Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
3 minutes ago
An EIT beauty therapy graduate who was inspired to enter the industry by her mother has now opened a business alongside her.
Shakilah Araia (Ngāti Porou) graduated in April with the New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5) after previously completing the New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale.
“I’ve always had a passion for beauty therapy and the beauty industry, helping people feel confident, beautiful and empowered, and encouraging them to take time for self-care,” the 20-year-old says.
Shakilah Araia (Ngāti Porou), pictured with her mother Jordyn Lee Snowling (left), has graduated with a New Zealand Diploma in Beauty Therapy (Level 5) from EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus.
That interest led her to study beauty therapy at EIT before opening a studio with her mother, Jordyn Lee Snowling.
The pair recently opened MADD Beauty together, with the business name standing for Mother and Daughter Duo.
Alongside beauty therapy treatments, Shakilah offers nail and eyelash extensions, while her mother specialises in general and cosmetic tattooing.
“We wanted it to be a one-stop shop where clients could come for a range of beauty services.”
Shakilah says her mother, who has worked in tattooing for more than 10 years, played a major role in inspiring her career choice.
“Seeing the confidence that beauty treatments gave Mum and experiencing that confidence myself through getting my lashes and nails done made me think about working in the beauty industry and helping others feel the same way.”
After completing the Level 4 certificate, Shakilah decided to continue on to the Level 5 diploma.
Shakilah says she chose to study at EIT because it was close to home and offered flexibility through both part-time and full-time study options.
“Beauty therapy at EIT covers a wide variety of services, including facials, hair removal, body and spa treatments, nail care, massage and advanced treatments. I wanted to learn a little bit from each area.”
She says continuing her studies gave her a stronger understanding of the industry and helped prepare her for running a business.
She says the hands-on learning environment helped build her confidence before entering the workforce.
“I really enjoyed the practical learning, working with clients and gaining industry knowledge. It gave me confidence, great friendships and helped me work out exactly what I wanted to do.”
Shakilah says she would recommend EIT to others because of its practical, industry-focused approach.
“There are courses to suit lots of different interests, the learning is hands-on, and the support is excellent. Many courses also include work placements, which give students valuable real-world experience.”
Now graduated, Shakilah is focused on growing MADD Beauty alongside her mother.
Beauty Therapy Programme Coordinator Jodee Reid says: “The beauty tutors and I are incredibly proud of Shakilah’s journey and achievements”.
“She demonstrated strong commitment, creativity, and a genuine passion for the industry throughout her studies, particularly in her engagement with practical, hands-on learning and client care. Shakilah embraced every opportunity to build her skills and confidence, and it has been wonderful to see her translate that learning into launching MADD Beauty alongside her mother.
“Her story reflects exactly what we aim for in our programme; graduates who are not only technically capable but also inspired, entrepreneurial, and dedicated to empowering others through beauty therapy. We wish her every success as she continues to grow her business.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/23/eit-beauty-therapy-graduate-opens-business-with-mum/