How I became a beautician after moving to France
When Teri Fox, 55, relocated in 2007, she mastered lots of new skills including fitness and aesthetics courses, as well as managing beauty salons – before going on to open her own
Teri Fox had to study for new qualifications in France despite her years of experience in the UK
Teri Fox
In the UK, I worked as a secretary, as well as doing some work as a fitness instructor and massage therapist.
So when I moved to France with my then husband (we have since separated) in 2007, I hoped to find work in the fitness industry. Before I could get anywhere on the French job market, however, I knew I had to improve my school-level French.
I enrolled in an intensive French programme with groupements d'établissements (GRETA) in 2008 – it was a full-time, nine-month course and although I did not come out of it fluent, it gave me a better understanding of the French language, reading, writing and speaking, as well as insight into applying for jobs. Since that time, I have continued to work on my French and am now fluent.
Read more: I moved to France and became owner of a reclamation and salvage yard
Getting French qualifications
The next step was to find work as a fitness instructor. However, when I enquired at a local fitness organisation in 2009, I was told I would need a French qualification to be eligible, despite my years of experience in the UK.
Fortunately, they offered me the chance to work for them while studying for a Certificat de Qualification Professionnelle Animateur de Loisir Sportif with the Fédération Française d'Education Physique et de Gymnastique Volontaire (FFEPGV), and paid for my course.
The course took nine months and while I had a great deal of existing knowledge in the field, relearning it in French was quite a challenge.
I qualified in 2010 and have since led classes in step, seniors Zumba, falls prevention, yoga stretching and also fitness for people with heart and lung conditions.
I went on to work for an association where I would go into local schools and teach fitness and sport to children. It was a really great role and I enjoyed it immensely. Sadly, after 12 years I developed a knee injury which made it impossible to continue.
I knew even if my injury improved I would have to move on to a more sedentary career if I wanted to keep working into old age. I went to the Pole Emploi for advice and was offered the chance to take a fully funded course in aesthetics, cosmetology and perfumery.
A new direction
As I was unemployed at the time, I received a grant to help support me financially while I learned. I also did training in other related disciplines, including reflexology, lymphatic drainage, hot stone and bamboo massage, and Reiki.
Since qualifying in 2020, I have worked non-stop. I have had roles in spas, small beauty salons and larger chains such as Yves Rocher. Then, in 2021, I got a role managing a salon in Saint-Brieuc (Côtes-d'Armor).
I really enjoyed running the salon as unlike in the larger chains where you have to follow protocol and do things in a set way, I was able to get to know my clients, learn what they wanted, and tailor treatments specifically to them, which was very rewarding.
When the owners took the decision to close the salon in September 2023, I was devastated. But managing the salon for two years had given me so much great experience I felt ready to go it alone.
Read more: How I moved to France and turned my craft hobbies into income
Institut Mains de Fée by Teri
I took a leap of faith and decided to become self-employed and I am now in the process of setting up a salon in my own home. The Institut Mains de Fée by Teri will offer all classic beauty treatments and specialise in body massages, wellbeing and Reiki.
My days here are very different from life in England. My new French husband, Patrice, and I have animals, so I will get up and tend to them each morning before I start my day.
Once I open my salon, I am very busy indeed – being my own boss means doing all the planning and admin, booking appointments and making sure the equipment is washed and sterilised.
While on paper I am a beautician, my current role really knits together all the different steps I have made in my career. I carry out beauty treatments, massage, Reiki, reflexology and – as I still have my licence to teach sport – I can also offer clients exercise advice, or suggest certain stretches to counter bad posture or repetitive strain injuries. I am able to use my skillset to really make a difference to people’s wellbeing.
I feel lucky that I was able to reinvent myself in France, to learn both the language and new skills, and that I was supported all the way through.
