It’s been a busy and inspiring few weeks as we continue to support Borders College students in turning ideas into action—whether that’s launching a business, exploring work experience opportunities, or collaborating across subject areas.
Here’s a look at some recent highlights:
From Set-Up to Start-Up: Beauty Business in Motion
Shauni Schofield, a beauty therapy student at Borders College, had everything in place—her treatment room, equipment, and starting to grow her client base. What she needed was just that final bit of support to tie it all together and officially launch her business.
That’s where our start-up programme came in. With some guidance on the key business basics, she gained the confidence to take that next step and start treating her work as a fully fledged business.
“I had most things in place and was already working with clients, but getting support helped me see the bigger picture. It gave me the push I needed to go for it properly.”
She’s now continuing her studies while running her business Elysium Beauty by Shauni, offering professional treatments in a welcoming, well-equipped space she built herself.
We’re proud to have supported her on that final stretch—and can’t wait to see where she takes things next.
Eyes on Jet2: Career Experience in Progress
We’re also supporting Bernadette, a Borders College student who is in the final stages of applying for a work experience placement with Jet2. While it’s not confirmed just yet, she hopes to secure a place in their autumn intake, and we’re right behind her as she moves through this very exciting prospect.
Marketing Know-How with Emily McGowan
Marketing was the focus of our recent session with Emily McGowan, where 16 students took part in a practical workshop exploring how to promote themselves and their business ideas effectively.
The session was well received, with students sharing positive feedback, and further students joining the Start-Up Competition as a result.
Students commented that the workshop helped them think more confidently about how to present their business to potential customers. Others noted it gave them a better understanding of how to use social media effectively, and how small changes in messaging can make a big difference.
Sessions like this continue to offer real, practical value for students at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, and we’re looking forward to hosting more like it.
Innovation Through Collaboration: Health & Social Care Meets Computing
A new cross-discipline initiative is taking shape, aiming to bring together Health & Social Care and Computing students to solve real-world challenges through technology and innovation.
Following discussions with staff and external partners, we’re now exploring how to embed this work into the curriculum—starting during induction week. The goal is to encourage early engagement, creative thinking, and stronger collaboration between departments.
This initiative also supports Scotland’s ambition to lead in digital health transformation by encouraging students to embrace tech-driven solutions in care services.
Start-Up Workshop Success
A recent Start-Up session delivered to 8 Beauty students saw great engagement. The session focused on vision boards and early-stage planning.
Feedback was incredibly positive, with students saying it helped break down the process of starting a business and made it feel more manageable. Suggestions for future sessions included more interactive elements and takeaway handouts, which we’re already planning for next time.
We also held a follow-up mentoring call to provide extra support as these students continue to develop their ideas.
Whether it’s gaining work experience, launching a business, or thinking creatively across disciplines, it’s fantastic to see so many students stepping forward and making the most of these opportunities. We’re excited to see where the next few months take them.
- If you have a groundbreaking idea and the drive to bring it to life, the next success story could be yours. Just email lagillie@borderscollege.ac.uk, and we will get you signed up. Remember, this is for students and staff!