Tobi Azeez, 24, from Wales has been named as the winner of an award from The Prince’s Trust after being employed on a zero-hour contract, facing inconsistent work and financial instability. Tobi was left feeling vulnerable, resulting in depression as she worried about her future.
The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and had a positive impact on their local community. Tobi scooped the L’Oreal Paris Rising Star Award recognising a young person who, having built up their confidence and skills, has overcome barriers to secure and recently start employment or education or training.
Tobi made it her mission to push for success with her aspiration of working with children, and signed up with The Prince’s Trust, taking part in the Get into Health and Social Care programme ran by We Care Wales.
On winning the L’Oreal Paris Rising Star Award, Tobi said:
“It was an amazing programme, and it has completely changed my life. I gained qualifications in Autism Awareness and Safeguarding which was exciting for me because I felt a step closer to achieving my career goals.
“Working with children has always been important to me – it was just extremely hard to get into. If not for my mentor at The Prince’s Trust and my best friend pushing me, I don’t know where I would be.
“It’s difficult to work on your passion, especially when all the odds are against you, but you’ve just got to get up and keep going. Seeing the little kids each morning and hearing them say my name makes it all feel worth it.”
Tobi now has a sense of control over her life with financial security, improved budgeting and saving skills. Tobi’s personal development has not only been reflected in her career and finances but through her self-esteem.
With her newfound understanding of self-care, Tobi has also launched her own massage therapy studio in Wales.
“Whilst I love working with children, I also love the idea of being a businesswoman and sharing my hobbies with the world. Opening this studio allows me to share my talents and grow significantly.
“I love doing what I’m doing, I love seeing my clients happy and love knowing that I’ve made them happy. I hope to one day have an entire team and grow this studio beyond all means – I’m thinking salons all over the world!
“Above all else I’m proud of myself. I’ve struggled financially and have needed support from food banks. I’ve been in sad and dark places, but how could I let myself down or give up with the resources given to me through The Prince’s Trust? I owe it to myself to put in the work.”
Amelie Fortier-Cyr, General Manager, L’Oreal Paris UK and Ireland said: “A huge congratulations to Tobi on everything she has achieved. It’s so inspiring to see the progress she has made, building their self-worth and confidence, and we look forward to seeing her continue to achieve bigger and better things in the future.”
TK Maxx and Homesense (TJX) have been a partner of The Prince’s Trust since 2013 and are one of The Trust’s largest delivery partners of the Get into Retail programme. This is a two-to-six-week course that develops young people’s skills in the retail sector and supports them into positive outcomes in retail. TJX have also supported the Prince’s Trust Achieve programme since 2016, working with schools across the UK to build the confidence and teamwork skills of young people as they prepare for life after education.
Youth charity The Prince’s Trust gives young people the skills and confidence to get their lives on track. Three in four young people helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, training or education.
