A rising star in the beauty industry has clinched a national award.
Former Suffolk New College student Andrea Filkor, 27, from Hungary, was honoured late last year with the Dermalogica Rising Star Patron Award, which celebrates promising professionals early in their careers.
Ms Filkor studied in Ipswich between 2019 and 2021, having originally trained in nail care in Hungary before moving to the UK. She said her experience at the college was instrumental in her success.
Ms Filkor said: "The teachers were kind, supportive and genuinely cared about our progress – which really helped our confidence.
"I was incredibly honoured to receive the Dermalogica Rising Star Patron Award.
"I feel incredibly honoured to have won the trophy, let alone being named a finalist.
"I’m very grateful for this recognition, and I can’t wait to give back to the community."
After completing her studies, Ms Filkor entered the spa industry but returned to Hungary in 2021 for family reasons. There, she developed her career as a holistic skin therapist, educator, and salon owner, and now plans to return to the UK.
Her long-term goal is to open a spa and training centre, and she continues to lead free workshops in schools.
She attributes part of her success to Suffolk New College tutor Madeline Broughton.
Ms Filkor said: "Madeline’s calm nature and constant encouragement helped me build confidence during my studies, and she played a huge role in inspiring my desire to teach."
Ms Broughton said Ms Filkor’s story is an inspiration to others.
Ms Broughton said: "Andrea was a hard-working student who made the most of her time at college and has now gone on to win this national acclaim.
"Her determination and passion to succeed and give back to other via teaching in the future is an inspiration to us all."
