Australian beauty therapist Lily Campbell has won a bronze medal for her beauty skills at the international WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi.
Lily, from Skin Solutions at Mink Hair & Beauty in Wagga Wagga, was selected to represent Australia as a Skillaroo on this year’s team of 18 after winning the WorldSkills competition.
In Abu Dhabi, the 21-year-old competed against 29 apprentice beauty therapists from around the world over four days in five test projects:
- Advanced facial with ultrasonic, lash tint and spa pedicure with red polish
- Hair removal with waxing and sugaring
- Spa body treatment (express facial, body cleanse/scrub/mask/massage and French manicure)
- Fantasy makeup and nail art (Arabian Nights theme)
- Brow treatment and lash extensions
Lily, who completed her beauty therapy apprenticeship two years ago, said she “really amped up” her training in the lead-up to the competition.
“I have been training intensely three to five times per week as well as working full-time for the past 10 months,” she said.
Naomi Zadow, the head teacher of Beauty Therapy at TAFE NSW’s Wagga campus and Lily’s official “Australian expert for beauty therapy” accompanied her to Abu Dhabi.
“Naomi trained me in all aspects of the competition to have me performing at a high international standard,” said Lily.
“There were also local trainers in specialised fields such as nail tech and lash extensions who put time into my training and perfecting my skills.”
Lily began her career in beauty therapy when she did work experience in her mum’s salon (Salon in Wagga Wagga).
“After a week I was sold on the idea of becoming a beauty therapist,” she said.
“At the salon I was introduced to dermaviduals.
“It took a few months of getting my head around the concept of corneotherapy but after that my passion for the beauty industry and skin in particular became huge!
“Dermaviduals have always provided second to none skin and product knowledge training which I feel has grown and developed me as a therapist.
“The team at dermaviduals have supported me in my WorldSkills journey from the very beginning!”
Following her success at WorldSkills, Lily plans to further her studies in order to open her own skin and beauty clinic in the near future.
The 44th edition of WorldSkills attracted 1300 young people from 59 countries and regions across 51 skills competitions from October 15-18.
At the closing ceremony in Abu Dhabi’s du Arena, 10,000 international visitors watched competitors discover who had won the coveted gold, silver, and bronze WorldSkills medals.
“You came here as the best in the skills that you have made your own in your countries”, said WorldSkills president Simon Bartley.
“Whether you are leaving here with a medal or not you all leave here as champions; individuals who have reached higher than you could ever have imagined when you started your journey three years ago.”