful and easier to apply in real-life client situations …The variety each day brought - balancing theory with practical work - kept things interesting and engaging.”
Another plus was forming close bonds with classmates. “Because we were part of a smaller group, we built strong connections and supported each other throughout the course.”
And the campus’s proximity to supermarkets, sushi, and cafés was a bonus. “You would usually find us heading there at lunch.”
Bree-Anna’s top three highlights of the programme were the supportive tutors, “[they] were there whenever you needed help, whether it was answering questions or demonstrating techniques”; the hands-on learning and the opportunity to work with real clients; and a field trip to Dunedin where they toured the university’s anatomy department. “I would honestly do that trip again in a heartbeat! It was such a cool and interesting experience.”
Bree-Anna’s greatest challenges on the programme came from global events. “2020 was the year I studied… the year of COVID and lockdowns. I felt scared, nervous, and uncertain…” however, the class continued learning course theory during lockdown and stayed in contact with tutors via email who offered support. “[they] kept us motivated, even from behind their screens.” Once restrictions lifted, Bree-Anna was able to return to class. “… that gave us hope and the chance to complete the course.”
“Attending graduation where I was also recognised as the top practical student in my class … was a really proud moment for me.”
Bree-Anna is now a business owner. “I’m a salon owner, my own boss, and a Beauty Therapist with 4–5 years of experience. I never thought I would open my business, Beauty Escape, in 2024, just four years after graduating.”
From the beginning of the training, owning her own salon was Bree-Anna’s aim, “whether it was just myself or with a team”, and outlines the ways SIT helped her to achieve this. The small business component of the course gave her knowledge and confidence around what it would look like to run her own salon. Tutors were also incredibly supportive. “They truly believed in all of us.”
Attending SIT helped shape Bree-Anna into a more confident and independent person. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
“It also changed the way I think about learning and growth. I gained confidence in my abilities and realised that with the right support and mindset, I could achieve goals I hadn’t imagined before.”
Bree-Anna says her qualification has taken her further than she ever envisioned. She has continued to upskill and gain qualifications: deep-tissue massage and dermaplaning (Queenstown House of Beauty Therapy), cupping, and Elleebana treatments, including brow lamination, Korean and original lash lifts, and hybrid stain.
“Opening my own business has been a major goal of mine and achieving that has been a huge milestone.”
Moving forward, Bree-Anna is motivated to continue improving her knowledge, learning new techniques, and trying new products and treatments. “I love keeping up to date with the beauty industry. There is always something new evolving, and I enjoy growing alongside it.”