London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) student, Damla Osman, scooped the Level 2 Technical Beauty Therapy Student of the Year title at the college’s Star Awards 2023.
Awarded in October, she shares that winning the accolade, which was sponsored by Scratch, still feels incredible. “It’s a huge accomplishment for me, so I feel very proud of myself,” Damla smiles. “The award helps me prove my abilities and means that my hard work and dedication has been recognised. I see it as a stepping stone towards success in my beauty therapy career.”
Initially unsure of the profession she wanted to pursue, Damla considered fashion, legal and architectural roles – but her passion for beauty made it the obvious career choice. “I realised that I love helping people enhance their natural beauty and boost their confidence,” she says. “Experimenting with skincare and make-up showed me the impact these products have on our skin. As I learned more about beauty techniques and trends, my passion for the industry grew.”
So it’s no surprise that the change to a client’s skin and confidence from a facial makes the treatment Damla’s favourite to carry out. “Seeing the transformation from stressed to blissful, refreshed and rejuvenated is incredibly rewarding, plus I enjoy the variety of techniques and products involved – from cleansing and exfoliating to applying masks and serums,” she reveals.
“Ultimately, my goal is to make a positive impact on people’s lives by promoting self-care, and LCBT has provided me with a fantastic start in the industry and a memorable learning journey.
“I have experienced hands-on practice of treatments and received education from experienced lecturers. It’s also been exciting to meet fellow beauty enthusiasts and build an industry network.”
Damla is currently a sales consultant for a luxury brand. “This has given me the opportunity to work with fragrance, skincare and make-up products and increase my customer service skills,” she explains. “I love being able to help people make an informed beauty decision and show them new products.
“Beauty is such a creative and dynamic field, and I enjoy helping others feel their best.”
Looking to the future, Damla hopes to find success as an aesthetician in a spa or wellness centre. “I aspire to provide high-quality skincare treatments and help clients feel confident and beautiful, while also staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in the beauty sector,” she says.