Mocha Beauty Year 18 Issue 5 by mochagroup

Enna-Cocciolone

A Ritual that Speaks from the Heart By Karen Geiszler

42-44 Future-Proofing Brows and Beyond: Why Pigment Literacy Is Not a Luxury By Kat McCann

46 What Marketing Doesn’t Tell Us About Real Skin Results By Alanna Douglas

47 The Missing Link in Skink Health? The Nervous System By Jacinta Curnow 48 Why heat is the worst enemy for Melasma By Gay Wardle

50 How Stene and Corri Marshall changed microneedling forever By Louise May

Doctor Eckstein® A Family Legacy in Skincare

58 The Energy of Money: How to Let It Flow into Your Business By Elle Wilson 59 AHPRA Guidelines: Friend or Foe (Part 2) By James Vivian 60 The Women Redefining Beauty as Big Business By Danni Boerma 61 Training Your Team: Elevating Your Salon! (Without Losing Your Sanity) By Will Fennell BUSINESS

62 What to Sell and How to Sell It By Tamara Reid

64 The Impact Of One-On-One Coaching By Elle Huempel

65 Building a Stronger Future for Australia’s Beauty Workforce

66 The Rise of AI in Beauty By Jade Spehr

68 You can’t see the forest for the trees By Jay Chapman

69 Show up on Google with Instagram SEO By Kayla Zigic

70 Marketing with Guts, Grit & Giggles By Carly Knowles

72 AI has the creative world on edge By Keira Maloney 72 Menopause and the Microbiome: The Overlooked Connection By Chiza Westcarr

74 Your Salon Doesn’t Need Another Motivational Quote. It Needs This By Rachel Medlock

PUBLISHER

Linda Woodhead linda@mochagroup.com.au

Editor’s note

GENERAL MANAGER

Jarred Stedman jarred@mochagroup.com.au

EDITOR

Louise May louise@mochagroup.com.au

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Nina Barbara nina@mochagroup.com.au

ART DIRECTOR

Kellie Woodhead kellie@mochagroup.com.au

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Brittany Murton brittany@mochagroup.com.au

ADMINISTRATION

Jess Richmond jess@mochagroup.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS

Louise May

Robyn McAlpine

Sara Bowtell

Karen Geiszler

Kat McCann

Alanna Douglas

Jacinta Curnow

Gay Wardle

Elle Wilson

James Vivian

Danni Boerma

Will Fennell

Tamara Reid

Elle Huempel

Jade Spehr

Jay Chapman

Kayla Zigic

Carly Knowles

Keira Maloney

Chiza Westcarr

OFFICE

PO BOX 252 Helensvale Plaza Qld 4212 P: 07 5580 5155

mail@mochagroup.com.au www.mochagroup.com.au

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PUBLISHED BY mochagroup

PUBLISHERS OF mochahair, mochabeauty & mochabarber

Mocha Beauty is published six times a year by mocha publishing ABN 65 091 846 189

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Welcome to Issue 5 of Mocha Beauty!

The beauty and aesthetics industry never stops moving. New technologies, evolving treatments, and shifting client expectations continue to shape the way we work. Yet through all the change, what has always defined this industry isn’t just the machines or the trends – it’s the people. It’s the therapists, educators, and clinic owners who show up every single day with passion, skill, and resilience that truly drive us forward.

At Mocha Beauty, our role has always been to shine a light on those people – the individuals, teams, and brands who embody excellence, push boundaries, and continue to raise standards for us all. And as we celebrate 20 years of Mocha Beauty, this feels more important than ever.

That’s why I’m so thrilled to welcome Robyn McAlpine as our Guest Editor for this edition. A Corneotherapist, skin guru, clinic owner, author, educator, and this year’s ABIA 2025 Humanitarian of the Year, Robyn has never been one to fit the traditional mold, and it’s exactly that difference, paired with her honesty and grit, that has become her greatest strength. Robyn not only shares her Guest Editor’s Letter but has also contributed a series of articles that bring her unique perspective and voice to these pages.

Her words are a powerful reminder that while tools and innovations will always push our industry forward, it’s the people and the community we build, when we choose to lift each other up – that truly make the difference.

I couldn’t think of a better voice to help mark this milestone year and guide this edition of Mocha Beauty.

Love & hugs, Louise May, Editor - Mocha Beauty Magazine Editor in Chief - Mocha Group louise@mochagroup.com.au www.mochagroup.com.au @louise_mochagroup @mochabeautymedia

Lou x

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• A brilliant alternative to microblading and tattooing, which fade over time.

• Cost-Effective for Salons: 100+ applications per bottle.

Vegan

Cruelty-Free DermatologistTested

GuestLetterEditor

Twenty years ago, like a deer in the headlights, I stumbled into the wide world of the beauty industry. I discovered pretty quickly that I didn’t fit the mold. Perfectly manicured nails? Nope! Dresses and heels? Not my vibe. Makeup? Still don’t own any!

What drew me here was a deep curiosity for skin, the science, the cells and the kind of transformation that comes from real knowledge of how this organ works, inside out, back to front and right side round.

I’ve always preferred motorbikes, muddy hikes, and getting my hands dirty, yet here I was, finding myself elbows deep in the thick of one of the most feminine centric industries on the planet! And somehow, the gritty energy I brought with me became my biggest secret weapon.

It takes equal parts grit, growth, and the guts to pivot when the ground shifts. And while the whiz bang machines and trends are fun to obsess over, they’re just tools, the real power lies with the people behind them and remaining true to our entire reason for being here… Skin.

This edition, we’re putting the spotlight on: New vs Old Equipment. Because let’s be real, half the fun of this job is debating whether to splash out on the shiny new toy or keep hustling with the gear that’s served us faithfully. We speak to Nancy Abdou, head educator and CEO of The Australian Dermal and Laser Institute. She shares her insight on buying the right equipment for your salon. Spoiler alert: I’ve been on both sides, and neither’s as simple as it looks.

Then, a story that’ll have you cheering from the sidelines, we’re highlighting the story of an award-winning salon owner, Rebecca Trick, who proves success isn’t about luck or perfect timing. It’s about showing up, heart-first, even when no one’s watching.

“Community” is also getting a seat at this table. Because when we ditch the fake-smile competition, stop hoarding secrets, and actually champion each other, we ALL rise, and our clients? They feel it too. It’s not just about playing nice; it’s about building an industry that’s stronger, smarter, and way more fun when we lift each other up. The ripples go further than we think, and that’s where the real magic happens.

And because Mocha Beauty and I share an industry birthday, both celebrating 20 years of hunting hairs, fondling faces and saving skin… I’m taking us all on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on this wild, wonderful, occasional face-palm-inducing industry. Here’s the tea: gadgets and trends come and go, but the magic we create by making people feel like their best damn selves? That never gets old my friend.

Here’s to raising eyebrows, raising standards, and raising each other up.

Robyn McAlpine Guest Editor, Mocha Beauty @expert_skin_therapist Robyn x

Robyn McAlpine

The Beauty Evolution: 20 Years of Trends, Trials &

Transformation

By Guest Editor Robyn McAlpine

If brows could talk, they’d spill more drama than a reality TV reunion. From bushy power brows to microbladed perfection, we’ve survived fads, fashion disasters, and a few questionable trends along the way. Now, with Mocha Beauty turning 20 and me hitting my own 20-year industry milestone, it felt like the perfect time to take a stroll down memory lane: the good, the bad, and the downright thin-eyebrow-raising moments that shaped the industry.

2005–2010: The Era of Medi-Aesthetics & Microderm Madness

This was the time we decided beauty wasn’t “just fluffy” anymore. Suddenly, every second salon was a “Medi-Spa” with “cosmeceuticals” and “medicalgrade skincare.” (Because nothing screams clinical credibility like a fancy sounding word)

We entered the Glycolic Era, where the game plan was basically: if your skin isn’t stinging, is it even working? We were beating barriers into submission with high percentages; ever more convinced pain equals beauty... Beauty Training? Well… let’s just say the gaps started showing. Therapists were graduating with all theory, no hands-on. Product and equipment companies stepped up to the void, and we all turned to brand training to fill the gaps, and the distribu-educator was born.

In fashion and culture, acrylic nails with giant French tips were IT. Stiletto or duck bill anyone? Spray tanning took salons by storm, and we were running “coffee card” loyalty programs. Because who doesn’t need 10 orange coats for the price of nine? (Let’s not talk about the spray tan confetti we’d spend our lives scrubbing off the ceiling, walls and floors!)

Marketing your business? Forget Instagram, that wasn’t even a twinkle in Meta’s eye. You were shelling out for Yellow Pages ads, stuffing flyers into letterboxes, or paying a small fortune for a custom-coded website courtesy of someone’s tech genius cousin. Templates and DIY websites? Ha. That was still a dream!

And let’s talk salon styling: if you didn’t have a damask flocked wallpaper feature wall and a chandelier over the reception desk, were you even in beauty? Dressed in tunics and capri pants, alternating each day with a quiff or a sock bun hairstyle or both if you were really feeling yourself!

The finishing touches? A fake frangipani on the treatment pillow and brand posters blu-tacked to the wall, all the charm of a scrappy DIY project yet the epitome of ‘noughties’ beauty professional.

Treatment of the decade? Microdermabrasion had us in a chokehold, and oxygen facials were the peak of “futuristic.” If you had a machine that made a whirring sound, you were basically NASA.

2010–2015: The Groupon Years & the Brow Boom

This era was one big identity crisis for the industry. On one hand, cosmeceuticals stormed into salons, turning us into mini scientists in the treatment room, shaking up the “fluffy facial” scene. On the other? We were still burning through skin with peels like the hayflick limit didn’t exist.

Enter corneotherapy the soft, barrier-first rebel that threw a cat among the peel-crazy pigeons. Suddenly, we weren’t sure if we were meant to strip skin down to skeleton or wrap it up in cotton wool and a kiss on the forehead. The divide was real.

Groupon entered the chat. Entire salons were brought to their knees chasing “$19 facial deals.” Peel packages became the currency of survival, and many therapists were left wondering if they’d ever pay full rent again.

The IPL and laser goldrush swept the industry. The treatments got cheaper as did the flood of machines that came along with it. Anyone not hunting down hairs with a laser beam felt the seismic shift when their clients could get a Brazilian laser session for the price of a coffee.

Cue 2012 and the shift in rules bringing us SPF 50+, The collective industry cheer resounded as catch up with our global counterparts. For a sun loving country, it just made it make sense! . Brows became THE thing. We discovered the power of a good arch, went a little overboard with the block brows and cosmetic tattooing carved out a booming industry of its own.

On the business side, social media arrived like the shiny new toy we didn’t know we needed. Marketing finally got cheaper, selfies became the new word-of-mouth, and suddenly we were all hustling for likes instead of Yellow Pages listings.

Online booking systems finally showed up, paper diaries got the boot, and SMS reminders became the unsung hero of the front desk, doing their best ti mitigate no-shows

And, of course, the salon aesthetic shifted again. We ditched chandeliers and damask wallpaper in favour of selfie walls, geometric logos, and a brief, cringey fling with the “live, laugh, love” design era. Don’t lie, we all had at least one inspirational quote hanging in our salons.

