About
Our Story
We are an exclusive training facility that offers students the ITEC International Beauty Therapy Diploma as well as Short Courses. Individualised attention is guaranteed as each student develops and learns the skills to be internationally qualified. Our students have gone on to work locally and abroad in Salons, Spas, and on cruise liners. Within the year the students are offered extensive product house training including Environ Skincare and Sorbet brands so that they are well equipped and salon-ready by the time they qualify.
Cape Nail and Beauty Academy was established in 2008 by Lara Kawalsky who is the Principal and owner. Lara has more than 20 years of experience as a lecturer in Health & Skincare, specialising in Nail Technology, Beauty Therapy, Anatomy & Physiology, and Business studies. Her extensive experience in the field and educational qualifications have inspired her to open an Academy dedicated to the specialised training of students, leading to an internationally recognised diploma and exciting career prospects.
Meet our CEO & Founder:
Lara Kawalsky
Radiography, ITEC international diploma (Beauty Therapy, Nail Technology, Nail Art), Cibtac International Diploma (Nail Technology), Cidesco international diploma (Beauty Therapy). B.Tech. Post School Education.
Lara has more than 20 years of experience as a lecturer in Health & Skincare, specialising in Nail Technology. Her extensive experience in the field and educational qualifications have inspired her to open Cape Nail and Beauty Academy, dedicated to the specialised training of students, leading to an internationally recognised diploma and exciting career prospects.
During her successful teaching career, many of her students have been successfully employed abroad, locally and on luxury cruise liners. We pride ourselves on successfully qualifying our students and finding them placements in the industry. Interviews with luxury cruise liner employees are held regularly at Cape Nail and Beauty Academy.
The Cape Nail and Beauty Academy Team
Jamie Kawalsky
Marketing Director
Charlene Dearham
Senior Lecturer
Courtney Langenhoven
Lecturer
Eden Le Roux
Short Course Lecturer
Monique Adonis
Office Administration
Cape Nail & Beauty Academy (CNBA) – Frequently Asked Questions
Is CNBA accredited?
Yes. Cape Nail & Beauty Academy is an ITEC-accredited (international) & QCTO (local) training provider offering internationally recognized beauty qualifications. We also offer short courses which are locally recognized. Our graduates can work locally and internationally (subject to country regulations).
What beauty courses does CNBA offer?
ITEC Beauty Specialist, ITEC Nail Technology & ITEC Holistic Massage ITEC Diplomas – Full time or Part time.
Manicure & Pedicure, Facial Skincare, Waxing and Make-up ITEC Certificates – click here
Short courses in all aspects of beauty therapy: please see all courses here
How long are the courses?
1. Full Time Course run from January to December or July – June. Our next intake is July 2026.
2. Part Time ITEC Diplomas & Certificates are 6 months to a year depending on your availability. However, there are no official enrolment dates, you can start at any point in the year; meaning you will write your exams in either June or November (depending on your schedule availability)
3. Short courses range from 5-10 days. Continuous Assessment courses offer flexible scheduling options meaning you can start and finish at any point. There is no official enrolment date.
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is required for beginner courses.
What is included in the course fee?
All course fees include a full comprehensive kit, uniform (t-shirt or tunic), training manuals, practical training, assessments, portfolio guidance, exam fees (for diploma courses), online portal access and student support.
What’s included in the CNBA student kit?
Kit contents vary by course; however, our kits are completely comprehensive and include everything you need to complete the course.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Structured payment plans are available for all ITEC courses. A deposit secures your space, and the balance can be paid monthly over the course duration.
Where is CNBA located?
Cape Nail & Beauty Academy is based in Woodstock (Cape Town, South Africa).
Will I receive a certificate?
Students who successfully complete their assessments for short courses receive their CNBA certificate on completion of the course. ITEC certificates are usually issues within 6 weeks of completion.
Does CNBA assist with job placement?
We provide guidance on CV preparation, portfolio building, salon readiness, and business setup advice. While job placement is not guaranteed, many graduates successfully enter the beauty industry or start their own businesses.
Can I start my own beauty business after qualifying?
Yes. Our training focuses on technical excellence, professionalism, and business readiness to help students work in salons, spas, cruise ships, or launch their own beauty brands.
I am already a therapist, but I don’t have an international diploma – can you help me?
Yes, we can! We have a specialised “post-grad” programme for people exactly like you! Enquire now and one of our dedicated team members will provide you with all the information.
How do I register?
It’s easy! If you know what you want to start, simply send us an email or WhatsApp – you can make your payment and let us know when you’d like to start.
If you are unsure what you’d like to enrol in; submit an enquiry form, attend an information session on our campus where one of our team members will take you through our course offering. Once you have decided, you can make your payment and let us know what date you’d like to start.
What makes CNBA different?
We pride ourselves on 20 years of industry excellence. But, most importantly, we are completely transparent with our pricing. Our pricing includes everything, meaning there are no hidden fees! What you see is what you get!