YOU HAVE TO WANT IT A JOURNEY to world skills silver medal

🎙️ The Learner’s Voice Podcast   Episode Title: Purpose & Perseverance with Shakaia Powell Host: Belinda Mindset Guest: Shakaia Powell – Level 3 Beauty Learner, WorldSkills Silver Medallist   ⸻   ✨ Episode Overview   In this inspiring episode of The Learner’s Voice Podcast, Belinda is joined by Shakaia Powell, a Level 3 Beauty learner from Coleg Gwent – Crosskeys Campus, who is already making waves in the industry.   With a Welsh Skills Bronze Medal and a WorldSkills Silver Medal to her name, Shakaia shares her journey from leaving sixth form to finding her confidence, passion, and purpose in beauty education. This conversation explores mindset, resilience, high standards, and what it really takes to succeed as a learner — both inside and outside the classroom.   We also proudly acknowledge Pivot Point, a global leader in digital learning and education development for the hair and beauty industry, whose ethical values, innovation, and global vision continue to shape the future of beauty education.   ⸻   🌍 About Our Partner: Pivot Point   Pivot Point is the driving force worldwide behind digital learning, education development, and premium educational tools for the hair and beauty industry. With a strong commitment to ethical manufacturing and social accountability, Pivot Point leads with integrity, innovation, and a learner-first mindset. We’re proud to partner with a company that champions education on a global scale.   ⸻   💬 What We Talk About in This Episode Leaving school, navigating pressure, and choosing a different path Why beauty education is challenging, stimulating, and often misunderstood How the right teacher can change everything Developing elite standards through competitions Behind-the-scenes competition tips (setup, transitions, timing & mindset) Turning mistakes into medals Training your model as part of your success strategy Dealing with grief, loss, and emotional resilience as a learner Finding motivation through purpose and perseverance Why it’s okay not to have everything figured out   ⸻   🏆 Competition & Excellence Takeaways   Shakaia shares practical, real-world advice for learners aiming to raise their standards: Prepare exactly how you plan to perform on the day Pre-roll, prep, and organise everything in advance Practice under timed conditions Learn to improvise when things go wrong Treat competitions like a performance — intentional, focused, and confident Client care and model training are non-negotiable   ⸻   ❤️ A Powerful Conversation on Resilience   Shakaia opens up about personal loss and grief, sharing how she channels pain into motivation rather than stopping. Her honesty offers reassurance to learners navigating emotional challenges alongside their education — a reminder that strength looks different for everyone.   ⸻   🌱 What’s Next for Shakaia? Completing Level 3 Beauty this summer Progressing to Level 4 Aspiring to work in a spa environment Continuing to grow as a professional with high personal standards   ⸻   📣 Shoutouts Kirsty Jones, lecturer and mentor, for believing, pushing, and inspiring A loyal competition model who played a key role in success All learners who are showing up, trying again, and trusting their journey   ⸻   🎧 Final Thoughts   This episode is a reminder that: You don’t need to have everything figured out Mistakes don’t define you — standards do The journey shapes who you become Your voice matters, and you matter   ⸻   🔗 Support for Learners   If you’re navigating grief or emotional challenges, Belinda has created a free reflective booklet available at Belindamindset.com — designed to help you find the words that match how you’re feeling.   ⸻   💛 Thank You for Listening   Thank you for listening to The Learner’s Voice Podcast, in collaboration with Belinda Mindset Education and Concept Hair. If you’re a mentor, educator, or salon owner and want to better support learners, visit blendomindset.com and explore the resources available in the store.   ✨ Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And you deserve to thrive Sponsor Colour me Safe   https://colourmesafe.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooY5LT-9L5K-LZLtvqRAJZyWJoSO9tgOOJjinpgucMXDZSKr3Ao