More Than a Beauty School
A Place to Learn and Belong
There's something special about Evolution School of Beauty in Kaitāia.
For a young woman thinking about her future, finding something she's passionate about is one thing. Finding a place where she feels supported, encouraged, and surrounded by others who share that passion can make all the difference.
When I visited Evolution School of Beauty recently, that's what stood out to me. A room full of wāhine learning together, encouraging each other and building connections. There was a positive, welcoming atmosphere and a real sense of belonging.
And beauty therapy today is about so much more than makeup, skincare and treatments. It's about self-care, wellbeing, confidence and helping people feel good about themselves. These are skills that students can carry with them into their careers and everyday lives.
Having access to specialist beauty training close to home gives young wāhine the opportunity to explore their interests, develop practical skills and find a supportive community of like-minded people, all while staying connected to home.
Jadene Harrop is one of those students. Raised in Kaitāia, Jadene joined the NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) programme at Evolution School of Beauty in July 2026. Through her studies, Jadene is discovering new interests, developing confidence and beginning to think about where her future in the beauty industry might take her.
Jadene's Story
Hi, my name is Jadene Harrop. I whakapapa back to Ngāti Porou in Gisborne, but I've been brought up in Kaitāia all my life.
I'm studying with Evolution School of Beauty to become a beauty therapist. I've chosen Evolution School of Beauty in Kaitāia because it's convenient for me, as I live here. When I saw the course come up, I was very excited because we don't get a lot of options in our little town.
I've enjoyed everything about the course so far, and the further along we go, the more I realise how much passion I have for the beauty industry.
I'm proud of myself for wanting to learn more, and I'm very interested in everything I get taught, whether it's makeup, facials, or other treatments.
The most challenging part so far for me was getting comfortable with applying makeup on clients, but the more I practise, the more confident I'm becoming. The encouragement from my clients themselves, but also my beautiful tutor who guides me well, has helped.
The course has helped me in many ways with confidence-building and understanding the principles of looking after my skin and wellbeing more correctly. I'm gaining knowledge about how to treat my health better by understanding anatomy and functions on a deeper level.
I'm really interested in dermatology, but it is early days, and I would consider it after I've completed the entire course.
I'm loving everything I'm learning so far and the outcome the course is giving me.
A supportive place to learn
Evolution School of Beauty opened its Kaitāia campus in 2023, giving local students access to specialist beauty training closer to home.
Jadene's tutor, Adrienne Harrison, is the Kaitāia Campus Lead and has nearly 10 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. A former Evolution School student herself, Adrienne played an important role in establishing the first beauty therapy programme in the Far North.
Having retrained as a mature student while raising her own whānau, Adrienne understands the challenges and opportunities that come with returning to study. She's passionate about helping her ākonga build confidence, develop new skills and create opportunities for themselves and their whānau.
Thank you
A big thank you to Jadene for taking the time to share her story with Te Hiku Local, and to Evolution School of Beauty for welcoming me to their Kaitāia campus.
It was lovely to meet the wāhine, see the learning environment firsthand and gain a better understanding of the opportunities the school is providing for local students.
We wish Jadene and her fellow ākonga all the best as they continue their studies.
Interested in studying beauty therapy?
The NZ Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) is a 40-week programme available in Kaitāia, covering practical skills including makeup, facials, skincare, nail treatments, waxing, lash and brow treatments, and massage. Students also learn about anatomy, skin health, wellbeing and working with clients.
Evolution School of Beauty is accepting applications for its 2027 intake, with the Level 4 programme scheduled to run from 25 January to 8 December 2027.