2015–2020: The Insta-Face Era & Ingredient Obsession

Injectables went mainstream, and suddenly every client wanted a little filler here, a touch of Botox there, because who doesn’t want a face that could rival a filter? Meanwhile, cosmetic tattooing became “mainstream,” making brows, lips, and even eyeliner the ultimate permanent power move.

The social media explosion changed everything. Instagram, YouTube, and influencers made before-and-afters the new currency. Clients discovered treatments online, and suddenly everyone was judging your work by a photo, not a consultation.

Skin needling hit the treatment room scene with micro-rollers and pens, shifting facials toward regeneration and real results. Goodbye fluffy facials, hello red-but-glowing clients.

Degrees like Bachelor of Dermal Therapies differentiated skin therapists from general beauty therapists and became a legitimate education option. This shift finally saw education catching up with what had already been happening in salons for years.

Lash mania hit its peak with “the more volume the merrier” making eyelid muscles bulge with every flutter and a standing refill appointment in the calendar.

2016 saw the death of sunbeds, #praisebe and every melanocyte in Australia collectively sighed in relief. Whilst it’s signalled the end of an era for many salons, it was a win for collagen and elastin everywhere. Single Ingredients became the skin care version of celebrities Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid suddenly the spotlight to every skin problem imaginable and clients were driven by the benefits of these skin saving heroes.

Guasha tools, jade rollers, face yoga and those icy cold spheres were all the rage, and DIY youtube tutorials made us all feel like skincare geniuses at home.

Enter ‘Scrubs and sneakers’ as the salon uniform of choice. Matching, colour coded, emblazoned with the salon logo. They came as the visual separation of ‘serious skin care’ vs ‘beauty’ but stayed for the pajama level comfort and forgiving elastic waist bands

And of course, salon aesthetics moved into their girlie pop era, blush pink walls, neon word signs, pampas grass, dried flower wall art basically, if you didn’t have a neon slogan over your reception desk, were you even modern?

2020–2025: The Virtual Glow-Up & Barrier-First Revolution COVID hit’s and like friends-in-a-stairwell, we enter our “PIVOT” era. Salon doors closed, and the virtual windows opened. Overnight we created opportunities to connect, consult and cure skin with the postman delivering skin solutions to our client’s doors.

This saw the rise of the DIY skin care. From Facial Kits to LED masks to Zoom facial parties, we proved that we could transform skin without ever touching it, challenging how we do skin from here on. We became sponges for online education-not much else to don in our

5k radius. Cue reskill, upskill and new skills that the freedom of time allowed.

LED therapy cemented itself as a salon staple, affordable, evidence-based, and suddenly every treatment room was glowing like a sci-fi disco rave. Now? No skin clinic is without one and it’s a staple on salon menus everywhere.

Block Brows and mega lashes released their iron grip on the industry, we ushered in feathery brows, wispy lashes and brow laminations make a comeback

TikTok and Instagram influencers dictated trends, clients arrived armed with Google and ‘receipts,’ and suddenly therapists were working harder than Kris Jenner, debunking skin myths daily. Lesson learned: if you can’t beat them, join them, thus, the era of the industry influencer was born.

Skin minimalism arrived. Barrier repair, less products, and corneotherapy principles took centre stage. Turns out, maybe corneotherapy wasn’t so “fluffy” after all. Stress, maskne, and post-pandemic skin crises pushed the industry to re-embrace the fundamentals and go back to skin basics.

Economic pressures and client savviness meant salons had to scrutinise equipment ROI and treatment profitability like never before. Therapists demanded real-world, relevant training — no fluff, no sales pitches, just education that mattered.

Community rose like a phoenix. Solo operators and home salons popped up everywhere, proving that connection, support, and collaboration could thrive even in isolation.

And decor? Welcome to the beige and bouclé everything, Beautiful, yes, but good luck keeping those textured reception chairs clean.

We’ve moved into our earthy era, flowy linen, sage green and micro cement vibes. Skin is in and we’ve ditched the full face and contour for a more fresh face and I like what I am seeing.

So, what’s next?

I predict we’ll see salons leaning even harder into personality. No more cookie-cutter blush walls or carbon-copy menus. Therapists will rebel against the “trend treadmill” and start building businesses that feel true to them, quirks and all. Clients aren’t just booking treatments anymore; they’re booking people. And what’s stayed the course?

Skin. Always skin. Through every fad, trend, Groupon disaster, and Instagram craze, our love affair with skin hasn’t wavered. It’s the common thread, the bilayers that binds us as an industry, and the thing that keeps us showing up every day.

Two decades in, I can honestly say, what a ride. I’m grateful to still be here, still learning, still laughing, and still in awe of this industry and the people who make it so damn special.

@expert_skin_therapist

10 minutes with Isabella Loneragan

2025 ABIA Individual Educator of the Year

By Louise May

When it comes to touch therapies, few names resonate as strongly as Isabella Loneragan. With over two decades in the industry, she has not only built and sold successful clinics, launched her own skincare line, and cultivated a respected media profile, but she has also redefined how therapists view facial massage.

As Australia’s first Buccal and Sculptural Lifting Specialist, Isabella has trained with masters in Paris, London, and beyond, fusing Buccal, Japanese Kobido, and Chinese Chuanzhi acupressure into her own signature approach.

Her ability to merge advanced technique with science, psychology, and the nervous system connection has seen her train more than 300 therapists and establish The Skinformé Academy, a platform that empowers practitioners to deliver facials that go far beyond skindeep. It’s an approach that has earned her widespread recognition, most recently being named ABIA 2025 Best Individual Educator.

Passionate, articulate, and unwavering in her belief that hands can achieve what machines cannot, Isabella is helping therapists transform not only their clients’ skin but their own confidence, clarity, and careers. Mocha Beauty Editor, Louise May, sat down with Isabella to talk about her journey, her philosophy, and why education with heart is her greatest calling.

You’ve studied under global masters in Buccal, Kobido and Chinese acupressure. How did you fuse these distinct traditions into a signature approach, and what makes your method stand apart in a crowded skin industry?

Each of these traditions – Buccal, Japanese Kobido, and Chinese acupressure – brings something profound to the table: internal release, structural lift, and energetic flow. But on their own, they can feel fragmented, or even overly focused on technique without context.

My method fuses them into a cohesive, nervous system-aware facial massage sequence that treats the whole face, and the person beneath it. It’s not about copying movements. It’s about understanding why each move matters: how it influences the fascia, lymphatic pathways, breath, and even internal organ health. When done correctly, it doesn’t just transform the face, it recalibrates the entire system.

But crafting the method was only half the challenge. Teaching it was another challenge entirely.

During my time running The Dermal Diary (Isabella Loneragan’s former business, prior to opening Isabella Loneragan Skin clinic), I had to train numerous therapists to deliver this work to the standard I demanded – not just for client results, but because they were representing my name and brand. I couldn’t simply give them a few lessons and hope for the best. It took years of refining the manual, the training language, the sequencing, and how to teach the art of touch.

Translating such a multi-layered, energetically complex modality into something teachable is a skill in itself, and it’s one I’ve spent years developing. The way I now train therapists at The Skinformé Academy is the result of countless iterations and real-world feedback.

What makes my method stand out in today’s saturated market isn’t just the technique. It’s the emotional intelligence, the energetic literacy, and the teachability of it. Today’s client doesn’t just want a facial. Today’s client wants a felt experience. And I’ve trained my therapists – and now my students – to deliver just that.

Isabella Loneragan

Facial massage is often dismissed as ‘just relaxing.’ What’s the biggest myth about touch therapies you’re determined to debunk?

I’m determined to debunk the myth is that relaxation is a luxury; because when in fact, it’s the prerequisite for transformation.

If the nervous system isn’t regulated, the skin won’t heal, the muscles won’t release, and the body won’t shift out of chronic tension.

Touch is one of the most primal tools we have. It speaks directly to the vagus nerve, it anchors us in the present, and it creates safety. When someone feels safe, their entire physiology changes.

As touch therapists, we’re not here to “pamper.” We’re here to repattern. And that’s an entirely different standard of care.

The Skinformé Academy puts hands before hardware. Why do you believe touch delivers results, and loyalty, in ways machines can’t?

Machines can create change; and they absolutely have a place in modern skin therapy. But while technology can stimulate the skin, it cannot build connection. And connection is what keeps clients coming back.

Touch-led treatments build trust, emotional safety, and sensory memory. Clients don’t return just because their skin looks better. They return because of how they felt in their skin after being seen, held, and treated with intention. Touch personalises every session. It responds in real time. It adapts to the client’s breath, micro-expressions, energy shifts, and body language – all of which are silent signals that machines can’t (yet!) adequately read.

The ability to notice those signals – such as a subtle clench of the jaw, a change in breath, a shift in tone – and then adjust your technique in response, is one of the most underrated yet powerful skills a therapist can develop. It’s also one of the most direct inroads to true client connection and long-term loyalty.

The Skinformé Academy is built around this philosophy: that your hands, when trained with precision, presence, and emotional intelligence, are your most powerful piece of equipment. And the return on the investment in training those hands, both energetically and commercially, is something no machine can replicate.

You teach therapists how to sculpt faces and build businesses. If you had to break it down: what’s the most overlooked factor holding good therapists back from growth?

Lack of clarity in their positioning. So many brilliant therapists don’t truly know what makes them different; and if they can’t articulate it, clients won’t feel it. You can be incredible at what you do, but if your menu is confusing, your messaging is generic, or you’re blending into the crowd, you’ll always be chasing clients instead of attracting them.

With my background in marketing and messaging, I teach therapists how to communicate their value with conviction amongst many other business essential lessons in my Business of Facials Masterclass (TM). I believe that clarity isn’t just a business tool. Clarity is an energetic shift. Once you own your point of difference, everything from pricing to retention changes.

Teaching emotional connection might seem intangible, but you’ve built an entire education model around it. How do you train therapists to create transformative experiences, not just treatments?

It starts with presence. You can’t create emotional safety for a client if you are rushed, burnt out, or disconnected from your own nervous system. So, the first step is getting therapists back into their bodies, that is, grounded, attuned, and aware.

From there, I teach structure. Because emotional connection isn’t just a ‘nice bonus’. Emotional connection is a deliberate part of the treatment. It’s built through intentional touch sequences, through pacing, breath, and micro-moments of attunement. There’s a rhythm to it. A psychology. It can be learned, practised, and refined.

But I think the most powerful part of the process is how I help therapists access and honour their intuition. That’s something we rarely talk about in clinical education, and it’s incredibly hard to teach in a technical sense. Yet, within this training model, therapists start to uncover it. And when they do, that’s the beginning of everything.

I am adamant that when intuition meets structure, that’s where real transformation happens; and that’s not just for the client, but for the therapist as well. That’s when we stop simply performing treatments… and start holding space. And that’s what makes clients feel truly seen, deeply cared for, and instinctively want to come back.

