The Walk Of Life

On this bonus episode of The Walk Of Life podcast, Cheryl Thibault is interviewed by Maisie Dunbar where they discuss Cheryl's path in the industry and introduce her book, Career In The Beauty Industry; Discover If It’s For You.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• My why happened when I was a kid. I was 12 years old and babysitting with my girlfriend and talking about what we were going to do when we grew up. I told her I was going to have a boy and a girl, two years apart, blonde haired blue eyed, and I was going to work in the beauty industry in makeup and nails. That was in the 70s and then life took its turns and I ended up becoming a single mom, married and divorced quite young – at 19 years old. I started searching for a school and the only one that taught what I wanted was 400 miles away In another province, so I had to leave my kids with my parents because I knew I had to do it.
• I wanted to teach people how to start and where to begin when I wrote my book and I couldn’t remember, so I had to call my mum and ask her what I did because I’ve been going full speed ahead and haven’t had time to think about all the things I did!
• We have over 400 combined years of industry wisdom in this book from individual practitioners, product technicians, coaches, and trade show founders giving tips and tricks of the trade to the big changes in the industry over the years including the rise of online ordering of products. There are some empty pages at the back with lines so readers can make notes for themselves.
• Are you looking for a book to help decide your future? If so, this is the beauty bible. Even in my school, we teach a lot of different topics now, but if a student starts in one they sometimes don’t take the second they quit because it’s not for them, this book helps you decide, before you spend the money and time getting halfway through your course, whether or not you actually want to take that course and become either a nail tech or an aesthetician.

BEST MOMENTS

‘When I was in school I had a phone call from someone in my city asking about me and school because there were no schools in my province and she’d heard of me, and she hired me over the phone, so I had a job when I went home.’

‘I didn’t want anyone else to have to leave their children to learn cosmetology, so I started my own school in my home city, the first in the Province.’

‘For me, education comes before the licence, you need to understand anatomy and chemistry before you start working with people’s skin and nails.’

‘Opening the school took a little while, but within no time at all we had a three-year wait list and it kept expanding from there! The opportunities in this industry are endless.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Maisie Dunbar is a multi business proprietress, trained and licensed celebrity make-up artist, massage therapist, master nail and skincare therapist, provides women and youth with skillful training to increase their business acumen and sustainability. 

As a named United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, TedEx Speaker, a true global citizen, advocate and beauty change agent, Maisie has provided technical and entrepreneurial training to youths and women at a variety of beauty schools (Nationally and Internationally) to trade high schools in under-served and marginalised communities, industry events and beauty entities (e.g., resorts, spas, retailers, hotels). 

She works with individuals and companies looking to grow their businesses and achieve their strategic goals. As part of this endeavour, Ms. Dunbar is heavily focused on developing youth and women-owned businesses to mention a few. Her vast knowledge has been offered to entrepreneurs around the globe, in her travels to parts of Africa: Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, and Nigeria, as well as South America, Canada, Cuba, United Kingdom and Mexico to mention a few.

Website: https://maisiedunbar.com/ 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Be a guest!  - https://misscheryl.com/podcast/podcast-guest-form/ 

FREE E-BOOK - http://promos.misscheryl.com/ 

CHECK OUT MY BOOKS - https://misscheryl.com/features/book-launch-career-in-the-beauty-industry/ 

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cheryltbo/ 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cherylthibault1/ 

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

Rise Carter endorses Mirage Spa Education Inc

HOST BIO:

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder / owner of beauty spas and education centers since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

Cheryl Thibault and Phoenix Van Dyke interview Alex Fox, ,organizer of Nailympia since its inauguration into London in May 2005, and editor-in-chief of Scratch magazine.

HOST BIO:

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder / owner of beauty spas and education centers since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

