Pauline gains new lease of life with hair and beauty studies
Thu, 03 April 2025
Pauline turns retirement into new career after completing adult courses at Tameside College
Pauline Clarke, a former social and activities coordinator for the elderly, has turned her passion for helping others into a thriving beauty and wellness business, after gaining new skills in the college’s hair and beauty department
After retiring in 2020, Pauline noticed that some elderly ladies at her church needed help with their nail care. Realising the demand for her services was growing, she decided to gain formal training.
During her studies Pauline enrolled in short courses in manicures, pedicures and skincare, for which she won an award for her dedication.
Following her training, Pauline created 'Polly’s Salon’ a business offering manicures, pedicures, and facials to her friends, family and regular clients. Since then, she has expanded her skills further, completing courses in reflexology and Indian head massage.
Pauline now has over 60 clients, which she runs from her home, and isn’t looking to stop there. She has also introduced relaxation groups, where small groups of women come together to practice mindfulness techniques and enjoy refreshments.
Pauline said: "I never expected to be doing this in retirement, but I love it and so do my clients. Older people are retired, not expired and there’s always time to start a new chapter. My little salon runs at a slow relaxed pace, bringing friendship and relaxation to my clients and also to me. It's not a commercial salon, it's a place of peace and calm. I would never have believed I'd be doing this work in my retirement, but here I am and loving it and so do my clients.”
Louise Parker, hair and beauty teacher at Tameside College, said: “Pauline started studying at the college in 2023. she soon settled into the learning environment and excelled in both theory and practical aspects of the course. Not only was this a learning opportunity but a chance for friendships to form, Pauline became a great support and encouragement to all in her classes. We are so proud of all our adult learners that return to education while juggling the demands of life itself. It’s so rewarding to see such passion and enjoyment from our students and then to see the results of their hard work paying off. I wish Pauline the best of luck as it develops even further.”
To find out more about hair and beauty therapy courses at Tameside College, visit the college's website or call 0161 908 6600.