I never waited for permission. I invested in my education, I took risks, and I backed my hands. And yes, I failed forward more than once. But the through-line was always a clear why: I wanted to raise the standard of what a facial could be.

I instil that same mindset in my students by showing them that skill alone isn’t enough. You need business acumen, conviction in your voice, and a supportive community around you. That’s what I’ve built in The Skinformé Academy — not just a training platform, but a space where therapists evolve into leaders.

I also teach something that I believe is essential: there is enough business for everyone.

The moment you deeply understand your message – that is, your why, who it’s for, and how it solves their specific problem – traditional competition dissolves. It becomes irrelevant. You’re no longer trying to be for everyone but rather, you’re speaking directly to the people who need you.

When we shift from fear to clarity, from comparison to purpose, something incredible happens because we raise not just the standard of our industry but moreover, the attitude of the players within it. That’s the real transformation I’m here for and a fundamental reason as to why I’ve introduced The Skinformé Academy.

@isabellaloneragan @isabellaloneraganskin

Beauty by Beck .

By Guest Editor, Robyn McAlpine

From facials on a student budget to award-winning skin therapist and salon owner, Beck’s story is one of grit, growth, and glowing results. With over two decades in the industry, Beauty by Beck has become more than a salon, it’s created a space where clients feel at home, cared for, and confident in their own skin.

Beck’s journey reminds us that in a world of instant gratification, success doesn’t come overnight. It’s carved out through late nights at beauty school, leaps of faith into salon ownership, resilience through challenges, and a passion that never wavers.

We chatted with Beck to learn how she went from beauty school dreamer to multiple-location salon owner and recent Best in Skin Award winner, and what continues to keep her inspired in an everevolving industry.

Take us back to the beginning, what was the moment you knew beauty therapy was the path for you?

I’ve always been drawn to beauty. I still remember being in my late teens, sitting down to write a budget while living at home… rego, phone bill, petrol… and a facial. My dad laughed and said, “A facial? That’s not a necessity.” And I replied, “For me, it is!” It’s funny because my mum was never really into beauty, but something about it always pulled me in. In my early 20s, even with a great-paying job at the time, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was meant to be in this industry. So, I worked full-time during the day, put myself through

“FOR ME, EDUCATION IS MASSIVE AND KEEPS THE SPARK ALIVE. LEARNING NEW THINGS GETS YOU EXCITED ABOUT YOUR CRAFT”.

beauty school at night, and started doing work experience in a local salon on Thursday nights and Saturdays. I loved every minute of beauty school, and so did my mum, who became my model for most of my training! I love seeing that confidence shift in someone after a treatment. I love making people feel good… what an awesome job!

What made you take the leap from beauty therapist to salon ownership?

For me, I wanted more. This was back in 2006/2007, and at the time I didn’t feel valued at the salon I was working in. I knew I wanted to offer my clients more. I wanted to create a space where people felt completely comfortable, like they were visiting a friend, where it didn’t matter what you were wearing or how you looked coming in, but you always left feeling lighter and cared for. I got to the point where I felt confident enough to open my own space, and I knew I had a strong work ethic. It just felt like the right decision, and honestly, worst case, if it all went to shite, I could always look for a job at another salon! After 12 months I needed a bigger space and hired my first staff member, and at one point I even had three locations. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Winning the Best in Skin Awards is such a huge achievement. Beyond the trophy, what does that moment represent for you personally and professionally?

Personally, it felt like I could finally tell my inner voice to shut the hell up and accept that I was deserving. Like a massive pat on the back for all the hard work, the hours, and the effort I put in. Professionally, I had never entered anything like this, so being able to take my clients along for the ride and see them so happy and excited has been amazing. I feel it has turned long-time followers on social media into clients too.

Success often comes with lessons along the way. What’s one challenge you faced that ended up being a turning point for you?

After almost 19 years of owning my salon, I’ve faced many challenges, and each one has made me stronger while giving me the chance to reassess where I’m at. If something doesn’t feel right, I’ve learned the importance of making a change. On a personal level, I’ve been through the toughest times in my life, but I still had to show up every day for my clients. When you go through times like that, they fundamentally change you. They also put things in perspective.

Professionally, relocating to a bigger premises was a huge turning point. That leap pushed me outside my comfort zone, allowed me to hire more staff, and ultimately gave me the space to grow the business into what it is today.

COVID was another defining moment. With salon rent and bills still due, I had to think quickly about ways to keep generating income. I introduced at-home facial kits, at-home tinting kits, and sold a lot of Omnilux masks during that time! But beyond keeping the business running, it gave me the chance to really review the salon menu and reflect on what I was truly passionate about—and what would best serve our clients. I even used the opportunity to do a small salon renovation. That period forced me to think outside the box, get creative, and become even more resilient. It became a turning point that strengthened both me and the salon.

How would you describe your philosophy when it comes to treating skin? Has that evolved over the years?

Oh, I love this because it’s the biggest change I’ve seen in myself as a beauty therapist. What I do today is very different from what I was doing 23 years ago. For me now, it’s a holistic approach, barrier health, internal health, lifestyle… it all plays such a massive part. That’s why I love treating clients, it’s not just about what we put on their skin but helping educate them about why it’s so important to take care of yourself and how we make them feel. We have the opportunity to help someone who may not be in the best place, mentally or physically, truly feel cared for.

We all know there are hard days in this industry, no-shows, tricky clients, staffing stress. What’s your secret to still finding joy in your craft and keeping that spark alive?

For me, education is massive and keeps the spark alive. Learning new things gets you excited about your craft. I also think you must set boundaries, be true to your word, and know your worth. Hopefully, these things help keep the hard times more manageable. And of course, surround yourself with amazing humans so you can vent when all the above fails lol!

Beck is living proof that when passion meets persistence, the result isn’t just a thriving salon, it’s an industry standard worth celebrating. It’s a reminder to us all to keep learning, keep evolving and keep creating spaces where the client feels supported even beyond their in-salon appointments.

@expert_skin_therapist @beautybybeck

Industry News

MOCHA GROUP ANNOUNCED

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNERS FOR REGIONAL LONG LUNCH

Regional Beauty Long Lunch are beyond excited to announce that Mocha Group are the official media partners for their South Australia Lunch Event! Even more exciting, the incredible Linda Woodhead & Jarred Stedman will be attending the day – bringing their wealth of industry expertise, passion and energy to the Long Lunch.

Two incredible industry leaders, one unforgettable day of connection, inspiration and celebration.

The countdown to McLaren Vale is on – and with Mocha Group in the room, it’s going to be next-level!

SOUTH AUSTRALIA REGIONAL BEAUTY LONG LUNCH

Sun Oct 26, 2025

Scan the QR Code to get your tickets!

A Studio That Understands Our Industry.

There’s a new name making noise in the hair and beauty industry and it’s not a salon, clinic, product or a trend. It’s a space.

Ms Westie is Melbourne’s newest creative studio, purpose-built for personal branding, content creation, and education in the beauty and aesthetics space. Founded by Keira Maloney, a former industry HR/recruiter turned photographer, the studio sits perfectly between Mamawest and Miss Jay’s Nails, two well respected names in the industry. And that positioning? Not just physical, it’s philosophical.

“This space exists to help hair, beauty and aesthetic professionals show up like the experts they are,” says Keira. “You shouldn’t have to explain to your photographer what a skin booster is, or worry about having to give creative direction that appeals to your clientele.”

At Ms Westie, you’ll find:

• A portable treatment bed and sink area, so therapists that don’t want to shoot in their own space can capture services in action.

• Natural light, clean aesthetics, and space for full creative control

• The same setup used by award winning photographers for editorial competition shoots.

• Room to host workshops, education sessions or content days, perfect for coaches and educators who don’t have a fixed space

In a time when personal branding and digital presence are everything, Ms Westie offers more than a backdrop, it offers understanding. A photographer and content creator who speaks your language. A space that honours your industry. A studio that gets it right the first time.

For brands, coaches, therapists, and salon owners looking to elevate how they’re seen, this is the studio the industry’s been waiting for. Bookings & Enquiries: keiranicolephotography@gmail.com | @mswestie.studio

Sanctuary Skin Care, Sydney, has added the Byonik Pulse-Triggered Laser Facial to its treatment menu, aligning with the global trend toward barrier-first protocols. The treatment synchronises laser pulses with the client’s heart rate, working in tandem with hyaluronic antioxidant gels to leave skin looking hydrated, refreshed, and radiant.

Popularised in London by facialist Katie England, the Byonik approach reflects a shift from aggressive procedures to intelligent, comfort-led treatments. Sanctuary Skin Care says clients are increasingly drawn to options that feel restorative as well as results-driven. www.sanctuaryskincare.com.au

Sanctuary Skin Care Introduces Byonik to Sydney

Cosmetic Images Introduces CO2Lift Pro with RN Sheri-Lee Knoop

Perth clinic Cosmetic Images has introduced CO2Lift Pro, a professional-grade carboxytherapy gel mask, under the expertise of Sheri-Lee Knoop, RN. The treatment uses carbon dioxide to help support oxygenation, hydration, and visible skin radiance.

Sheri-Lee Knoop says CO2Lift Pro is increasingly popular with clients seeking treatments that complement clinical procedures. The soothing gel mask is designed to enhance comfort and refresh the skin’s appearance, making it a valuable option to pair with more intensive treatments or during recovery protocols. www.cosmeticimages.com.au

Beauty Expo Sydney: Where Innovation Meets Industry Passion

What an absolute whirlwind Beauty Expo Sydney was! The energy at the ICC was infectious, with beauty professionals from across Australia gathering to discover the latest trends, techniques, and technologies shaping our industry. For the Shortcuts team, it was three days of pure inspiration, connecting with passionate salon owners who are truly the heart of the beauty business. The conversations they had were eye-opening. Time and again, they heard the same story: beauty businesses are tired of juggling multiple systems that don’t actually solve their real problems. They’re seeking beauty salon software that understands the unique challenges they face – from seasonal fluctuations to the dreaded no-shows that can derail even the most organised day.

What struck them most was how savvy these business owners have become about protecting their cash flow. Gone are the days of simply hoping clients will turn up. Today’s successful beauty entrepreneurs

The beauty salon software

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Industry News

are implementing smart strategies to secure their revenue year-round, and they’re looking for spa software that supports these initiatives seamlessly.

The star of their expo conversations? Booking deposits and email pre-arrival forms within Shortcuts Fusion. Beauty professionals literally couldn’t get enough of hearing how these features are transforming businesses nationwide. One Melbourne-based beauty clinic owner told them she’d reduced no-shows by almost 80% since implementing booking deposits – that’s serious money staying in the bank where it belongs.

Email pre-arrival forms proved equally popular, with spa owners sharing how they’ve streamlined their consultation process whilst creating a more professional client experience. No more clipboards or rushed conversations –just smooth, efficient service that clients love and that keeps the appointment book flowing seamlessly.

What truly excited Shortcuts was witnessing the entrepreneurial spirit alive and well in the beauty industry. These business owners aren’t just passionate about creating beautiful results for their clients; they’re equally focused on building sustainable, profitable enterprises. They understand that the right salon management software isn’t just about booking appointments – it’s about creating systems that protect and grow their investment.