On this episode of The Walk Of Life podcast, Cheryl Thibault plays an interview she took part in with Phoenix Van Dyke from Ask Beauty Questions about Mirage Spa Education Inc and having a career in the nail and beauty industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I started developing my businesses in 1981, when I graduated. My first job out of school was in a hair salon doing hair and aesthetics. I was trained under a fabulous Brazilian woman who had trained in Europe and had so much more experience than me and she ran a tight ship. From there I went into semi-independent business in a salon owned by another woman who did ‘space-age facials’ with little suction cups where I learned about muscles and toning. Then I went into room rental where I had a room out the back of a hair salon, this was where I learned how to run a business. Then I moved into my own salon in a hotel and that was a nightmare because you can’t just install a sink in a commercial building, you needed permits, so that stretched my tiny budget.
• My school went online literally by accident. I’d had an accident and was in a wheelchair for almost a year and spent several years in rehabilitation therapy, so I could no longer do school because there were stairs. The internet was just starting to become the internet, so I thought about making videos and selling the DVDs to people who can learn from them at home and then go and take an exam or become an apprentice. We had more students online – some from isolated rural communities who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend a school – than we did in the actual school by 2012, so we went online only.
• The entire world closed down during the pandemic. Ours didn’t. I honestly think we were the only school that didn’t close, and that made a big difference to us making a mark because, up until this point, online education was taboo – especially in the beauty industry where you have to touch that person, fell their face. I was nervous I’d be ostracised and it was difficult for me to gain a foothold until Doug Schoon came on board and endorsed my school, mine is the only school he’s endorsed, that was a turning point.
• When people come into the course, they learn from an international textbook which will take them literally into any country the textbook is accepted, even if they graduate out of Canada they can still take their credentials and pretty much work wherever they’re accepted.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I had to go to school 400 miles away from my family, in another state, to learn to be a nail tech. This inspired me to open my own school in Saskatchewan (the first school in the state).’

‘I had the first tanning salon in the city of Regina and I hired my Mom to be the receptionist!’

‘My friends have never told me: “You can’t do it”, quite the opposite. They’ve always been my biggest support, without them I know I wouldn’t be where I am, we all need a strong support group.’

‘My kids were THE motivation.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Phoenix Van Dyke is an Education Specialist at Wildflowers Nail Academy.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoenix-vandyke-31b062147/ 

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Website: www.misscheryl.com 

Instagram: @cherylthibault1

Facebook: Cheryl Thibault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

On this episode of The Walk Of Life podcast, Cheryl Thibault interviews Doug Schoon, a leading scientist, chemist and leader in the beauty and artificial nail industry to talk about everything about nails.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The first thing to focus on as a beginner in the industry, besides sanitation and disinfection, is proper preparation of the nail plate: If it’s not properly prepared it’s going to be very hard to get things to stick to it and to stay stuck to it, which is really the goal of nail professionals.
• Acetone has a very long history of use in the nail industry and, in my opinion, is the safest solvent nail technicians can use except for water. Of course it’s flammable, so you don’t want to smoke around it or heat it up, but acetone itself is a very safe solvent, you’re not going to die or contract brain cancer, that’s a nonsensical myth. There are a lot of non-solvent products that, if used correctly, are superior to acetone. 
• Studies show that hand sanitisers aren’t nearly effective as people say they are or manufacturers claim they are. They can help a little bit, but they’re not going to sterilise or disinfect your hand, they’ll sanitise it. You can’t rely on them to clean your hand, if you already have dirt or product already on your hands, all the hand sanitiser will do is smear it around your hands and make it easier to penetrate. Sanitiser is for pre-cleaned hands. That’s why it’s important to wash your hands often.
• Don’t chemically alter and mix your products, leave them as they are. There’s a lot of unintended consequences that could occur that you’re not aware of and might not even be obvious, like permanent allergic reactions which can take many years to develop.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Breathing or taking a break from artificial nails makes no sense, we need to reconsider any service that damages the nail plate. Perhaps the customer isn’t suitable for that service. Suspect yourself and your products first.’

‘Use a good quality nail oil after you apply the enhancements and tell your clients that, while they’re watching their favourite TV show every night, to re-apply that oil. That gives them something to remember when to do it.’

‘Chemo can affect the way our body functions and our nails can grow improperly or even be shed completely. But it’s really the only short-term medication that is likely to cause problems with your nails. Long-term medications, especially hormones, can change a lot of things including nails.’

‘UV nail lamps have been shown repeatedly to be safe for use by nail professionals.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Doug Schoon is an internationally-recognized scientist, author and educator with over 30 years experience in the cosmetic, beauty and personal care industry. 

He is a leading industry authority, known for his technical and regulatory work that has helped shape the beauty industry. 

Doug has authored several books, video and audio training programs, as well as dozens of magazine articles about salon products, safety, and best practices for salon professionals.

Author of science and safety books for beauty professionals, including the industry standard, “Nail Structure & Product Chemistry”, Second Edition, 2005 and his Face-to-Face Books exploring key topics within the Nail Industry. 

