My name is Stephanie Beaulieu from Ottawa,Ontario, and I graduated from Mirage Spa Education in September 2017.

Before becoming a nail technician I was (and still am working in health care) but I also own a shop online making jewelry. Art has always been the forefront in my life, I enjoy it very much and I was searching for another source to keep expressing my creativity.

I chose to study with Mirage because I liked their program and the fact that it's recognized by the government was huge for me. I wanted to make sure my credentials would be legitimate anywhere I go in the future. My experience with the school was great, the videos and book were very instructive and the instructor revising my work was great as well. I especially loved that personalized videos would be sent to me on how to correct my work and the constructive criticism was a great tool for me.

Now that I am done school, I work part time in a salon but I've also opened up my own home studio and I have a small but steadily growing loyal clientele. I love expressing my art through nails and clients can see and appreciate the time I devote to each and everyone of them. I hope to someday teach nail art classes and to go to competitions and get recognized everywhere.

I was 30 years old, educated in business, but being held back career-wise by the constraints of physical disabilities. I knew I needed to find something to help my single income family from drowning, but I couldn't afford the child care needed to attend school.

I've always had a love for art. Creating beautiful things is exciting, fulfilling, and a natural desire for me. I found a video online through social media about nail art, and it was like a lightbulb flicked on. That was it for me, I knew what I wanted to do – but how would I accomplish my goals from home?

I researched. I went online and I found all the information I could about online schooling and home-based learning. I wanted to be sure that I wasn't wasting time or money on a program that wasn't reputable.

Mirage Spa was a no brainer. PTIB Registered, you earn a registered diploma, certified instructors with decades in the industry, personalized videos and feedback on your work, internationally known, and you can study at your own pace anywhere from any device. All that was left to do was register. I chose the Fully Certified Nail Tech course.

The day I received my kit to begin the first module was one of the most exciting days in my life. I couldn't wait to dive in. But Mirage is smart in the way the course is designed. You spend a lot of time learning the science and methodology behind the nail products and application. You learn in depth about the structure of the nail and the dangers of improper care.

This is not a two-day certification course, this is an in depth education system to properly prepare you to have a successful career as a technician. This knowledge is invaluable. It makes the difference between a professional nail tech and someone who just "does nails". When it finally came time to do practicals and really dive into the gel and acrylic I was ecstatic!

Something that I found particularly valuable during this course were the videos Susan recorded while marking my work. She spoke in a straight forward manner, with firm but polite critique. She pointed out areas where I might need to do a little more practicing, and of course she commended everything that was done correctly. Susan explained things in a way that was easy to understand and offered helpful advice to correct any mistakes.

The team is kind and available to answer questions and help you along the way. Although I took this course from a distance, I do feel that I made a connection with these women, and it didn't take long to find that there is a wonderful team of women encouraging one another in the Mirage Spa family.

The Milady textbook provided for the course is so important. It's full of all the most up to date information about the industry. Just about any question you can run into while learning can be answered in the book. I keep it handy in my nail studio for my own quick look ups, or to help answer a question a client might have about their nails.

Mirage Spa also offers additional opportunities to learn from remarkably skilled professionals in person. I was so fortunate to be able to attend one of these two-day classes with Phoenix VanDyke. I earned four extra certifications, and an absolutely priceless experience. It strengthened my knowledge of using gels and advanced gel sculpting, shapes, and furthered my education in e-filing.

I finished school with confidence. I felt ready. It sparked a fire in me that I am so thankful for. I have spent nearly every day for the last year doing my own studying and networking, and I have connected with some of the front runners in the nail world. I have set my goals, and I am now working hard to meet them.

I continue to practice different techniques every day, and I look forward to more education opportunities that Mirage Spa has to offer!

I have taken a huge step towards my ultimate goal. I am making money to help my family, working from home at my own discretion, and I absolutely love what I do. With time, patience, and hard dedication I feel that anybody can make a successful career in the beauty industry. It begins with Mirage Spa Education, and determination.