The appetite for beauty software solutions that actually address real-world challenges was palpable. From boutique day spas to busy beauty clinics, everyone wanted to know how technology could help them work smarter, not harder.

As they packed up their stand, they couldn’t help but feel energised by the innovation and determination they’d witnessed. Beauty Expo Sydney reminded them why they love serving this industry – these are business owners who deserve software that matches their passion and professionalism. Roll on next year!

If you’re a beauty business owner, and are looking for software that keeps going when the others stop, book a demo with Shortcuts today! www.shortcutssoftware.com/who-is-it-for/beauty-salons

A Bold New Video Podcast Where Real Conversations Meet Real Style

Global nail colour leader OPI, is thrilled to unveil its latest digital innovation – UnPolished, a fresh and unfiltered video podcast series hosted by lifestyle content creator, Simona Lattuca.

Blending beauty, authenticity, and conversation, UnPolished brings together powerful guests and powerful polish in each bite-sized episode. From bold entrepreneurs to culture shapers, each guest sits down for a candid chat with Simona all while getting their nails done with OPI.

The result? Real stories, shared over real manicures.

“UnPolished is a series of authentic conversations with some really fascinating guests, all whilst we get our nails done with OPI,” says Simona. “Each episode blends refreshing takes on femininity with some lighthearted fun, all while showcasing OPI’s range organically.”

Whether it’s swapping stories about success, identity, confidence or creativity, UnPolished offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be seen, heard, and styled all with a pop of OPI colour.

As Simona put it, “Is the nail salon the new golf course?” Her viral post, which sparked a conversation around redefining femininity and professionalism, highlights just how much beauty spaces like salons are evolving into modern networking hubs, spaces where authenticity meets

ambition.

“We wanted to create a space that felt intimate and fun; just like the salon chair,” says Simona.

“Some of the best conversations happen while you’re getting your nails done, and that’s exactly the energy we’ve captured with UnPolished.”

Each guest brings their story. OPI brings the colour.

With its finger on the pulse of pop culture and a brush dipped in bold selfexpression, UnPolished is a celebration of individuality and the beauty of being real… even if a little unpolished.

The first episode rolled out in July, featuring Chloe Barry-Hang. A voice known for breaking down barriers and building community through candid storytelling and style. Regardless of leaving her corporate job and becoming popular on socials, Chloe taps into her reason as to why she will never become a full-time influencer.

Since then episodes have been rolling out fortnightly with teasers of special guests such as Sally Hepworth, Chloe Morello, Anna Hoang, Zara Seidler and Tina Rahimi which launched on the @opiaustralia Instagram and @opi.australia TikTok.

Dateline Imports Launch Appraise 100% Vegan Lash & Brow Tints

Outstanding results made 100% vegan. Apraise Eyelash and Eyebrow Tints have been reformulated while still offering high performance and long-lasting colour. Available in Black, Blue Black, Graphite, Chestnut, Light Brown and Dark Brown these tints are designed to be intermixed for customisable colour.

Cruelty-free and made in the UK, Apraise Eyelash and Eyebrow Vegan Tints are infused with hyaluronic acid to nourish hair during the tinting process. Crafted to meet professional salon standards, Apraise Eyelash and Eyebrow Vegan Tints are available in supersized 20ml tubes for up to 40 applications, offering higher shine, higher coverage and stronger staining power. Enjoy up to 8 weeks of eyelash and eyebrow colour with a clear conscience.

Since 2014, Apraise has been loved by professionals in over 50 countries. Now a new era of Apraise begins with 100% vegan Eyelash and Eyebrow Tints, delivering the stunning colour and definition we demand from Apraise. Apraise is everything you need for perfectly defined eyelashes and eyebrows. Formulated with intention, crafted for professionals. Discover the new vegan formulas from Apraise, the eyelash and eyebrow experts. www.datelineimports.com.au

Where Beauty is Quiet, Strategic and Tailored

There’s a shift happening in aesthetic medicine, a quiet rebellion against the overfilled, overdone and overtly filtered. Leading the charge is Dr Rafael Mejian, a highly regarded cosmetic doctor whose philosophy is shaped not only by medical expertise, but by a lifelong practice of sculpture and design. His newly launched clinic Face Doctors brings a refined new lens to the industry, combining artistry, anatomy, and restraint to create beauty that feels personal, considered, and quietly powerful.

Located in Sydney’s CBD, Face Doctors doesn’t look or feel like a traditional cosmetic clinic. Every visit begins with a slow, doctor-led consultation, supported by 3D facial mapping, where each face is studied with the precision of a sculptor and the care of a physician. The goal isn’t a dramatic transformation but a quiet, strategic refinement. For Face Doctors, beauty is about restoring proportion, enhancing structure, and allowing each individual to feel like the most elevated version of themselves.

“Sculpting taught me to appreciate proportion and detail. When I look at a face, I’m thinking about how everything works together; it’s never about changing but about bringing balance back in a way that feels true to them,” says Dr Rafael.

This sense of intention carries through everything at Face Doctors, from the carefully curated product range and the calming, minimalist interiors to the techniques themselves. Dr Rafael is best known for Advanced Natural Volumisation, a precise, anatomy-led approach to restoring structure and facial balance without distortion or heaviness. The clinic’s menu includes biostimulators, thread lifts, Rejuran, luxury facials and cutting-edge light and laser therapies, all performed exclusively by experienced doctors.

Dr Rafael is also a respected educator, having trained cosmetic doctors and nurses at institutions like ACAM and DermaMedical. A continual student of design and discipline, he was one of the early adopters of ultrasound-guided injectables in Australia, and his personal approach (rooted in longevity, safety and subtlety) is fast becoming the new benchmark in premium aesthetic care.

For those looking for a more thoughtful approach to cosmetic care, Face Doctors offers trusted expertise, subtle results, and a personalised experience from start to finish. www.facedoctors.com.au

Maria Enna-Cocciolone

Forty years shaping an industry!

By Louise May

In every industry there are those who quietly alter its course. For the Australian professional beauty industry, one of those figures is Maria EnnaCocciolone. Over four decades she has risen from therapist to founder, from educator to industry leader. Her story is not one of overnight success but of persistence, principle, and a vision that has never wavered.

The Early Years

Maria began her career in the treatment room as a young therapist. At that time beauty therapy was still striving for recognition as a professional pathway. She quickly discovered that the work went far beyond appearance. It was about understanding the science of skin, providing care, and building confidence.

Those formative years taught her to listen closely to clients, to observe carefully, and to respect the responsibility that comes with treating someone’s skin. She learned that success in beauty depended not on products alone but on trust, education, and the quality of the professional behind the service. These early lessons would anchor her for the rest of her career.

Building Knowledge and Perspective

Maria’s curiosity and ambition led her into new roles. She became an educator, sharing her skills with the next generation. She moved into sales and management, gaining insight into the commercial realities that drive the sector. Each position gave her a wider view of the industry and the challenges it faced.

She saw salon owners struggling with brands that promised more than they delivered. She saw professionals asked to sell products they did not fully believe in. She recognised the frustration of clients who expected results but were often let down. From this experience came the clarity that would shape her next chapter: the industry needed brands that respected therapists, supported businesses, and delivered outcomes clients could see and feel.

INSKIN COSMEDICS

In 2007 Maria founded INSKIN COSMEDICS. Her vision was clear from the outset. She wanted to create a company that worked in partnership with professionals, that offered not only products but education, and that put integrity above empty promises.

From its beginnings INSKIN built a reputation for trust and authenticity. Maria surrounded herself with people who shared her values and fostered a culture where long-term relationships mattered more than short-term gain. INSKIN became the platform from which she could launch brands that lived up to her philosophy.

The launch of O COSMEDICS

In 2010 she introduced O COSMEDICS, the brand that would define her career. It was born from a determination to create a professional skincare line that blended scientific innovation with a respect for skin health.

O COSMEDICS entered the market with a strong identity. It was Australian made, cruelty free, vegan friendly, and committed to transparency. It positioned itself as a cosmedical brand, designed to bridge the gap between cosmetic beauty and medical science. From the beginning its focus was on results, education, and the empowerment of professionals. The launch of O COSMEDICS signalled a turning point. It set new standards in professional skincare, encouraging therapists to deepen their knowledge and giving clients access to products they could trust.

Fifteen years of O COSMEDICS

In 2025 O COSMEDICS reached its fifteenth year. Longevity of this kind is rare in an industry defined by trends and constant change. The brand has not only endured but expanded. Today it is established in clinics across Australia and has reached international markets including Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Canada.

The success of O COSMEDICS is measured not just in its reach but in the loyalty it commands. Professionals continue to recommend it because they know it performs. Clients stay with it because they see results. Its reputation has been earned through consistent delivery and a steadfast commitment to education.

For Maria the anniversary marked more than a commercial milestone. It was evidence that a brand built on integrity can last, grow, and lead.

Beyond O COSMEDICS

While O COSMEDICS remains at the centre of her story, Maria’s vision has extended further. She developed GINGER&ME in 2016, a line that combines effective skincare with an emphasis on mindfulness and self-care, recognising the growing importance of wellbeing in beauty. More recently she launched INSKIN.CO, created to make quality active skincare accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing standards.

Each brand speaks to a different need, yet all share the same foundation: respect for the professional, respect for the client, and a commitment to quality.

Recognition in the Hall of Fame

In 2025 Maria was inducted into the ABIA Hall of Fame. This honour is reserved for individuals whose contributions have left a permanent mark on the industry. Her induction recognised not only her personal achievements but the way she has raised standards across the sector.

The Hall of Fame acknowledged her forty years of service, fifteen years of O COSMEDICS, and her ongoing influence as a leader and mentor. It was a moment of celebration for the thousands of therapists and salon owners who have worked with her, learned from her, and trusted her vision.

A year of legacy and loss

Amid the celebrations of 2025 came personal loss, with the recent passing of Maria’s beloved mum. Her dad had passed some years earlier, and together their absence has been deeply felt. Yet their influence continues to guide her. Her parents instilled in her values of integrity, humility, and kindness. These qualities are evident in her leadership, in the way she treats her team, and in the uncompromising standards she demands of her work. In many ways the successes of this year stand as a tribute to them. Their lessons remain at the core of her journey and the strength of her legacy.

Forty years of influence

Reaching forty years in any profession is an achievement. To do so in an industry as dynamic as beauty, while remaining relevant and respected, is rare. Maria has managed both.

Across four decades she has seen trends rise and fall, technologies transform, and consumer expectations evolve. Through it all she has held firm to her principles. She has consistently prioritised education, championed professionals, and placed honesty above hype. Her influence is evident in the clinics that stock her brands, in the professionals who have grown under her guidance, and in the clients whose lives have been changed through better skin health.

Looking ahead

Maria’s story is far from finished. She continues to innovate, to support professionals, and to build brands that reflect her vision. Her focus remains on long-term growth, on education as the foundation of success, and on maintaining the values that have defined her career. The next chapter promises new opportunities and challenges, but her history suggests she will face them with the same clarity and conviction that have carried her this far.

