Victoria Arpels is a leading educator and entrepreneur in the beauty industry. With over 1,000,000 courses sold and a community of more than 100,000 students and graduates, she is widely recognised for her commitment to making high-quality education accessible to all. She continues to drive innovation, believing that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, regardless of financial status or location. For Victoria, education is about more than just qualifications—it’s about building skills and relationships that last a lifetime.
Victoria Arpels
BA (hons) Cert Ed
About Victoria Arpels
"Looking back on my journey, I see resilience, passion, and a commitment to helping others. From launching my business to overcoming personal challenges, every step has shaped who I am today. Building a community, supporting professionals, and transforming skin health have been my greatest achievements. Through it all, my mission remains the same — to empower others with knowledge, confidence, and lasting results."
Victoria Arpels – Founder, Head of Training & Major Shareholder
A Passion for Beauty & Education - Victoria Arpels Early Years
Victoria’s journey began with a deep passion for beauty and a clear vision to help others succeed. After leaving school, she completed NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 in Beauty Therapy at City College in Norwich while working as a therapist in a busy spa. This hands-on experience helped her develop the expertise that would later shape her career.
Eager to expand her knowledge, she completed intensive private courses alongside her formal education, gaining a broader understanding of advanced beauty treatments.
At 19, Victoria embarked on a four-year teacher training programme, earning a Certificate in Education, Teacher Assessor Award, and a BA (Hons) in Inclusive Practice and Education. She completed her teaching degree alongside her Internal Verification Assessor qualification, graduating at 24 at Norwich Cathedral.
Eager to expand her knowledge, she completed intensive private courses alongside her formal education, gaining a broader understanding of advanced beauty treatments.
At 19, Victoria embarked on a four-year teacher training programme, earning a Certificate in Education, Teacher Assessor Award, and a BA (Hons) in Inclusive Practice and Education. She completed her teaching degree alongside her Internal Verification Assessor qualification, graduating at 24 at Norwich Cathedral.
The Business of Beauty: Victoria Arpels Entrepreneurial Story
While studying, Victoria worked as a part-time lecturer at Further Education Colleges and collaborated with major beauty brands, including Salon Systems and Le Chat. Her work led her to travel internationally, representing leading product companies and further solidifying her reputation in the industry.
Her love for teaching and passion for beauty soon led her to establish her own training company. Starting locally in Norfolk, her business quickly gained traction and, within two years, expanded nationwide under the name Next Step Beauty. She built a network of training locations across the UK and an expert team of educators and support staff to meet growing demand.
Recognising a gap in the market, Victoria led the development of an online training platform, the Easy Learning Portal, enabling students to learn from anywhere. This groundbreaking innovation transformed beauty education, making training more flexible and accessible. She introduced instant certification, online course accreditation, and new learning models, reshaping the industry.
Her entrepreneurial success continued with the launch of Beauty Tribe Ltd, a network of resellers and international partners, leading to the acquisition of MHD Pro in 2021, which expanded her course offerings to include hairdressing education.
Her love for teaching and passion for beauty soon led her to establish her own training company. Starting locally in Norfolk, her business quickly gained traction and, within two years, expanded nationwide under the name Next Step Beauty. She built a network of training locations across the UK and an expert team of educators and support staff to meet growing demand.
Recognising a gap in the market, Victoria led the development of an online training platform, the Easy Learning Portal, enabling students to learn from anywhere. This groundbreaking innovation transformed beauty education, making training more flexible and accessible. She introduced instant certification, online course accreditation, and new learning models, reshaping the industry.
Her entrepreneurial success continued with the launch of Beauty Tribe Ltd, a network of resellers and international partners, leading to the acquisition of MHD Pro in 2021, which expanded her course offerings to include hairdressing education.
Motherhood, Business & Survival: Victoria Arpels Fight & Comeback
At 27, Victoria became a mother while continuing to lead and grow her business. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, she remained hands-on, teaching daily and driving innovation.
However, at 29, just six weeks after giving birth to her second child, Victoria was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She faced an intense 18-month battle with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite having to step back from daily operations, she remained actively involved in the business.
After achieving remission, she began to rebuild, but six months later, the cancer returned. Following further treatment, she finally received the life-changing news that she was cancer-free. From this moment, Victoria focused on rebuilding her career and doing what she loves most—helping others achieve their dreams.
However, at 29, just six weeks after giving birth to her second child, Victoria was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She faced an intense 18-month battle with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite having to step back from daily operations, she remained actively involved in the business.
After achieving remission, she began to rebuild, but six months later, the cancer returned. Following further treatment, she finally received the life-changing news that she was cancer-free. From this moment, Victoria focused on rebuilding her career and doing what she loves most—helping others achieve their dreams.
From Writer to Leader: Victoria Arpels’ Impact on Beauty Education
Victoria’s expertise led her to write for industry publications like Vitality Magazine, establishing herself as a respected educator and thought leader. She launched her own blog and built a strong online community, founding the Beauty Industry Support Group in 2020, which now has thousands of members.
At the start of the global pandemic, Victoria adapted quickly, integrating virtual training into her education platform. This allowed students to earn qualifications from home through live interactive sessions, ensuring they could continue learning despite restrictions. She was instrumental in securing accreditation for online courses with major beauty associations and forming partnerships with insurance companies to support graduates.
At the start of the global pandemic, Victoria adapted quickly, integrating virtual training into her education platform. This allowed students to earn qualifications from home through live interactive sessions, ensuring they could continue learning despite restrictions. She was instrumental in securing accreditation for online courses with major beauty associations and forming partnerships with insurance companies to support graduates.
Evolving & Growing: The Future for Victoria Arpels
In 2021, Victoria expanded her business further, announcing the launch of her own product brand and online store, securing listings with leading beauty brands.
Driven by her passion for science-backed skincare, she also founded the Victoria Arpels Skincare Clinic. This clinic offers expert-led, personalised treatments for concerns such as acne, ageing skin, pigmentation, and rosacea, using advanced dermatology-led solutions. With a focus on long-term skin health, Victoria’s approach combines clinical expertise, bespoke skincare plans, and education, empowering clients to take control of their skin.
With a strong vision for the future, she remains dedicated to innovation, education, and empowering beauty professionals worldwide. Her journey—from therapist to leading educator, businesswoman, and industry pioneer—continues to inspire thousands within the beauty industry.
Driven by her passion for science-backed skincare, she also founded the Victoria Arpels Skincare Clinic. This clinic offers expert-led, personalised treatments for concerns such as acne, ageing skin, pigmentation, and rosacea, using advanced dermatology-led solutions. With a focus on long-term skin health, Victoria’s approach combines clinical expertise, bespoke skincare plans, and education, empowering clients to take control of their skin.
With a strong vision for the future, she remains dedicated to innovation, education, and empowering beauty professionals worldwide. Her journey—from therapist to leading educator, businesswoman, and industry pioneer—continues to inspire thousands within the beauty industry.
More Resources: www.instagram.com/victoria_arpels
Contact Victoria: www.victoriaarpels.com/contact-me
Contact Victoria: www.victoriaarpels.com/contact-me
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