I'm Tammy Egan, a.k.a. @finktosoxrox on IG, owner of Vamp&Vixen in Kamloops, BC. I am an honor roll student of Mirage Spa's Fully Qualified Nail Technician Diploma Program, and now owner of a mobile nail service while putting the finishing touches on my salon, The White Room.

I chose to study with Mirage Spa, first because the program is PTIB accredited and registered, and second, I had the convenience of learning on my time. Although the program is via distance and online learning, the feel is very personal with quick replies to emails and loads of support from the staff. The team works around the clock to ensure you receive the knowledge needed to be a leader in the industry, and there are opportunities to receive even more training with celebrity nail technicians through "Sculpting for Success" seminars. I even had the pleasure of meeting Phoenix Van Dyke.

Choosing to study Nail Technology has opened up opportunities for me beyond earning income. I have learned a new craft, developed a creative outlet, met a wonderful group of women who I now consider friends, and become part of an incredible professional network. I now have the opportunity to share my craft by taking the hand of a client and making those fingers beautiful.

The best part? There's so much more ahead. This industry is progressive, innovative, and so much fun. I am incredibly grateful — cheers to the future!

At the age of 15 I was bouncing from specialist to specialist just looking for answers as to why my body hurt so badly and why it came on so suddenly. When I was 16 the doctors agreed on a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, which at the age of 27 is sadly not my only physical disability.

Fast forward to my adult life, I could not hold down a job. With disabilities and a weakened immune system, employers either didn't want to hire me or, after hiring me, looked for reasons to let me go. I lost several jobs due to illness, and one employer even told me during a probationary review that my coworkers thought I was "too girly" for the job — something that couldn't be further from who I am.

In 2013 my nail technician moved away, and I decided it was time to learn how to do my own nails. I quickly realized I was surprisingly good at it and genuinely enjoyed the work. I began doing nails for friends and family, and for the first time found something my body could handle. That's when I knew it was time to get educated.

In September of this year I officially started my own business. I now set my own hours, choose how many clients I see each day, and no longer have to apologize for taking care of my health when needed.

Business is slow, but I live in a small town and everyone starts somewhere. Over the Christmas season, while other salons were fully booked or closed for holidays, I gained new clients and discovered how much I love the fun and creative requests coming my way.

I am forever grateful to Mirage Spa Education for allowing me to learn at my own pace from the comfort of my home. I would never have been able to complete my education without their compassion and flexibility. I am so proud of how far I have come in the last 12 months and excited to see what the future holds as I continue to grow, learn, and expand my skills as a nail technician.

I am the most simple person and don't like anything shiny or fancy — and yet, I love doing nails. This is my story.

I have never been one for a lot of makeup, shiny jewelry, or fancy clothes. I live in a small town, hours away from any large city, and have spent my life enjoying simple things like fishing, camping, hunting, and even the -40 winter days spent ice fishing and snow machining.

I was a very young mother and ran a home daycare while our children were growing up. As they graduated, I realized it was time for me to do something I had been dreaming about for years. I went back to school to graduate and began looking into a career in nail care. The challenge was how I could leave home to attend school so far away.

One evening while searching, I discovered online learning — and even better, a program that offered a diploma, not just a certificate. Mirage Spa. The excitement began immediately. I couldn't wait for my first module to arrive in the mail.

I worked through each module day after day to complete the program. Anytime I had questions, the team was only a phone call away and always incredibly supportive. When I completed the course, I couldn't wait for my certification to arrive so I could proudly hang it in my office.

Six years ago, I started with just a few friends as clients, and it has grown into a full-time hobby career. I look forward to every day, seeing familiar faces and welcoming new ones. Every set of nails comes with a great visit, and I truly love what I do.

Over the years, I have built a strong and loyal customer base. My nails are recognized around town, and I love when people notice fun nail sets and know exactly where they were done. Everyone has their own unique style, and there is room for all of us — despite what some may think.

Signing up with Mirage Spa was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I now have one final step in my journey: traveling to Vancouver to meet the amazing Mirage team who helped make all of this possible. I can't wait!

