Student Spotlight - Fiona Beattie
We love hearing about the inspirational stories of our students. This week, we meet Fiona - one of our talented Hairdressing students. She tells us about her journey getting to college, and explains her crowdfunding campaign – where she wants to serve her local community.
Why did you decide to come to Perth College UHI?
After moving to Scone, I worked in retail for a few years - but I just felt my life was plodding along. After having a terrible year with cancer last year, I decided that I needed to shake my life up - so I applied for college.
What were you doing before you came to college?
I was working in retail. I worked for New Look and the House of Bruar.
What course are you studying, and what year are you currently in?
Level 2 Hairdressing City and Guilds. I’m also doing an evening course in barbering at the college.
Why did you pick this course?
To challenge myself. And with the challenging times ahead with Brexit, I thought everyone at some point will need a haircut. It’s a trade.
What is your favourite thing about this course?
My class mates - we are a family. We are there for each other, working hard and encouraging each other to succeed.
Has there been any stand out/memorable moments from your course?
When I started I couldn’t do a French plait, and I remember when I finally managed it - I did a little dance in the middle of the salon. The girls and lecturers were so happy for me, and I was proud of myself. Also, I have completed communication core skills in the fastest time in college history apparently!
What do you like about the campus?
I like the open space. People in the university are so friendly. If you need help, there is plenty of help available. From upstairs in the library - to drop in sessions if you need a hand.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
Yes. Being an older student, I was a little worried I wouldn’t fit in. How wrong was I? I wish I went to college years ago. Any one that is scared – my advice, is to do it! The support is amazing. The campus is beautiful, and it’s the best decision I have made.
How have you found adapting to home learning? Have you had support from the lecturers?
I personally think I have gone up and beyond with my learning. I’ve been doing everything that has been asked of me - including core skills. I have also been watching online videos, and I asked a hairdresser friend and we have been doing online lessons via videos chats. I have been taking before and after photos and sending the evidence to college. The lecturers have been amazing with online lessons, giving amazing feedback from what I have sent in and giving encouragement. I wouldn’t be here without them.
What have you been doing during lockdown to keep busy?
I have been doing what the college has sent me, and more. I’ve also been helping my class mates if they have found things hard. But the main thing, has been setting up my crowdfunding page. I want to be a hairdresser in a van, who goes into the community nursing homes; retirement complexes; and cancer day centres, as their hairdresser. This will be a fully functional salon. I know it’s going to be hard work, but I have some local people willing to help. I also thought when I am up and running, I could maybe take some college mates to festivals to do festival hair - and some of the beauty department, maybe to do nails. The main point though, is to go to people that can’t access a hairdresser.
My husband has a pet name for me, Binty, and that gave me the name for my business – Binty Hair Boutique Van. I saw there was a scheme with the banks to promote women starting their own business, so I joined up with the Royal Bank of Scotland’s ‘Back Her Business’ scheme. If I raise 50% from 50 supporters, the bank will pick up the remainder. The kind of van I have my eye on is a second-hand mobile bank van, so that fits too. I have until July 6 to get at least halfway to my £5000 target. If for some reason I don’t get enough cash, the bank promises to refund all the sponsors I have up to that point - so those kind people don’t risk anything in helping me.
What are your plans for after you finish your course?
Binty Hair Boutique Van, but I completely understand that I will need more experience. So, I would like to go into a salon part time and do the van as well.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
Don’t be scared – do it! The support is amazing. I have mental health issues, and the college has supported me so, so much. And that’s with getting over the cancer, and I am dyslexic - so I was always scared of it. I am not now.
