Kleek at 25: Early Recruit and Beauty Salon Owner at 21

KLEEK AT 25: JODIE KONYK AT ARTISTIC NAILS AND BEAUTY, HUDDERSFIELD

Jodie Konyk was one of Kleek's first ever apprentices on our beauty therapy programme. Since then, Jodie has shown real entrepreneurial spirit to open her own salon at just 21. She has since built a highly successful business and career in the industry and recognises the value of apprentices having been one herself.

My Apprenticeship

“During my time as one of Kleek Apprenticeships’ early apprentices, I vividly recall the exceptional one-on-one training I received. The accessibility of my tutor for any assistance I required or desired was so helpful. Additionally, I liked the hands-on learning experience and the opportunity to be immersed in my workplace environment. I actually still use many of the skills I learnt during my apprenticeships today, including some valuable tips I gained from my tutors to aid in treatments and to help remember the theory side of the work.

I started my training [with Saks, now Kleek] when I was only 17. I was based in David Lloyds in Leeds, where I began my training (Level 3 NVQ). I really enjoyed working in the salon because the practical side of learning was the best way for me. I enjoyed learning and working in the place that I would be working after qualifying. It also really helps you to see if the job is right for you!

Becoming a salon owner

I gained so much experienced knowledge from my colleagues and tutors, and then later I had the opportunity to buy a successful beauty salon from the owner I was working for at the time in Bradford, when I was just 21.

Being a salon owner and needing staff, I knew it was a good opportunity to take on apprentices. It was also a good way to help the industry develop, by bringing in new therapists and showing them what I had learnt in the now 21 years of owning my salon.

Now I have had several staff members on apprenticeships start from school and also experienced staff members booking on extra courses to expand their treatment menu. I think I’ve helped train around 11 apprentices over the years now!

Supporting the next generation

My advice to all the new starters is always the same:  If you put everything in and work hard, you will succeed and get what you want out of it. It’s hard at times, but when you have all the knowledge and experience available, you will go far!

For me, my proudest achievement to date is owning my own salon at only 21, and the salon is still running successfully today, 21 years later, with some customers who have been with me from day one!

To top things off, I’ve found my way back to where I started! As I was asked to become a governor for Kleek Apprenticeships! This was a real honour as I can represent and support both salon owners and apprentices, having also been a previous apprentice myself.”