When Sanna Mirza walked through the doors of Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy, she was ready for change. After years in management within the NHS and studying law at The College of Law in Bloomsbury, she made the brave decision to leave behind a traditional career path and pursue a future driven by passion.
In 2017, Sanna enrolled with us to study Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy, followed by Level 4 Laser and IPL training. What began as a leap of faith soon became the foundation of an exciting new career in beauty and aesthetics.
We sat down with Sanna to talk about her journey from law to becoming a fully qualified aesthetic professional and the owner of her own thriving business, Sanna Aesthetics.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved learning and developing new skills. At school and university, I followed the traditional academic path and completed a law degree before moving on to my postgraduate law studies. At the time, it had just made sense, growing up in a family of lawyers, engineers and accountants.
Once I’d finished studying, I moved into a management role in the NHS, which I really enjoyed. However, beauty and self-care had always been my real passion. In my spare time, I was constantly experimenting with makeup and skincare, often practising transformations on my friends and family ahead of events. But like many people, I never imagined it could become a real career.
Taking the leap into beauty and aesthetics
Eventually, whilst working at the NHS, I noticed the growing trend of injectables. Clients could achieve amazing transformations without going under the knife. I was hooked, watching the satisfaction on their faces as they saw their results and realised that this was my passion.
I wanted to do this for a living, and realised that if I didn’t follow my passion, I’d always wonder “what if?” So, I did my research on how to enter the beauty and aesthetics industry and realised the only thing holding me back was my lack of qualifications. That’s when I decided to enrol at Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy.
In 2017, I began my journey by completing my Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy before moving on to my Level 4 IPL and Laser training. From the very beginning of my time with Ray Cochrane, I knew I had made the right decision. The training was incredibly thorough and gave me a strong understanding of skin, anatomy, and safety – all of which are absolutely necessary to pursue advanced treatments in this industry.
What really stood out to me about my time at Ray Cochrane was the confidence I gained. I wasn’t just learning how to deliver treatments correctly, I was learning how to be a professional.
Building my confidence and career
After completing my core beauty and aesthetics training, I continued to invest in my education by training in Botox and dermal fillers. I was only able to join these courses due to the strong foundation I had built at Ray Cochrane.
Before I knew it, I had the skills, confidence and qualification to open my own business – Sanaa Aesthetics. Becoming my own boss was one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.
Running my own clinic means that I choose my hours, build meaningful relationships with my clients and continuously grow both professionally and personally. The harder I work, the more rewarding it becomes, and the sense of independence is priceless.
Always learning, always growing
Even now, my journey hasn’t stopped. I’m always doing my research on current popular treatments, so that I can offer a variety of treatments to my patients. I’m also studying nursing, which allows me to expand my expertise even further and provide the highest level of care to my clients. Continuous learning is something Ray Cochrane instilled in me from the very start, and it’s a mindset that has shaped my success.
My advice to future students
If you’re considering a career in beauty or aesthetics but feel unsure, my advice is simple…GO FOR IT! With the right training, support and determination, this industry offers incredible opportunities. Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy gave me more than qualifications; it gave me belief in myself and a clear pathway to a career I genuinely love. If you’re looking for a future where your passion becomes your profession, this could be the first step that changes everything. It is also important that you have someone who believes in you, for me, that’s my husband, who has encouraged me from the beginning to do what I enjoy.
Your pathway into a career in beauty & aesthetics
Inspired by Sanna’s journey? At Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy, we offer structured pathways designed to take you from beginner to confident, qualified professional regardless of your starting point.
Our beauty and aesthetic courses are taught by industry experts and created for those who are ready to invest in themselves and step into a profession where passion, skill and career progression go hand in hand.
Step 1: Level 2 Beauty Therapy Diploma – beginner-friendly
The Level 2 Beauty Therapy Diploma is the essential starting point for anyone looking to enter the beauty/aesthetic industry with no previous experience or training. This beauty qualification builds a strong foundation, giving you the confidence and core knowledge to begin your professional journey.
You’ll train in:
- Hot and strip waxing
- Facial skincare and massage
- Makeup application
- Nail treatments
- Eyelash and eyebrow tinting and shaping
- Health, safety and hygiene
- Client care, consultations and retail skills
To accomodate your lifestyle, this course is available part-time with flexible study options including evening classes and one- or two-day-per-week formats.
Step 2: Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma – become fully qualified
The Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma allows you to advance your skills and become a fully qualified beauty therapist, opening the door to professional salon roles or self-employment.
This course covers advanced beauty treatments such as:
- Facial electrotherapy (Vacuum Suction, High Frequency, Galvanic and Faradic)
- Body massage
- Indian head massage
- Microdermabrasion
- Anatomy and physiology
- Advanced health, safety and client consultation
Like Level 2, this diploma is available part-time, making it ideal for those balancing training alongside work or family commitments.
Step 3: Level 4 Laser & IPL Treatments – kickstart your aesthetics career
For those ready to specialise and increase their earning potential, the Level 4 Laser and IPL Treatments Diploma focuses on advanced, in-demand treatments within the fast-growing aesthetics sector.
You’ll gain expertise in:
- Laser and IPL hair removal
- Laser and light skin rejuvenation
- Client care and communication
- Health, safety and salon management
This course runs one day per week, making it ideal for qualified beauty therapists looking to upskill while continuing to work.
Sanna’s success is proof that with the right training, support and determination, a rewarding career in beauty and aesthetics is within reach. If you’re ready to take the first step towards a future you’re passionate about, your journey can start here at Ray Cochrane, give us a call on 02038268883 or email us at email@raycochrane.co.uk to speak with a member of our team.