Before deciding to become a nail technician, I was a stay-at-home mom to two little girls. My husband had worked out of town for eight years, and when his job began to slow down, he came home. Having my nails done was something I loved, but it was no longer a necessity, so I let it go. It felt strange not having my nails done for the first time in years.

I started thinking of ways I could help boost our family's finances and becoming a nail technician felt like the perfect fit. I love art, and as a bonus, I could also do my own nails.

When I began looking into schooling, I discovered there were no available courses in my area. Leaving home for the duration of a program wasn't an option. I searched online and found Mirage Spa Education, which felt like the best route to take, so I enrolled in the online Fully Qualified Nail Technician course.

I loved how convenient the course was. I could work on it when I had time and move at my own pace. The curriculum was thorough and engaging, with a strong emphasis on proper cleaning and sterilization. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, and the videos critiquing my work were incredibly helpful. I felt fully prepared to start my career once I completed the course.

After graduating, I opened my business, Trabbit Nail Creations, in a room I rented inside a quaint little flower shop. Building a clientele in a small town with existing nail technicians was slow at first, but I let my work speak for itself. With some online advertising and word of mouth, my clientele steadily grew.

The gradual growth allowed me to perfect my work, improve my speed, and refine my customer service. I have now been in business for over a year, stay quite busy, and absolutely love what I do.

Being able to set my own hours is incredibly important to me. This is the perfect career, and I am so grateful to have found a course that covered everything I needed to know. Mirage Spa Education is a fantastic way to earn an online education.

You can check out my work on Facebook at Trabbit Nail Creations or follow me on Instagram at @trabbitcreations.

Prior to starting my career in nails, I was a Personal Banker for 14 years, an Early Childhood Educator for 2 years, and most recently a Certified Teacher's Aide for 5 years. While working at the school, I began looking into taking a nail course after my daughter and I had our nails done for an event. I had always loved painting my nails, and the idea of doing enhancements really intrigued me.

Initially, I thought a weekend course would be what I was looking for. Then I discovered Mirage Spa Education's distance program and was impressed by how comprehensive the material appeared — and I wasn't disappointed. I learned acrylic and gel nails, manicuring and pedicuring, as well as chemistry, basic electricity, disinfection and sanitization, and e-filing techniques. The program was all-encompassing and extremely thorough.

Was it my intention to start a business? Not exactly. I thought I would just do my own nails, my daughter's, and maybe a few friends. By the time I graduated in April of 2014, I was doing nails in the evenings after my full-time job, and things started to click.

As an artsy person, I discovered that nail art came very naturally to me. Through word of mouth, my small side business continued to grow. I eventually took a year's leave of absence from my job and focused on building my nail business. It grew to the point where I didn't need to return to my school position.

At the age of 44, I had found my calling — using my artistic abilities to make a living. I officially opened my at-home salon, Nail Nirvana, on May 1st, 2014. Three years later, my client book is full, my waitlist is closed, and I wake up every day feeling like I'm not actually working because I love what I do so much.

I thank my lucky stars every day for finding Mirage Spa Education Canada and for taking the leap to enroll in the Fully Qualified Artificial Nail Technician program. I can't say enough good things about the Mirage team. The support, knowledge, and encouragement were exceptional and deeply appreciated.

The program is well laid out, easy to follow, and demanding in the best way skill-wise. Being able to complete it while working full time made my goal truly attainable.

Highly, highly recommended! Thank you again to all of the staff.

You can find my work on Facebook at Nail Nirvana or follow me on Instagram at @nailnirvana2014.

I was never the "typical" girl growing up. While I played with Barbies, I wasn't into frilly things or wearing dresses — much to my mother's dismay. Growing up on a farm outside a tiny town with a population of less than 500 and three hours from the city, becoming a nail technician was never something I imagined for myself.

I had dreamed of many things — owning my own business, becoming a veterinarian, opening a themed diner, a hair salon, or even an antique store. While becoming a movie star or famous singer seemed unrealistic, I always knew I wanted something more. I went to college for business management, worked various jobs that never quite fulfilled me, and got married in 2001.

