MARKET-DRIVEN LEISURE EDUCATION: AN EXPLORATION OF MAKEUP VOCATIONAL COURSES IN PROMOTING FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the implementation of market-driven leisure education in beauty class activities and to assess the level of financial sustainability of the program. The research employed a qualitative method with a holistic approach, as it enables in-depth understanding through the direct interpretation of participants’ experiences. The study was conducted in the Beauty Class Program organized by LKP Retno on May 6, 2025, June 17, 2025, and July 14, 2025, with a total of 81 participants, all of whom joined independently at their own expense. Data were collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and document analysis. Observation was used to evaluate the improvement of participants’ skills and knowledge through an assessment rubric. In-depth interviews were conducted with 33 participants and one organizer to examine the alignment of the training design with the principles of leisure education. Questionnaires were used to measure participants’ experiences, appreciation, and goal achievement, while document analysis was employed to evaluate financial sustainability indicators. The findings reveal that the beauty class program based on leisure education successfully enhanced participants’ skills, knowledge, and enjoyable learning experiences relevant to their needs. However, despite revenues exceeding costs, the calculated debt-to-equity ratio (0.86) indicates that financial conditions are not yet fully sustainable, as the figure is above the recommended threshold (<0.45). These findings highlight the importance of income diversification strategies and equity strengthening to ensure financial sustainability of the program.