A lasting legacy

Maria Enna-Cocciolone’s career is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, hard work, and integrity. Her forty years in the industry, the success of O COSMEDICS, and her induction into the Hall of Fame are milestones that speak for themselves. Yet her true legacy lies in the trust she has built, the standards she has raised, and the inspiration she provides to others.

Her journey is still unfolding, but her influence is already secure. She has shaped not just brands, but an industry.

CELEBRATE SUPPORT &

Among the night’s most prestigious winners were QLD’s Oi Cosmetic Studio for ABIA Australian Salon/Spa/Clinic of the Year 2025 (4 Treatment Rooms or Less), WA’ s LoveBeauty Skin Clinic for ABIA Australian Salon/Spa/ Clinic of the Year 2025 (5 Treatment Rooms or More) and in an ABIA first the New Zealand salon of the year went to The Beauty Room. Special honourees included Robyn McAlpine who was awarded Humanitarian of the Year and Maria Cocciolone who was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The 2025 event marked a major milestone for the ABIAs with inclusion of New Zealand entries for the first time, whilst creators Mocha Group were celebrating 20 years of industry leadership. Across 33 categories, the awards saw a 15% increase in entries, with winners chosen by an esteemed judging panel of leading professionals, celebrated for their business insight and creative expertise. The evening also unveiled the 2025 Beauty Squad, spotlighting our most exciting emerging talent.

An ode to focus, precision, and the power of reflection, the evenings opener lit up the room with a razor-sharp

2025 ABIA WINNERS

JUNIOR THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by Aust Dermal Science Institute

Brianna Smith

BEAUTY THERAPIST OF THE YEAR

Celebrating the Special Award Winners at the 2025 ANZ Beauty Industry Awards

The ANZ Beauty Industry Awards are always a highlight on the professional calendar, but it’s the Special Awards that truly capture the heart of our community. These honours go beyond business success or creative skill, they celebrate the lifetime legacies, the humanitarian spirit, and the rising stars who will define the future.

This year, three very special announcements lit up the stage:

ABIA Humanitarian of the Year: Robyn McAlpine

A clinic owner, author, speaker, mentor and skin expert, Robyn McAlpine has dedicated her life to education, empowerment and transformation—both in skin health and humanity.

Her humanitarian journey began in 2013, when a chance meeting with a young boy named Shah in India inspired the creation of Project.30.one. With the support of her clients, Robyn raised $20,000 to ensure Shah became the first in his family to complete school and attend university. Shah’s success— graduating with distinction, completing a Masters, and securing a job in Dubai—was just the beginning.

Robyn went on to support more children in India with medical care, climb Everest, and direct her clinic to raise funds for causes from the 2020 Black Summer fires to Share the Dignity, Camp Quality, and more. Most recently, through her Transforming Beauty initiative, she has partnered with a shelter in the Himalayas to help girls rescued from human trafficking, delivering supplies and beauty training programs that provide both skills and hope. Robyn’s unwavering drive, compassion, and humanity remind us all that beauty is not just skin deep—it can change lives.

ABIA Hall of Fame: Maria Enna-Cocciolone

From a garage in suburban Sydney to a global footprint, Maria EnnaCocciolone, CEO and Founder of Inskin Cosmedics, has built one of the most powerful legacies in the Australian and New Zealand beauty landscape.

In 2007, she began with a distribution company and just two international brands. By 2010, she had created O Cosmedics, a professional skincare range that not only filled a gap in the market but defined a new category altogether. Over the years, she launched two more skincare brands, built a manufacturing facility, and expanded internationally into five countries. But Maria’s influence extends far beyond products. She has fostered a business culture grounded in transparency, empowerment, and kindness. During COVID, she stepped up as a true leader, providing daily livestreams, free education for 2,000+ therapists, and support that welcomed 900 new stockists in the hardest of times.

Now, celebrating 40 years in the industry and 15 years of O Cosmedics, Maria remains the only Australian to have created three professional skincare brands from scratch. Her induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to her vision, resilience, and the generations of professionals she continues to inspire.

Beauty Squad 2025

Sponsored by Inskin Cosmedics, Elleebana, Gay Wardle Skin Institute, and Dermapenworld, the Beauty Squad is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders through mentorship, prizes, and an exclusive stay in the Beauty Squad House.

This year’s four winners represent the energy, talent, and passion driving the future of our industry:

• Bel Macri – Cosmedica Skin

• Bre Sanders – Sense of Skin and Beauty

• Demi-Louise Hannaford – Skintifix

• Stacey Moore – Dermal Skin Co

Over the next 12 months, these rising stars will be mentored by some of the industry’s leading lights, gaining skills and experiences that will shape their careers for years to come.

A Night of Legacy, Heart, and Future

From Robyn McAlpine’s extraordinary humanitarian work to Maria EnnaCocciolone’s lifetime legacy, to the promise of the 2025 Beauty Squad, these Special Awards highlight everything that makes our industry remarkable. Heritage, humanity, and hope—all celebrated under one roof at the ANZ Beauty Industry Awards.

The Mocha Group congratulates all our winners and looks forward to the inspiration they will continue to bring to the professional beauty community.

Hall of Fame: Maria Enna-Cocciolone

Hall of Fame: Maria EnnaCocciolone

Hall of Fame: Maria EnnaCocciolone with sponsor, Otto Mitter, Elleebanna

Humanitarian of the Year: Robyn McAlpine

Beauty Squad 2025 Sponsored By Inskin Cosmedics, Elleebana, Gay Wardle Skin Institute, and Dermapenworld

Humanitarian of the Year: Robyn McAlpine with Louise May

MATTER OF FACT uses patented technologies* to deliver proven actives—like Vitamin C and Retinol— more effectively to the skin. Every formula undergoes thousands of hours of independent clinical testing, ensuring results that are not just promised, but proven.

By targeting multiple skin concerns from multiple angles, our formulations streamline both in-clinic treatments and at-home maintenance. For professionals, that means fewer steps, faster outcomes, and more efficient protocols—without compromising efficacy.

SIMPLIFIED EFFICACY – Powerful ingredients designed to work across all skin types and multiple concerns

TREATMENT-READY FORMULATIONS – Gentle on sensitive skin, potent enough for high-performance results

DATA YOU CAN DEPEND ON – A clinical commitment supported by independent, unbiased testing on every final formula

Meet the 2025 ABIA

Over the next few issues we will introduce you to all 4 newly named ABIA Beauty Squad members

In this issue, MEET DEMI-LOUISE HANNAFORD:

When it comes to passion, perseverance, and purpose, Demi-Louise is a shining example of all three. After being crowned ABIA Beauty Therapist of the Year in 2024, her momentum hasn’t slowed for a moment. This year, she steps into an exciting new chapter as one of just four therapists announced as part of the ABIA 2025 Beauty Squad. A recognition that celebrates rising leaders shaping the future of beauty.

With almost a decade of experience behind her, Demi-Louise has carved out a reputation for her dedication to skin health, her commitment to education, and her ability to empower clients to feel confident in their own skin. From her work as Senior Skin Therapist at SkintifiX, to her growing role as a mentor and leader within her team, she has proven that excellence is as much about heart and humility as it is about results.

Mocha Beauty Editor Louise May, had the pleasure of chatting with DemiLouise about her journey so far, what it means to be part of the Beauty Squad, and the exciting opportunities she sees ahead.

What made you want to be a Beauty Therapist?

I actually thought I wanted to work in childcare at first! I started doing my Cert 3 through school, but during my prac, I realised it probably wasn’t for me… At the same time, I was doing a beauty course and was really loving it! I ended up leaving school to do my Diploma of Beauty Therapy full time. A few months before I was due to finish studying, I got my first job in a salon, and it honestly felt like I was living in a dream! Having clients leave smiling and feeling confident gave me such a sense of joy, and I knew that this was what I was meant to do.

What kind of treatment is your favourite and why?

Skin all day every day!!! I love, love, love helping people feel confident and comfortable in their skin. Facials are definitely my favourite; I love creating a space for clients to truly relax and unwind.

Demi-Louise Hannaford

How do you manage life and work balance?

I’m a big believer in a 4-day work week. Self-care is a big priority for me, I think especially in an industry where we are constantly creating that space for clients to switch off and recharge, it’s so important for us to also do the same.

Who inspires you in the industry and why?

Gosh, there’s so many inspiring people in our industry! Without sounding like a total suck-up, my boss, Robyn McAlpine is a huge inspiration to me and is my biggest cheerleader. How she manages to do everything she does, I will never know. I also really look up to Jacinta Curnow and love what she has created for herself and her business!

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?

Probably Tamara Reid. She’s been in the industry for so long and has had many different roles, I’d love to pick her brain and learn more about what else our industry has to offer!

How important is training and education for you?

Sooooo important! Educating clients on the ins and outs of the skin, is a big part of my job, so staying up to date is crucial. You can never know enough about the skin and how it works, I’m continuously learning and refreshing what I know!

Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Beauty Squad team? And what are you looking forward to with the Squad House?

I’m really looking forward to connecting with the other Squad girls and getting to know more people in the industry! I can’t wait to meet everyone and soak up all the knowledge and everything that this opportunity has to offer!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I’d love to one day have my own little clinic. And to live on a small lot of land with some ducks and chickens, that’s the dream ha-ha!

FUN SNAPSHOT

Fave Place to Holiday? Anywhere tropical and warm! Give me a beach and a good book and I’m a happy gal!

Fave Drink? Iced oat latte, I cannot function without coffee

Fave Food? I’m a sucker for a little sweet treat, I love cake haha!

Fave type of Music/song? Gosh, my music taste is so broad. I’m a big Katy Perry fan though and still love all the nostalgic songs that I grew up listening to.

If you weren’t a Beauty Therapist, you would be a….? Asking the tough questions now! I honestly have no idea; Beauty Therapy is all I know at this point! Maybe something in community care? I just really enjoy helping people.

@skintifix

How to serve sustainability in the beauty and aesthetics industry and why eco-friendly practices matter?

By Winner of ABIA 2024 Best Eco Salon/Clinic – Sara Bowtell (House of Samara)

Fellow salon owners have been curious about my sustainability journey and eco-friendly practices and have asked how they can start their own salon sustainability journey. The most common questions I hear are: Is it time consuming? Does it require a large financial outlay? Is it actually worth it?

So, before I begin, grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy what I promise is a short and insightful read that will make you re-think the sustainable practices in your business!

My experience of operating a sustainable skin and nutrition clinic is that you can start small because small ideas lead to bigger ideas and bigger ideas create change. Sustainability is ever evolving and starts with simplicity and goals that are achievable you don’t need to do anything complicated or expensive to start with. Think about the small changes you can make in your own business.

Take the drink cup you are holding in your hand for instance, have a good look at it what is it made of? Is it a disposable cup if so, how many of these are you using in a day, how about your team and customers? If you add that little number up that’s a lot of cups that are single use that are being used each day, and the yearly figure may take you by surprise! Do the same for water if you are using bottled water for clients how many bottles are you going through per day, per week and per year? Whilst plastic water bottles are recyclable if we install a water station, we take the need to recycle out of the equation. It’s also going to be a more cost effective for you as a business owner and better for the planet.

