A return to the classroom is proving life changing for a Skinningrove mum whose creative nail art has won her a place in the finals of a national hair and beauty competition.
Daria said deciding to finally follow her own ambitions as an adult student has given her the “wings to fly”.
Now just two years into her studies at Redcar and Cleveland College, the 39-year-old, who is originally from Poland, scooped a first and fourth place at the North-east heat of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) regional competition.
Described by her teachers as an inspiration to other students, she will now compete in the national finals in Blackpool next month. And, she already has her sights set on a place in the World Skills Competition, after making it through to the second-round last year.
Always keen to set a good example to her seven-year-old son, she said: “I tell him that I go to school, just like him. I want him to understand that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
In fact, that’s a message she is eager to share with people of all ages, but particularly other mums who may have allowed their own ambitions to be left behind.
She said: “I always wanted to study beauty, but I never did.”
Having moved to the UK in 2010, it wasn’t until years later, as a single mum, she decided it was time to make a change.
“I just walked into the college open event not knowing what I was going to do,” she said. “I just knew I wanted to progress myself, and I am so happy that I did.”
Juggling the demands of life as a mum, working as a waitress and going to college, hasn’t always been easy, but she added, it has been worth it.
Alongside all of that she is building up her own small business, Daria’s Sparks, as a nail art technician and beauty therapist.
“I have learned that you have to believe in yourself,” she said. “You have to be positive. And, when it comes to following your ambitions, as a mum, you shouldn’t feel guilt, because ultimately you are working to create a better future for your children.
“I know I want to be the best I can possibly be.”
At college, for Daria, this has meant learning from the tutors, attending beauty exhibitions and taking inspiration from wherever she can, this has included two college trips to exhibitions in London, with funding for the class from the Sir William Turner Foundation.
Backing mum all the way, her son is her biggest cheerleader, she said: “I show him my work and he is my first judge.”
Attracting more than 400 entrants from across the North-east, for Daria the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) regional competition in Gateshead offered a chance to challenge herself.
She said: “I like a competition because it shows how you are doing, and even if you don’t win it can inspire and motivate you to improve.”
Entering three nail art categories, themes were art deco, fantasy and tortoiseshell. Daria placed first, fourth and fifth respectively.
“I worked hard and so hoped that I would win,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when they read out my name.”
