IWD 2020: Laura Jane Berry on being a farmer, single parent & nail educator
By Kat Hill | 03 March 2020 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scratch puts the spotlight on inspiring & successful businesswomen in the run up to International Women’s Day, 8 March…
Meet Laura Jane Berry – an inspiring educator offering an enriched experience owing to her rural nail academy, LJB Nail Academy.
Brimming with nail know-how and educating experience, Laura Jane Berry realised her dream of combining farm life with learning. Renovating a barn on her farm into a classroom, LJB Nail Academy is harnessing the green goodness surrounding Laura’s training centre.
“I feel that seeing me teach, maintain my own client base, run a farm and be a single parent shows my students that anything is possible,” beams Laura. “The nail industry is an amazing place to be owing to the flexible nature of the job. I push my students to believe they can do it – even if they are a single parent or have another job.”
Being a single mum and with her son starting school, Laura knew there had to be a change in her working life. Keen to share her experience and nail skills, Laura had a lightbulb moment and set about converting a barn on her farm into a training room to combine her two worlds.
Down on the farm
The Top O’th Bank Barn farm is situated in Haslingden in Rossendale, Lancashire. The working farm is home to a variety of animals, including six horses, two goats, 3 Beagles and even a Bengal cat called, Jaga.
Down one of farm’s lane, the training room can be found. Fully established by August last year, LJB Nail Academy opened its doors – with an education programme and location that differs from the mainstream. “I offer both NVQ-funded Level 3 nail courses, as well as NSI-branded training,” explains Laura. “I have a small class sizes of eight students to fully focus on the quality of the training, rather than the quantity of learners. There is more time for one-to-one assistance with each student.
“I also run courses during school hours to allow attendees with children learn a new skill without the worry of extra childcare costs. Parents can access training for a new career that fits in with school life. We can also offer help with funding towards travel, as well as gift students a full kit.
The academy’s ethos is based on Laura’s approach to education: “I aim to be passionate, hands-on, intense yet tailored to meet the individual needs of my students,” Laura explains. “Equality and diversity are paramount to any training programme.”
In the classroom
After its careful renovation, the barn-turned-academy now sees a small, tranquil safe place designed to embolden students and refine their skills. “I love how peaceful yet professional the set-up is,” smiles Laura. “My learners are often very relaxed owing to the smaller class size. Students can receive the same full NVQ qualification here, as opposed to in a large college with over 20 learners per class.
“I have been overwhelmed by the feedback from my students who suffer with severe anxiety. Many have said that they had always wanted to enrol in training, but had been anxious about going back to college with so many new people.
“Mental health is so important,” Laura affirms. “To think that my academy is helping students achieve their career goals as well as improving their mental health is truly an honour.”
Thanks to its location, the academy benefits from its green surroundings. “There are incredible views of the countryside from all angles in the classroom,” Laura smiles. “The students have commented on the fact they like being able to have windows with a view as it helps them relax; they don’t feel stuck in a classroom with just four walls. Some days a horse appears at the window to watch us working!”
The future of LJB Nail Academy continues to look sunny owing to Laura’s outlook on education. “There is nothing I love more than seeing people succeed. I love watching students’ progress and seeing their confidence grow. Not only with their skills, but also with their self-esteem.
“I would love to think that my training centre will continue to help students start a lifelong career in the nail industry, with an excellent understanding of not only nails, but also client care and product knowledge.”
Follow LJB Nail Academy on Facebook & Instagram!