In the fall of 2005, the idea of becoming a nail technician crossed my mind. However, with a small baby at home, traveling to the city for training wasn't possible, so I put that dream on hold — thinking it would only be for a year or two.

By the fall of 2014, at 38 years old and a stay-at-home mom to three daughters, I was feeling restless. I wanted to pursue something I was passionate about and that would allow me to work from home. I began searching online for training that could help me take the first step toward becoming a nail technician.

That's when Mirage Spa Education Canada caught my eye. After reading through the program details, I was as excited as a child getting a puppy for Christmas. On December 28, 2014, I submitted my application for the Fully Qualified Nail Technician course, and by 2 p.m. the very next day, I was already working on my first theory module.

To say I was blown away by the depth and detail of the course would be an understatement. Being able to train from home while still being present for my children was priceless. I discovered I had a natural talent for nail enhancements and truly loved the learning process.

Although I was initially nervous about the theory portion — having been out of school for nearly 20 years — I achieved excellent marks. The staff were incredibly supportive, always just a phone call away, and the flexible payment plan allowed me to work at my own pace.

Looking back, I am so grateful I chose Mirage instead of a quick two-day certification course offered locally. On January 11, 2016, I officially graduated from Mirage Spa Education Canada. Today, my wall proudly displays my certificates, marks, and additional credentials from nail art courses I continue to take.

While business has been slow at times due to the economy and an abundance of nail technicians in the area, I live by the motto: "Do what you have to, until you can do what you want." I focus on caring for my clients with the belief that quality always matters more than quantity.

I plan to continue my education whenever possible, as the nail industry is constantly evolving. Thanks to the solid foundation and knowledge I gained through Mirage Spa Education, I feel confident, prepared, and excited about my journey as a nail technician.

Not unlike many little girls, I had an affinity for beauty. Much to my mother's dismay, I cut all my Barbie's hair, did their makeup, and painted their nails. Even then, I felt certain I knew all the tricks to make a woman look even more stunning than she already was.

Hair was important to me, and in the early 80s I began having mine "streaked," as they called it back then. Then came nails — a lifelong fascination. I watched my nail technician create stunning pink and whites, which I proudly wore for many years.

Looking back now, it's funny to think that pink and whites were the only option we ever considered. Even when we wanted polish, it was always applied over them.

In 2002, after four years in Saskatchewan, I relocated back to British Columbia. Newly divorced and raising three children, I had previously been fortunate to stay home with them. Now that all three were in school, I found myself asking how I could best support myself while still being available to my children.

I had some savings and began considering options that would allow me to work from home or close to it. When I found a new nail technician in town, she encouraged me to look into becoming a nail technician myself.

After considering several options, I chose a certified trade school known at the time as Spa One Naturally. My education there was exceptional, and the support continued long after I graduated.

While I never became a full-time nail technician, I maintained a small, loyal clientele and worked primarily as a mobile tech or from my home — a setup that worked perfectly for my family.

As the industry became deregulated, I began to see a decline in standards. Non-standardized salons became common, and many clients focused solely on price rather than proper practices. Sitting on the sidelines, I became deeply passionate about advocating for the fundamentals of nail technology — health, sanitization, proper nail preparation, structure, and style.

I continued my education, absorbing both the good and the not-so-good information that became widely available online. In 2009, my nail tech educator launched an online trade school — the only registered online nail trade school at the time. This opened doors for so many people who otherwise wouldn't have had access to quality education.

In 2011, the Mirage Spa team approached me and asked me to join their school. I began reviewing student assignments, creating personalized feedback videos, and offering guidance through calls and virtual sessions. Sometimes, that personal touch is all a student needs to feel supported and confident.

I am proud to continue teaching the foundational skills of nail technology and remain with Mirage Spa today as the Director of Student Assessments.

My passion for nails is endless. I continue to pursue ongoing education, as this industry is always evolving. Upholding standards and prioritizing health and safety is essential as we train future professionals.

What began as a "handful" of clients has grown significantly, and I have also become a certified Eyelash Technician. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a client's reaction after a beautifully sculpted set of nails or a stunning set of lash extensions.