Get to know Alida Fourie of Beauty Therapy Institute Bloemfontein

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Alida Fourie is definitely not just a pretty face. She daily lives out her passion, paving the way for the next generation of beauty therapists.

Change and growth in the beauty industry have been remarkable through the years. When Alida Fourie entered the industry, beauty treatments were seen as a luxury, with only a select few going for regular treatments. Over the years, various treatments have become more specialised and people have become more aware of what the industry has to offer. People are generally living, working and staying active much longer, therefore the need for products and treatments that slow down the process of skin ageing is constantly increasing.

Alida’s interest in beauty started when she was nine years old, and like many small girls, she was interested in modelling. Her parents enrolled her in modelling classes to encourage her and to build her self-confidence since she was a shy child. This triggered her interest in the beauty industry, but it wasn’t until high school that she realised this would be the career path that she would follow. The meaningful and rewarding results within the beauty industry caught her eye. “By applying one’s knowledge, one can create a positive impact on how a person looks and feels, and then it is also the diversity of the industry.” To her it is much more comprehensive than people think. It is more than only makeup and nails. The pathways of this career are limitless.

Alida was born and raised in Pretoria. She moved to Bloemfontein at the end of her matric year and planned to return to Pretoria after her studies. “Although I only knew my sister when arriving in Bloemfontein, I felt right at home and decided this is where I wanted to stay.”

To her it is much more comprehensive than people think. It is more than only makeup and nails. The pathways of this career are limitless.

Alida completed her B.Tech Somatology degree at the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein (CUT). Later on, she also studied a B.Com Financial Management through UNISA. While completing her B.Tech year, she started working as a laboratory assistant at the CUT. She then became a part- time lecturer at a private health and beauty college as well as a part-time laser therapist. “After a year of teaching part time, I knew my passion lay in education and I started my career as a full-time lecturer,” she shares.

Alida has always had an interest in specialised treatments, for example microneedling, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, etc. “This part of the industry is constantly evolving and one needs to keep on learning to stay up to date with the new techniques and technology. “I am also passionate about the different massage techniques and the benefits that go with these treatments.”

Currently Alida is the franchisee and principal of Beauty Therapy Institute Bloemfontein. Beauty Therapy Institute started in 1996 and currently has 13 branches nationally and internationally. They are internationally recognised colleges within the beauty industry. “We pride ourselves on offering flexible, part-time modular training courses in Health, Beauty and Skincare Therapy.”

“Most of our skin damage happens during our childhood years. It is important to teach children about sun protection as part of their normal daily routine”

According to Alida the beauty industry will continue to grow rapidly in the future as it’s not only a versatile industry but easily adapts to new trends and demands. Beauty bloggers add value to the industry by creating awareness among the general public. Most beauty bloggers are either subject experts or people seeking advice from a subject expert. “Always do your research before trying out a new beauty trend,” warns Alida, emphasising that one should never DIY high level treatments on your skin such as microneedling, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. Specialised treatment products and equipment can now be purchased online by anyone. These types of treatments can be detrimental to one’s skin if not done correctly. The go-to skincare product Alida can’t live without would be her exfoliator, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. “Whenever my skin appears tired and dull, I use this to instantly brighten and smooth the skin, leaving it rejuvenated.”

As a mother of three, the key to balancing work and family life is routine. “When there are set daily routines, it is almost as if things happen automatically. Routine gives children a sense of stability and security and they are less likely to forget things. Obviously, some days there are a few deviations but even then, we still try to stay with our routine,” adding that skin care and protection should always be part of a child’s self-care framework. “Most of our skin damage happens during our childhood years. It is important to teach children about sun protection as part of their normal daily routine. When a child’s body shows signs of puberty changes, it is good to introduce your child to a good skincare routine. Stay with mild dermatologically tested products such as Cetaphil. These changes can start as early as nine years old.”

Alida has great plans for the future. “Since the beauty industry is constantly evolving, we need to stay up to date with new developments and technology. Expanding our scope of training is essential. We would like to expand our college in order to accommodate more students. Opening up more branches in the Free State and Northern Cape forms part of our future goal.”

Text: Suanne Engelbrecht Photos: Pierce Van Heerden

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