In a world where conventional education is often seen as the only route to success, several young individuals have forged their own unique career paths, driven by their passions and personal experiences. Among them are Faye Husband, Lloyd Wakefield, Frazer Walsh, and Thaliqua Smith, each of whom has turned their interests into thriving careers.
Faye Husband She is originally from Widnes in Cheshire and has had a steadfast passion for animals from a young age. Wildlife became her first love, and art could not contain her infatuation. It pretty much made her mother “insane” with an obsession inducing craving for David Attenborough documentaries. Though her initial inclinations may have led her down an animal care path, Husband soon discovered her true vocation. She opened Phaze Nails, a nail salon that started as a passion project when she learned to do her own nails.
Phaze Nails is run from a PhD student converted garage at her home in Redcar. Thanks to her unique offerings, it’s quickly grown into one of the area’s hottest spots for nails, usually three to four weeks booked out. Though she struggles with some health issues, Husband is grateful for the flexibility of self-employment, which has helped her flourish in the face of adversity.
“There’s no shame in getting a normal job,” – Faye Husband
“Use it to fund your passion. Don’t rush it,” – Faye Husband
Born in Stockport, Lloyd Wakefield never imagined that he would ever go on a journey that led him to becoming a photography influencer. He was a promising football prospect until he found his passion on the other side of the camera. “Up until college, my only goal was to be a footballer,” Wakefield recalled. It all started with a random film camera from a friend. These days, he works with leading brands and stars, such as Dua Lipa, EA, UFC and Arsenal FC. His portfolio even runs the gambit of photographing Harry Styles during his tour.
Wakefield’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. He had a hard time figuring out his purpose once he walked away from the game of football. “It took me two years to adjust, to find any kind of direction or purpose outside of football,” he admitted. Now, he operates Lloyd’s Workshop, an alternative creative space built for aspiring photographers who don’t have the network or the education to break into the business.
“I’m not the most academic. I didn’t click with any lessons outside of PE. I’m a hands-on person,” – Lloyd Wakefield
Frazer Walsh’s story introduces a personal aspect to the growing theme of following your passion instead of following the traditional path of education. Specifically, after finishing A-levels, he decided to pursue a Level 3 zookeeping apprenticeship through Chester Zoo. In addition to her own journey, Walsh inspires others to take their spiritual journeys at their own pace. “Don’t rush it, because it’s your life, isn’t it?” he said, reflecting on his path.
His experiences convinced him that opportunities such as his present occupation in zookeeping are few and far between. He’s passionate about going after them hard. “A job like this is really once in a lifetime, so just go for it,” he advised aspiring zookeepers and animal lovers.
That’s not how Thaliqua Smith’s story went, either. Smith was one of just ten candidates selected to take part in the first year of Channel 4’s new production training programme. She felt that formal education wasn’t the right fit for her goals in directing and producing. They were telling me that the only way for me to get into [directing and producing] was to go and study more. But it really wasn’t an area that I was specifically passionate about,” she explained.
Smith is ready to defy long-held educational norms and assumptions. This fortitude speaks to a larger wave of trendsetting young creatives who are rejecting the traditional pathway to success. Her story serves as a reminder to trust your gut and seek out experiences that will help you achieve your goals and foster your passions.
These narratives illustrate just a few of the many ways that different journeys can result in meaningful careers beyond the walls of education. Though each person had distinct obstacles to overcome, their collective drive and love for their crafts has launched them to new heights.