Now let’s go back to the simple disposable cup in your hand and the fact that they are a pretty tricky thing to recycle. The biggest issue with disposable cups is the plastic lining that makes them waterproof which means they are unable to be recycled with paper or if compostable outside of a dedicated composting recycling system. The plastic lining is also problematic for the environment taking up to 30 years to breakdown and are also not so great for our health and wellbeing.

As you know Australians love their coffee with 2.7-5 million cups going into landfill every single day which is absolutely eye watering! When I first heard this statistic, this was one of the first changes that I made in my business and switched to reusable keep cups and a water station for clients.

Now the great thing about reusable keep cups is that not only are they keeping waste out of landfill and reducing your carbon emissions they are a nifty little marketing tool. Having your own beautiful business branding on the reusable cup for yourself and all your staff members is a winner. It will not only create awareness in your local community about your salon or skin business but will also demonstrate that you are committed to reducing your environmental footprint! Australian consumers have demonstrated a preference for clean beauty along with sustainability and eco-friendly practices if you aren’t across these preferences or are yet to think about eco-friendly practices now might be a good time to start as the industry is moving that way.

Serving sustainability in the beauty and aesthetics industry can commence with something as simple as the cup you are serving your drinks in. It’s a cost-effective, meaningful and sustainable first step towards building ecofriendly practices in your business.

Now that I’ve got you thinking about one small change that you can make in your salon, clinic or spa in the next edition we are going to take a deeper dive and investigate what other areas of your business may have room for improvement.

@sarahouseofsamara

The Power of Community over Competition.

By Guest Editor Robyn McAlpine

From mean girls to girls girls, how the beauty industry is embracing community over competition. It’s no secret that the Beauty Industry can feel like a battlefield. The guarding of secrets, the competition and usual “if they win, I lose” side-eye at every industry event.

But instead of winning, it drives intimidation and isolation as we retreat to the safety of our own salon walls, going it alone because peace is better than drama, right?

But the real kicker is, we are all facing the same battles, all have the same fears, and all want the same thing, to serve our clients and finish the day, proud of what we do.

As humans we are wired and designed for connection. We thrive in relationship with others and it’s so important for our mental health and wellbeing. When we are connected, that energy flows into every client interaction, every treatment, and every decision we make.

“It can be tough working alone, long hours among all the other challenges of running a business and supporting clients, having a community of supportive people is so important to help stay inspired, for mental wellbeing, to ask any questions at all and stay up to date with what’s important in the industry.” Rachael Bellinger- Skinside Out Squad member

When I started the Skinside Out Squad, I knew I was creating a platform for education delivered in a language beauty therapists could understand. I knew I was pioneering something that would elevate the way our industry thinks and acts in the treatment room, and I did set out knowing that there would be a way for members to connect with like-minded therapists.

BUT what I didn’t realise at the time was the accidental rebellion I had begun, simply by creating a space where collaboration and community were the culture.

It’s easy to share the wins, but what about in those times that are hard, when you feel like nothing is going right? Where can you be vulnerable and ask for help?

It’s not posting anonymously in the Facebook group of 5000 strangers, popcorn in hand, ready to use your vulnerability to feel better about their own situation or to weed through advice poorly disguised as a sale’s pitch.

True community is where you know you can have a vulnerable moment and be uplifted by people who willingly share their experience in order to support you in yours.

It’s creating safety to fail and celebrating each other’s wins without it diminishing our own.

Sounds like utopia, right?

But tapping into a community is simple if you know where to look.

1: Start with values, not Popularity.

Notice who you admire, who you’d trust with your client’s skin, and who shares the same approach to integrity in our industry. What spaces are they spending their time in?

Proximity doesn’t matter as much as

alignment. Love your skin care brand community? Start there, then look beyond.

2: Then test the waters.

This means you’ll need to put yourself out there. Scary, especially if your first experience wasn’t all warm fuzzies. Join forums, attend events, follow those you admire and engage genuinely. Don’t just scroll, contribute. You’ll always get out what you put in, and even the smallest contributions can ripple outward. Share not just your wins, but also your struggles. Lead with your values, and if something feels out of alignment, trust that instinct. You’ll know when it’s time to move along and continue your mission.

3: If you can’t find the right circle?

Create your own. True community doesn’t just fall into your lap, it’s built, often by someone brave enough to go first. That’s you. It takes leaders to step up and say, “Hey, let’s do this differently.”

And remember, it’s not about the size of the group, it’s about the intention behind it. One genuine connection, a friend who truly gets the highs and lows of salon life, is worth a thousand surface-level acquaintances. Start with a cuppa with your local industry friends, a virtual sip and salon chat with people you meet online.

The good news? The right ones do exist. I know, because I’ve been part of building one, a space where therapists who once felt isolated, now feel like they’ve found their people. And that’s when this industry truly transforms when we stop going it alone.

A community doesn’t just impact the therapist, it impacts clients through better care, the industry rises to a higher standard and families, benefit from happier, less stressed salon owners. That’s the power of belonging.

Whether it’s over a coffee, a Zoom, or a quick check-in at an event, there’s a circle ready to catch you when the day feels heavy. You are not alone, and the industry shines brighter when we rise together.

Robyn xx @expert_skin_therapist

NEXUS 2025: Where Science, Strategy and Aesthetics Intersect.

The aesthetics industry is at a crossroads. Advances in technology, growing regulatory expectations, and the rising demand for evidence-based treatments are reshaping how clinics operate and how practitioners deliver results. Into this landscape comes NEXUS 2025, a new industry event designed to bring clarity, connection, and forward-thinking dialogue to medicalaesthetic professionals across Australia.

Presented by ParagonCare Aesthetics in partnership with Classys, NEXUS 2025 will debut on Saturday, 8 November 2025, at the Taronga Zoo Institute in Sydney. More than just another conference, the summit is designed as a meeting point for science, strategy, and innovation, where clinical expertise sits alongside operational insight and business growth.

A Program with Practical Impact

The backbone of the event is education. From CPD-eligible clinical sessions to leadership keynotes and hands-on demonstrations, the program is engineered for immediate relevance.

Dr Davin Lim, dermatologist and educator, will headline with a deep dive into evidence-based protocols and complication management. Known for his direct and practical approach, Dr Lim will arm attendees with frameworks for treating complex cases while keeping safety front and centre.

Dr Scott Allison, whose work spans both surgical and nonsurgical aesthetics, will address the synergy between the two fields and how practitioners can manage challenges when the lines blur. His session will highlight how careful planning and communication are key to ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Dr Cosima Karburger will bring her expertise in dermatology and skin health to the stage, focusing on structured case management and treatment planning. Her presentation will underscore the importance of tailoring protocols to patient needs while maintaining compliance with clinical standards. Together, these clinical sessions promise not just theoretical learning, but tools practitioners can integrate into their clinics straight away.

Looking Ahead: Leadership and AI

Beyond clinical training, the program also addresses the human and technological dimensions of practice.

Hayden Turner, National Geographic presenter and Australian zookeeper, will deliver a keynote on leadership under pressure. Drawing on years of experience in extreme environments, Turner will explore how lessons from the field can be applied to the clinic, from building culture to strengthening communication and resilience.

On the technology front, Nick Abrahams, futurist and AI business builder, will unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare. His keynote will cut through the hype to explore what’s working, what’s failing, and what’s next. From precision medicine to AI-driven workflows, he will highlight both the opportunities and the pitfalls, helping practitioners understand how to embrace innovation responsibly.

Immersive Learning in Action

Beyond theory, NEXUS 2025 offers hands-on immersive sessions, giving attendees the opportunity to engage with technology directly. Central to this is Ultraformer®, the flagship HIFU device from Classys, alongside other cuttingedge products from the ParagonCare Aesthetics portfolio. The format allows practitioners to move between rotating

training stations, deepening their understanding of energybased devices and their role in treatment planning.

The summit will be guided by Laura Csortan, television presenter and experienced emcee, who will keep the program flowing, facilitate Q&A, and transitions across the day.

Why It Matters

The launch of NEXUS 2025 signals more than just another date in the industry calendar. It reflects a shift towards holistic professional development in aesthetics –where clinical outcomes, patient safety, and business sustainability are equally prioritised. In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny and increasingly discerning patients, events like NEXUS provide a forum for practitioners to not only learn but to align on best practice.

For partners like Classys, the event is also a showcase of commitment to the Australian market. Known globally for innovations in non-invasive technology, from HIFU to monopolar RF, microneedle RF, and advanced laser systems, Classys combines product excellence with comprehensive training and dedicated local support. Their involvement underscores a key message: technology is only as valuable as the knowledge and confidence with which it is used.

The Details

• Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025

• Venue: Taronga Zoo Institute, Sydney

• Schedule: Registration from 9:00 am, full-day summit, followed by a cocktail networking event

• Audience: Registered health professionals, dermal clinicians, practice managers, and clinic owners

• Tickets: Complimentary for existing ParagonCare Aesthetics clients; general admission $145 (includes CPD hours, catering, goodies bag, and cocktail party)

• Capacity: Limited; priority for clinical practitioners

• Registration: Eventbrite

An Invitation to the Future

With its blend of clinical education, leadership insight, and business foresight, NEXUS 2025 is more than a summit, it’s a statement of intent. The event calls on Australia’s medicalaesthetic community to come together, learn from leading voices, and shape the future of practice.

In a setting as unique as Taronga Zoo, surrounded by the energy of peers and the perspective of industry leaders, NEXUS 2025 promises not only knowledge but connection. And in a field defined by constant evolution, those connections may prove just as valuable as the content itself.

As an exclusive for Mocha readers, complimentary tickets are available with the dedicated Mocha code. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this landmark event — secure your place today. Scan the QR code to register now and join NEXUS 2025.

Dr Cosima Karburger

Dr David Lim

Nick Abraham

Dr Scott Allison

Hayden Turner

Laura Csortan

AN EVENT BLENDING SCIENCE, ART AND PROFIT IN MEDICAL AESTHETICS

A ONE-DAY, EDUCATION FORUM DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR AUSTRALIA’S MEDICAL -AESTHETIC PROFESSIONALS.

Exclusive product launches and live demonstrations.

Keynote presentations from global and local experts.

A world-class venue overlooking Sydney Harbour. A premium networking experience with industry peers.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Exclusive product launches and live demonstrations

• Keynote presentations from global and local experts

• A world-class venue overlooking Sydney Harbour

• A premium networking experience with industry peers

With Special Guest MC: LAURA CSORTAN

SPEAKER SESSIONS:

Evidence-based protocols, case frameworks, and complication management delivered by:

• Dr Davin Lim, Dermatologist

• Dr Scott Allison

• Dr Cosima Karburger

Translating lessons from the field into clinic culture, communication, and resilience delivered by:

• Hayden Turner (National Geographic presenter / Australian zookeeper)

• AI and Healthcare: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next delivered by

• Nick Abrahams (Futurist & AI Business Builder)

VALUED AT $145 PER TICKET! THIS EVENT IS FREE TO ALL MOCHA BEAUTY READERS YOU MUST REGISTER! SCAN THE QR CODE TO REGISTER AND CLAIM YOUR FREE TICKET!

presented by

TARONGA ZOO INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND LEARNING. SYDNEY

Salty Kisses Day Spa: A Story of Heart and Community

By Louise May

Salty Kisses Day Spa was truly created from the heart. In 2009, Danielle Spalding and her family arrived in Gympie, seeking a temporary home during the financial crisis, but the welcoming spirit and warmth of the people soon turned our stay into something permanent. Gympie became more than just a place to live; it became their home.