Website where you can find links to Doug’s books and videos: https://schoonscientific.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doug.schoon

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Website: www.misscheryl.com 

Instagram: @cherylthibault1

Facebook: Cheryl Thibault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

On this episode of The Walk Of Life podcast, Cheryl Thibault plays an interview she took part in with Canadian Nailympia coordinator Karen Dunn. Explaining Mirage Spa Education Inc, Canada's first 100% online education course in the beauty industry

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• For the training we use a training hand where the fingertips are all different sizes and can be pushed in to give a flatter nail, or a nail biter and pulled out to simulate longer nails. The nails are then sent to us and we make a video of the assessment that is sent back to the student with the nails so they can do corrections and a refill.
• There are six different modules: 1) glueing on tips, shaping blending and learning the basics of that. 2) Gel. 3) Liquid and powder. 4) They get an e-file so they can learn how to use one. 5) Nail art, in which we offer gel and acrylic as well as decals and rhinestones. 6) manicure/pedicure in which they actually do models rather than a plastic foot. 
• The course can be taken at any time anywhere. Most of our students are new mom’s who don’t want to go back to work, they’re women in transition to a job who have to stay full-time employed, they can do it in the evenings or at the weekends. There’s one student who was an airline attendant and she’d take her hand with her and do it while she was waiting in airports or in her hotel room.
• The other courses that we offer are: A smaller version of the nail course called The Artificial Nail Tech which doesn’t teach manicure and pedicure. We do aesthetics and spa therapy but we don’t do practical with that, they’re taught on video and through online videos then we ask them to take an apprenticeship in a salon or spa.

BEST MOMENTS

'We have students across Canada, from BC to Newfoundland, as well as internationally, we have some in Chile and the Bahamas.’

‘Having a video that you can refer back to forever is, in some ways, better than having a physical instructor.’

‘Learning on a training hand is more stress-free than working with real-life models who fidget, text or need the washroom.’

‘We really had to prove ourselves to make our mark. We really take pride in what we do and instil confidence in our students so they can go out and do what they want to do.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Karen, born and raised in Saskatchewan, Canada, is a certified nail professional who also works as a high school maths teacher. For Karen, grooming nails satisfies a creative need in her life as well as a deep rooted need to keep furthering her education and learning, which has led to her offering classes across Canada and the USA. The opportunity to travel has led her to meet and work with many mentors in the nail industry, each time gaining more insight and invaluable knowledge of the nail industry. More recently, Karen caught the competition bug, which quickly became a passion. She’s competed in various categories at numerous competitions and harnessed a special affection for 3D fantasy art.

Karen continues to compete as often as possible while also now bringing a prestigious competition brand to Canada. Karen is passionate about all things nails and is ready and willing to discuss nails over a good cup of coffee with all that are like minded! 

Website: https://www.nailympia.com/ 

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Website: www.misscheryl.com 

Instagram: @cherylthibault1

Facebook: Cheryl Thibault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

On this episode of The Walk Of Life podcast, Cheryl Thibault plays an interview she took part in on Maisie Dunbar’s show where they talk about Mirage Spa Education and everything beauty.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Because the Mirage Spa nail school is fully online, we have hundreds of students who live Canada-wide. But, because we’re now international, we can offer the programme without students having to get a visa, they can study from their home country and still get certified.
• All your assignments can be done on nails on a training hand, then you can send the nails in to us for correcting. The whole hand is acetone resistant.
• I have been to tropical countries and the nails are more than fine… it also works in Saskatchewan where it’s 40 below!
• We account to the Department of Education in Canada, some people get scared about trusting an online business because you’re not in a building and they can’t see you. But, we’re a registered trade school, all our courses have been audited and scrutinised.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Our nail programme is the most sold programme in the course.’

‘I took Maisie whale watching as it was her first time in Canada and it was a record day with 80 humpback whales all sprouting everywhere you looked. That was a good moment that we shared.’

‘What’s great about this programme is that it’s online and you can be as successful as you want to be.’

‘As a beauty professional you’ll always have a job.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Maisie Dunbar is a multi business proprietress, trained and licensed celebrity make-up artist, massage therapist, master nail and skincare therapist, provides women and youth with skillful training to increase their business acumen and sustainability. 

As a named United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, TedEx Speaker, a true global citizen, advocate and beauty change agent, Maisie has provided technical and entrepreneurial training to youths and women at a variety of beauty schools (Nationally and Internationally) to trade high schools in under-served and marginalised communities, industry events and beauty entities (e.g., resorts, spas, retailers, hotels). 

She works with individuals and companies looking to grow their businesses and achieve their strategic goals. As part of this endeavour, Ms. Dunbar is heavily focused on developing youth and women-owned businesses to mention a few. Her vast knowledge has been offered to entrepreneurs around the globe, in her travels to parts of Africa: Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, and Nigeria, as well as South America, Canada, Cuba, United Kingdom and Mexico to mention a few.

