Juggling a newborn and starting a new business all while completing her dissertation, Paulina Marmaite has faced several challenges throughout her journey as an entrepreneur – but she has never let them sway her.

Last year, Paulina successfully opened her first aesthetics clinic in Smethwick, which has since established itself as a reputable business. The Aesthetic Practitioner graduate had originally studied in London, but wanted to progress to something more advanced – choosing the aesthetics programme at University College Birmingham to fulfil her passion in beauty. “I knew that I wanted to open my own business one day because I grew up in that type of environment. My mum was a businesswoman; she had quite a big salon back home in Lithuania with 18 members of staff.”

Paulina moved to the UK with her mum as a child, without speaking a word of English at the time, “Not everyone accepted me because I didn't speak English but little by little I got to where I wanted.”

Her strong work ethic and determination has been a key facet in her journey even when presented with challenges along the way. Having always wanted to be a young mum, at university Paulina became pregnant in her second year. After a one-year deferral to have her daughter, Paulina returned to university for her third year, juggling being a new parent while working on her dissertation “It was challenging because she was very small still, she was six months old - it was quite intense. It was tough, but you shake it off, keep your head up and go again. I also suffered from depression, because when I gave birth to my little one, I had postpartum depression. It was a lesson for me and made me stronger for future.”

She also doesn’t agree with the stereotype that aesthetics and beauty are female-only careers, “As a female entrepreneur in the aesthetic business, I challenge the misconception that such ventures are solely related to female work or easily run due to a feminine touch. In reality, this industry requires dedication, expertise, and a strong work ethic, regardless of stereotypes.”

One year on since opening her clinic, Paulina reflected on how her mum has inspired her career,  “As I reflect on my journey in the beauty industry, my mother's influence as a strong businesswoman has been profound. Her dedication, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit have shaped my own approach to running my own aesthetic clinic and pursuing my passion for beauty.”

The way that Paulina’s mum influenced her mirrors how she wants to inspire her daughter, “Being a mother to my daughter adds another layer of significance to my entrepreneurial pursuits. I strive to set a positive example for her, showing her the value of hard work, determination and following dreams. I hope to inspire her to pursue her passions fearlessly and to believe in her ability to achieve any goals she has, just as my mother did for me.”

Ultimately, it’s been a long journey with bumps along the way but Paulina is proud of everything she has achieved, “This experience has taught me that anything is possible for women, regardless of their age, family responsibilities, or personal challenges.

"There are no limits or stops in life; only you can create barriers and excuses that prevent success from happening. It is about seizing opportunities, pushing boundaries, and believing in one's capabilities to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. As a trailblazing female entrepreneur in the industry, I am committed to inspiring and empowering other women to break free from self-imposed limitations and strive for their dreams with unwavering determination and confidence.

Interested in training in aesthetics? Why not check out our courses in the Creative Industries in our Course A-Z?