When Danielle found a charming old Queenslander in the heart of the medical precinct, she felt an immediate connection. Without a set plan, but with a strong desire to make a difference for others, Salty Kisses took shape. What started as a simple salt room and a heartfelt dream, has blossomed into a sanctuary where people go to relax, restore, and feel truly cared for.

Now, more than a decade later, they are deeply grateful to the Gympie community for embracing them. Salty Kisses stands as more than a spa; it is a space built with love and where every treatment is given with the care and kindness that began their journey.

Their Inspiration

The inspiration for Salty Kisses comes from personal experience with both love and loss. After their family lost a loved one who struggled with mental health, asthma, and skin conditions, they found comfort in Gympie’s supportive community. This kindness clarified their vision: to create a sanctuary for others facing similar challenges. From an initial salt room and a simple idea, Salty Kisses has evolved into a place of healing and connection, built in memory of their loved one. It is not only a day spa, but a legacy of compassion and care, inspired by the Gympie community and created for its people.

What Makes Salty Kisses Unique

Salty Kisses is a true retreat for anyone needing a break, healing, or a sense of belonging. Their goal has always been to provide a safe, nurturing environment where every guest is seen and cared for. Beyond traditional beauty and spa treatments, they offer something rarer: genuine human connection.

From the moment you enter, you are welcomed with warmth. Danielle and the team at reception are ready to listen and make sure your visit is special from the very start. At Salty Kisses, the experience is not just about services – it’s about the heart behind every gesture.

The Salt Room Experience

The salt room features a medical-grade halo generator, dispersing pure salt into the air for guests to breathe. These fine salt particles cleanse and open the respiratory system, supporting clearer breathing, deeper sleep, and a stronger immune system.

Salt therapy also benefits the skin by balancing its natural pH and protecting against the environment. The salt room itself is a peaceful haven, a place to unwind, find calm, and support your mental well-being. This natural therapy soothes both body and mind.

Noel and Danielle Spalding

Adding a Café to the Spa

From the start, our café has played a central role, bringing people together and fostering conversation and healing. Danielle believed –and still believes – that a warm chat over coffee or tea is essential to building those much-needed connections, at the core of Salty Kisses’ ethos.

After a year living in Europe, their family opened a café in Noosa. With years of coffee experience, it felt natural to combine their passion for wellness with their love of coffee. They also serve healthy, raw cakes –the perfect treat for relaxation. The café brings an extra layer of comfort to the Salty Kisses experience.

Partnership and Support

Building Salty Kisses alongside her, is husband, Noel, and he has been invaluable. When they first bought the building, he commuted from Brisbane to help with renovations and the planning needed to bring their dream to life. Salty Kisses wouldn’t exist without his dedication. Today, even while working full-time, Noel remains the business’s backbone, caring for the gardens, managing the courtyard, and even helping with spa washing, a four-to-five-hour job each night. His ongoing support keeps everything running smoothly.

Team Culture

The staff are their greatest asset, with many team members staying for over three years, a testament to the positive, supportive culture they nurture. They value ongoing learning, growth, and training for every team member.

They focus on creating a friendly, welcoming workplace where everyone enjoys going to work. Loving what you do matters, and at Salty Kisses, they encourage passion, enjoyment, and growth for all.

Their Choice: Circadia

Circadia was chosen for its strong support, educational focus, and strategic marketing. This partnership has helped Salty Kisses become Gympie’s leading skin spa. From first facials to memberships, their clients have benefitted greatly.

The team values the ongoing training and guidance, and their BDM, Nicola, has played a key role. Circadia has supported both client results and the spa’s growth.

Favourite Circadia Products

• Amandola Milk Cleanser – Creamy, beautifully scented, and versatile. Doubles as a mask and suits all skin types.

• Cyto-comm Serum – Remarkable cell communication, repair & restructuring.

• Bright White Serum – Excellent for treating pigmentation; has made a visible difference with sun damage.

Salty Kisses Proudest Moment

Their biggest milestone was opening their doors after more than a year of navigating local council processes and overcoming scepticism. With the help of supportive councillors and the town planner, they made their dream a reality. That opening day remains unforgettable for them.

@salty_kisses_spa

Beyond Skin: Transformations Built on Trust

By Louise May

Since opening its doors in 2014, Farrago Skin & Body has become one of Adelaide’s most trusted destinations for advanced skin health. At the helm is founder and skin expert Josie Caruso, whose vision was to create a clinic where results and relationships go hand in hand

With a focus on education, personalised care, and evidence-based treatments, Josie and her team have built a reputation for delivering more than great skin, they’ve built a community where clients feel truly supported on their journey to confidence and wellbeing.

Editor of Mocha Beauty Louise May, chats with Josie, as she shares her insights into Farrago’s growth, the philosophy behind the clinic, and what continues to inspire her work today.

Tell us about you and your journey in the industry (how it all began) andtell us about Farrago Skin & Body, and what makes it unique to others around you?

After years of managing day spas, skin clinics, and later working as a BDM for an international skincare brand, I saw what worked, what didn’t, and the gap that existed in Adelaide. I wanted to create a space that combined clinical treatments and medical grade skincare with genuine warmth and a client experience with a point of difference. Farrago was born from that vision, a results driven clinic with a culture built on consistency, education, and care. What makes us unique is that we don’t just treat skin, we build relationships. Every client feels seen, heard, and supported, with treatments tailored just for them.

Your clinic has recently undergone a beautiful renovation. What was your vision for the new space, and how did you want clients to feel when they walk through the door?

The vision was always to create a space that felt calm, inviting, and elevated. Where clients instantly feel at ease and leave the busyness of life behind. Every detail, from the lighting to the textures, was designed to create a sense of comfort and care. When I relocated in 2020 during Covid, I was still a sole trader. Within 18 months, the business grew to a team of seven, expanding into the shop next door to create more treatment rooms. The renovation reflects that growth, a space that now matches the results, culture, and experience we’ve become known for.

Farrago is known for its knowledgeable and results-driven team. How do you nurture such a strong culture of learning and growth among your therapists?

Education is at the heart of what we do. I encourage the team to stay curious, share ideas, and celebrate learning as much as results. We don’t just focus on skills, we nurture confidence, passion, and the ability to connect with clients. By creating an environment where therapists feel empowered and supported, they’re motivated to keep growing. That energy flows through to clients, who feel the benefit of being treated by a team that genuinely loves what they do. I often tell my team, “Skills can be taught, but passion and a willingness to learn cannot.” This mindset is central to the culture at Farrago and inspires our team every day.

What kind of training/ongoing development do you prioritise for your team to stay ahead in advanced skin health?

We prioritise advanced, evidence-based training, both through our brand and technology partners, and through in-clinic workshops where we review real client journeys. We also bring trainers into the clinic for hands-on learning and travel interstate for specialist education. This mix keeps the team inspired, confident, and ahead of the curve, so clients always feel they’re in the most knowledgeable hands.

You offer the full trilogy of INSKIN COSMEDICS brands - OCOSMEDICS, GINGER&ME, and INSKIN.CO. What inspired you to bring all three into your clinic? And how do they fit into your offerings?

Each brand plays a unique role: OCOSMEDICS delivers cosmedical, results-driven formulations, GINGER&ME brings mindfulness and selfcare, and INSKIN.CO offers a botanical, professional range perfect for young clients or those pregnant and breastfeeding.

Working with INSKIN has been a huge part of our growth. Their education, support, and exceptional products have helped us build trust with our clients. Having the trilogy means we can meet every need, from medical-grade correction to wellness and balance, to guiding younger clients away from TikTok trends and toward affordable, professional skincare they can rely on.

Josie Caruso

Many clinics promise results, but Farrago seems to go beyond that, delivering a premium and personalised experience. What do you believe is the secret to exceeding client expectations?

For us, it’s all about listening. We take the time to understand each client’s story, lifestyle, and goals, then tailor a plan that feels both personal and achievable. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter treatments. Every recommendation is bespoke and personalised. Exceeding expectations isn’t only about results on the skin; it’s about the trust and ongoing relationship we build with each client. From the consistency and care to the little details at every stage of their journey, that’s what makes the Farrago experience truly stand out.

You offer a membership program; can you tell us about this and how it helps clients?

Our memberships make skin care simple, consistent, and results driven. They’re tailored to specific skin conditions, combining treatments to target concerns and deliver the ultimate results. Clients can choose to pay upfront or via a weekly/fortnightly plan, giving flexibility and accessibility. Memberships also strengthen the therapist-client relationship. Instead of quick fixes, we focus on long-term goals, building trust, confidence, and real transformations. Members enjoy extra benefits such as discounts, priority bookings, full access to our private LED lounge, and much more.

What has been the most rewarding part of seeing Farrago evolve, from its early days to the renovated, refined space it is today?

The most rewarding part has been seeing the growth of the clinic, the loyalty of our clients, and the weekly consultations for new clients who come to us through word of mouth. It’s still incredible to think that Farrago started from a small room at the back of my house and has grown into the space it is today. Equally rewarding is the team I get to work with. They bring pride, passion, and dedication every day, and it’s been amazing to see how their commitment and loyalty has helped shape Farrago into a place that feels welcoming, professional, and results driven.

What’s next for Farrago Skin & Body - whether in treatments, technology, or business growth?

For us, growth is about being the best we can be. We’ll keep refining and elevating the client journey, investing in our team’s education, and introducing treatments that deliver meaningful, lasting results. We’re also currently working on a new marketing plan and have some very exciting initiatives that will elevate the client experience even further. We’re really looking forward to launching these soon, as the next chapter for Farrago is all about deeper transformations, stronger connections, and continuing to raise the bar for what a skin clinic experience should be.

@farragoskinbody

Lekeyah Skin Rejuvenation Centre

Glows Up !

By Louise May

In Victoria – Traralgon to be exact – Lekeyah Skin Rejuvenation Centre has been one of the region’s favourite independent skin care and beauty destinations for over a decade. Building a reputation based on trust, expertise and knowledge, Lekeyah guests are consistently treated with the same care, precision and enthusiasm as if they were part of the family!

Now, entering it’s next era, Lekeyah has undergone a complete Glow-up, pivoting away from a ‘clinical’ look and instead offering a heightened luxury guest experience and curating more of a sublime feeling of stepping into a true beauty oasis that feels like home!

Here, owner Ang Domagala talks us through the new-look Lekeyah and the incredible space she’s created.

Tell us about Lekeyah and the current Lekeyah Glow-up?

