From High School Passion to Thriving Business

When Sandrina Zuccarato's was in high school, she had no idea what career path she wanted to follow.

Like many students, she knew what she enjoyed but wasn't sure how to turn those interests into a profession. It was a conversation with her Personal Learning Program (PLP) teacher that changed everything.

"My teacher asked me what I liked doing," Sandrina recalls. "I loved makeup and gave makeovers to my friends and family. She suggested I look into beauty therapy."

That simple suggestion led Sandrina to enroll in beauty studies at Charles Darwin University (CDU), setting her on a path that would eventually see her become the founder of one of Darwin's leading beauty businesses.

Finding a pathway through CDU TAFE

Sandrina began her journey with the now-merged CDU TAFE's Certificate II Retail Cosmetics and CDU TAFE's Certificate III in Beauty Services, a qualification that provides hands-on training across beauty treatments, including makeup application, lash and brow services, waxing, nail services and client care. The course is designed to equip students with practical skills and industry knowledge needed to work as a beautician or beauty consultant.

Building on that foundation, she progressed to CDU's Diploma of Beauty Therapy, where she developed advanced skills in beauty treatments, client consultation and business operations. The diploma prepares graduates for careers as beauty therapists, beauticians and salon managers, while also providing pathways into further study.

For Sandrina, the beauty industry offered more than a job – it offered the opportunity to create a career around something she genuinely enjoyed.

"CDU gave me the flexibility to figure out what I wanted to do," she says. "It's where I really pulled my head in and focused on building the future I wanted."

Discovering her niche

After graduating, Sandrina entered the beauty industry, eager to learn as much as possible.

She began working in skin treatments before discovering a passion for brow artistry. Along the way, she learned an important lesson: success doesn't come from trying to master everything.

"Find your niche and perfect it," she says.

During this time, she quickly learned the realities of working in beauty. Trends move fast, client expectations evolve, and professionals must continually develop their skills.

"The industry showed me that you always need to be learning and staying ahead of the game."

That mindset of continuous improvement remains central to her success today.

Building a business from the ground up

Rather than taking the traditional route of long-term employment, Sandrina wanted to build something of her own.

Starting small, she rented a room inside a Darwin barbershop and gradually built a loyal client base. She took every opportunity available – travelling across Darwin to appointments and saying yes to work wherever she could find it.

Consistency became her greatest asset.

Through exceptional customer service, strong word-of-mouth referrals and a commitment to delivering quality results, her business steadily grew.

Today, Sandrina is the founder of Unique To You, a successful business specialising in brows and beauty services. What began as a one-person operation has expanded into a thriving business with current and future career opportunities for the next generation of beauty professionals.

Her growth reflects not only her technical expertise but also her commitment to creating a welcoming and personalised experience for every client.

"We're in the business of making people look and feel their best," she says. "You need to be passionate about helping people."

Advice for future beauty professionals

For students considering a career in beauty, Sandrina encourages them to embrace opportunities, gain experience and start before they feel completely ready.

"Just dive in and try everything," she says.

She recommends practising skills on friends and family, documenting progress through photos and building a portfolio that showcases your work.

"Darwin gets around people who are having a go. Build your skills, share your work and be consistent."

Most importantly, she reminds students not to put too much pressure on themselves to have everything figured out immediately.

"It will all work out."

Turning passion into a profession

Sandrina's journey demonstrates how a simple interest can become a successful career when paired with the right training, determination and willingness to learn.

Through CDU TAFE's beauty programs, she gained the practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence needed to enter the workforce. Through hard work and persistence, she transformed those skills into a thriving business that now employs others and contributes to Darwin's vibrant small business community.

For students who enjoy beauty, makeup, skincare or helping people feel confident, Sandrina's story is proof that a passion can become much more than a hobby – it can become a career.

Discover your specialty with CDU TAFE