Website: https://maisiedunbar.com/ 

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Website: www.misscheryl.com 

Instagram: @cherylthibault1

Facebook: Cheryl Thibault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

On this episode of The Walk Of Life podcast, Cheryl Thibault plays an interview she took part in on her life journey by Francesca Anastasi from the Succeed Against The Odds podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• I had to leave my two children in Saskatchewan and go to Manitoba because there was no nail tech school in Saskatchewan at that time. I made it my goal to not have other people leave their children to gain an education. Two years later, I had a school in Saskatchewan.
• My passion is to help students, however we can, to empower them and make them feel more confident.
• There’s a challenge every day in business and some take longer to overcome than others. My accident was a huge one because I thought it would take me out, but I filed people’s nails from my wheelchair! Offering someone a service is not the same as providing someone with an education, and when you can’t hover over someone and provide assistance, it really made me think how can I help other people in education – that’s my passion.
• When I was 10 I had a Doberman whose nails I painted purple. I love crafts, I’d lock myself in my bedroom and do crafts all day, that drew me into the artsy part of it. I can’t paint a picture, but I can paint the smallest picture on a fingernail. When I was a teenager I was babysitting and my friend came over with me and she asked me: “What are we going to be when we grow up?” I said: “I’m going to have two kids, a boy and a girl, two years apart and I’m going to be in the makeup and beauty industry.” And that’s exactly what happened. A childhood dream.

BEST MOMENTS

‘Although I come across as quite shy, I have a passion for Harley-Davidsons! But I was involved in a nearly fatal crash and was in a wheelchair for a long time, which limited my teaching. So, I started putting a course online. As of 2012 my school is entirely online.’

‘When you get your nails done, that person is holding your hand. You can’t get more intimate than that, professionally! You can create a deep bond with your clients.’

‘When your heart is there, it all happens.’

‘If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. You need to surround yourself with bigger people and you find these people at trade shows.’

ABOUT THE GUEST

Francesca Anastasi (aka Sabeya) is a business growth strategist, a savvy consultant and mentor.

From homeless to CEO, Francesca shares the tools, principles and systems she applied as the founder and CEO of Confidance Institute Inc. which made the company successful against the odds, generating multiple six-figure income in under three years

The creator, producer and host of the Succeed Against the Odds show, she is dedicated to working with, and inspiring, entrepreneurs of all ages, which has led to several nominations and awards.  Francesca offers business, personal development and advancement training programs.  She is also the creator of the one-of-a-kind Magnificent You women's conference.

She is also the visionary and founder of the annual, global charity event Shimmy Mob for which she received the 'Telling Our Story' Award.

Website: https://www.francescaanastasi.com/ 

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Website: www.misscheryl.com 

Instagram: @cherylthibault1

Facebook: Cheryl Thibault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/

Welcome to The Walk Of Life podcast with your host, Cheryl Thibault, who will talk with guests from all walks of life – each contributing THEIR story. It will be heart-warming, funny, inspirational and educational. On this episode, Cheryl Thibault introduces The Walk Of Life - Passion - Purpose - People = What you can expect from my show - recorded June 2018

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A few years ago I started writing a book about amazing people and their impact on the lives of others. My brother took chapter one a short time after was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so chapter one was entitled ‘The End’. When I asked him why, he said: “When you can see the end, everything else in life looks different.”
• My brother’s legacy has definitely been passed on through his examples and how he lived his life.
• He was a talented keyboard player but not so much at singing, but he didn’t care, he’d sing his heart out. Whenever the song ‘The Walk Of Life’ by Dire Straits came on the radio I would call him and hold the phone to the speaker.
• The reason I talk so much about him is that his cancer took him from us very quickly and I want his memory and his legacy to live on. That’s why The Walk Of Life: Passion – Purpose – People came about. Through this podcast, we will share a living book, stories from people all over the world. We can’t wait for you to share your story with us, if you  have a story to tell, go to the website and fill in the contact form and you may make it on the show!

ABOUT THE HOST

Cheryl Thibault is a visionary, entrepreneur, multi-business owner, educator, influencer, and game changer in the beauty industry. A student of life, who will never stop growing and learning. She is assertive and an uncompromising beauty professional, and has been for over 40 years.  As a long time founder/owner of beauty spas and education centres since 1981, 

An Author, Co-Author and currently penning a series of books dedicated to telling her life story, overcoming struggles, and gaining life and career success. She is a true trail blazer and actively integrates love, understanding and compassion into all areas of her life as she influences thousands around the world to carry that forward.

CONTACT METHODS

Website: www.misscheryl.com 

Instagram: @cherylthibault1

Facebook: Cheryl Thibault

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylthibault/ 

Podcast website:  www.thewalkoflifestories.com 

CONTACT MIRAGE SPA & LEARN MORE: http://miragespa.ca/