Quite simply, I felt it was basically our time! Our time to undergo the biggest ‘facelift’ that we’ve had in the Centre’s lifetime, or since I took over ownership.

This time, I wanted to do it properly; in the past we’ve done something here, something there but in 2025 it was time to invest with professionals, and trust them to bring my vision to life which was ‘HOME’. A luxe, elegant, modern version of Lekeyah, and the feeling of being wrapped in a big hug when you step inside.

We also needed it! With over 16 treatment spaces we were starting to run out of room, and we needed to remodel and consider what we could potentially do without, upgrade, or expand upon to cater for our growing service menu and ever-growing client base.

I really deeply wanted to express our appreciation to our clients. Basically, it’s a statement that says because of you, because of your support and the consistent repeat business, we could fund a transformation in record time – within 5 weeks we completely flipped the building whilst still managing to trade – which was incredibly important for not only our clients, but our team.

Describe the new look…what inspired the change and what does it represent for you and the business?

I really felt it was time to move away from our previous clinical look because we’re not a doctor’s office or medical facility - the sterile décor/ look didn’t reflect who Lekeyah was anymore.

When you enter Lekeyah now, there’s an overly abundant feeling of luxe elegance, underscored by a ‘homey’ ambiance (if that’s possible!) – warm, neutral tones, acoustic paneling and gold finishes give a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe.

I still wanted to create something dramatic but not loud or in your face; our interior designer suggested 3 colour palettes – light, medium and high impact – and I opted for “cappuccino’ which is a ¼ of a colour off the 2025 Pantone Colour of the Year – mocha mousse. To be honest, from the swatch to seeing it in normal lighting was a nice surprise! Trusting the process was a huge learning curve in this case!

The acoustic paneling was selected for practicality as they absorb and help to eliminate vibrations and any excess noise from each treatment room, plus they look amazing and bring everything together!

I knew it would be risky, but I chose to colour drench – from the cupboards, to the walls, skirts and doors – it’s all one colour. The colour drenching technique arose from the mood boards, and it has allowed the contrasting architraves, feature wall and different textures to really pop! The risk has paid off because we are now delivering the ‘wow factor’ to everyone who walks in here – it really does look beautiful.

What were you hoping to bring to the space for your guests and your team?

I am at Lekeyah most days and it makes me so proud. I also wanted my team to be here every single day and be proud to work for Lekeyah - be proud of, and want to take care of, their environment, and also have that inner happiness and inner smile because my team has enabled me to do the things that we want to do!

Renovating and bringing Lekeyah into a more modern, contemporary era is on brand and that’s what our clients have always known us for - our innovation and as leaders in technology and treatments for skin and hair. Now, Lekeyah truly reflects that which is how we have given back to our clients. I love that our clients are absolutely in awe of the ‘new’ Lekeyah, and this has cemented that we have absolutely delivered on the feeling we wanted our clients to have, and the experience of complete client satisfaction.

Lekeyah is now also the ‘official’ HQ of your skincare brand, Omorfi Active - how does that feel to have an official HQ?

It’s amazing to now say that we have an official HQ for Omorfi – it’s no longer a dream or just something that I’m working on from my kitchen table (which I’m sure many small business owners can relate to)!

We now have a place where people can come in & purchase from us in person, and our stockists know that there’s an actual space for our range that’s come to life over the last 3-4 years of growing Omorfi. It’s a lot of hard work that goes into it and sometimes there’s a feeling of disbelief, yet I don’t take it for granted, that Omorfi is changing people’s lives on a daily basis and how happy they are. This has given us the motivation to keep going, keep growing the brand and the establishment of the HQ within Lekeyah is a part of that!

What’s next on the calendar for Lekeyah?

We’re not stopping! We are continuing to expand our service menu and keep at the forefront of wellness, beauty and cutting-edge technology. We want clients to continue to visit Lekeyah and feel comfortable in the building, in their surroundings and in the hands of their therapists/technicians, knowing that they are receiving the very best and latest treatments.

We’re committed to keep researching and sourcing the very best/latest technology that aren’t gimmicky or fads but are actually clinically proven. It’s what we’ve always done and what we’ll continue to do!

With our glow-up the future looks bright for Lekeyah!

www.lekeyah.com.au

Ang Domagala

New vs Used Equipment with Nancy Abdou of The Australian Dermal and Laser Institute (TALDI)

2025 ABIA Winner - Educational Organisation of the Year (Product/Equipment Company)

By Guest Editor Robyn McAlpine

Outfitting a salon with equipment is no small investment, and every purchase decision carries weight. Having bought both brand-new and pre-loved equipment for my own clinic, I know first-hand that each option comes with wins and trade-offs. It’s not always a simple choice.

In fact, when we asked salon owners where they draw the line, the pattern was clear: many felt confident snapping up second-hand essentials like steamers, hot towel cabbies, or electric beds, where the risks felt low and the savings worthwhile. But when it came to bigger-ticket, results-driven technology, especially client-facing devices, hesitation crept in, along with a lot more questions.

To unpack this further, I sat down with Nancy Abdou, head educator and CEO of The Australian Dermal and Laser Institute (TALDI). With years of experience guiding clinics through equipment decisions, Nancy shares her insights on the pros and cons of going new versus second-hand, helping salon owners weigh what’s really at stake before signing on the dotted line.

Whilst you offer a range of new equipment have you seen an industry demand for used equipment from salon owners looking to reduce the buy in cost of equipment?

Definitely. For many clinic owners, it’s a way to access advanced technology at a reduced upfront cost. When we supply demo models, we provide the same level of clinical support and add marketing assistance so clinics cannot only use the device confidently but also launch it successfully to their clients.

What are some of the positives you have seen when salons invest in second hand equipment?

Accessibility: Smaller or solo-operated clinics can enter aesthetics without the steep outlay of a new system.

Testing demand: Clinics can trial a modality to see if it resonates with their clientele before committing significant capital.

Budget flexibility: Money saved can be reinvested into marketing, staff training or other growth areas.

That said, second-hand equipment is only an advantage if the clinic has access to quality training, reliable consumables, and ongoing support.

What are some of the risks you have encountered from salons owners purchasing second hand.

While second-hand devices can be an affordable entry point, the risks are significant if there is no training, warranty, or distributor support in place.

Clinics may face:

-Poor treatment outcomes due to incorrect protocols or lack of updated training.

-Client dissatisfaction or complaints, which can damage a clinic’s reputation.

-Compliance issues if the device doesn’t meet Australian regulatory standards or if usage falls outside safe guidelines.

-Costly downtime if parts are unavailable or service is hard to arrange. For these reasons, we always encourage clinics to ensure they have a trusted education partner and reliable supply chain behind any device purchase- whether new or used.

What are the advantages that come with buying a brandnew piece of equipment?

Peace of mind: Warranty protection, technical support, and usually the reassurance of a loan unit if a breakdown occurs.

Inclusive support: Comprehensive training, clinical guidance, and sometimes marketing packages are included in the purchase.

Nancy Abdou

“SUCCESS ISN’T FOUND IN THE PRICE TAG ALONE—IT’S IN THE EDUCATION, SUPPORT, AND STRATEGY BEHIND THE PURCHASE”

Reliability: Less risk of unexpected malfunctions or hidden wear-and-tear.

The “hand-holding” and care from a reputable distributor is invaluable, especially for clinics investing heavily in their business. At TADLI, we replicate much of this support for second-hand device buyers who join our membership, but the reliability of a new device is unmatched.

Have you ever had salon owners reach out for training on second hand equipment they have purchased outside of your offerings?

Yes - almost weekly. There’s a strong demand for high-quality training on second-hand devices, particularly when manufacturers charge hefty “licensing” or transfer fees. Some clinic owners also find the manufacturer’s training too basic and want in-depth clinical education, protocols, and guidance. Because our team has written training manuals, protocols, and treatment settings for many devices on the market, we’ve become the go-to for independent training without the unnecessary costs. Importantly, we don’t just train - we continue to provide clinical support as if they had purchased a brand-new system.

Is there equipment you would recommend purchasing NEW only?

Certain devices are always best bought new - particularly those where parts, consumables, or service support may be difficult to source if the device was bought second-hand (or imported without representation in Australia). A clinic’s worst nightmare is to have a breakdown and no local distributor willing or able to help.

What should salon owners ask when it comes to purchasing equipment for their salons.

- What training is included, and is ongoing training available?

- What does the warranty cover and for how long?

- Is a loan device available if repairs are needed?

- What level of technical and clinical support is provided post-purchase?

- What marketing support is included?

- What are the ongoing treatment costs (consumables, tips, cartridges, etc.)?

- What is the typical failure/repair rate for the device?

Equipment as a Long-Term Investment

Aesthetic equipment isn’t just a “purchase”; it’s a business partnership. The real value lies in the lifecycle support:

• Ongoing education and advanced training to maximise outcomes.

• Regular updates in protocols to stay current with evolving best practice.

• Clinical and technical troubleshooting to minimise downtime.

• Marketing support to ensure the device generates revenue from day one.

It’s vital that salon owners weigh not only the initial price tag, but also the total return on investment across the years they’ll own and operate the device.

Whether you choose new or second-hand, equipment purchases are among the most significant decisions a salon owner will make. It’s not just about what sits in your treatment room today, but how that choice supports your business tomorrow. From warranties and training to compliance and client confidence, the right investment balances cost with confidence. As Nancy highlighted, success isn’t found in the price tag alone—it’s in the education, support, and strategy behind the purchase. By asking the right questions and planning long-term, salon owners can make equipment choices that truly serve their clients and their business.

@expert_skin_therapist

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Finding Your Signature Treatment in the Clinic: A Ritual that Speaks from the Heart

By Karen Geiszler

We live in fast moving times. Every day, our clients come into our clinics carrying more than skin or muscle tension ,they carry stress from work, anxiety from social media, the fatigue of caretaking, the pressure of always “on.”

As therapists and clinic owners, we are entrusted with something sacred: the ability to hold space. To offer more than a facial. More than a service. To offer sanctuary.

In 2025, the beauty and wellness industry is no longer satisfied with pretty skin or short term fixes. People are seeking rituals, emotional repose, rituals that pause time, that make them feel seen, held and nurtured. Clinics that lead with care, with intention, with heart not just the latest machine or trend—are the spaces clients return to. They are the places that heal.

So how do you craft your signature treatment? The facial, ritual or protocol that belongs uniquely to you, that is deeply personal, emotionally rich, and clinically excellent? This is not about mimicking a trending modality or duplicating someone else’s magic. It’s about tapping into what matters to you and translating that into every moment of care you offer.

Why Your Signature Treatment Matters

- Emotional connection: It’s not just about results but how you make someone feel. A facial that calms the nervous system, that lets clients drop shoulders, breathe. That gives them more than skin glow…they leave lighter, softer, quieter inside.

- Differentiation: In a saturated market, lots of clinics offer similar treatments, similar devices . What makes people choose you? Often it’s intangible: the warmth in your voice, the ritual, the environment, the pause. A signature treatment is your fingerprint.

- Consistency & Trust: When you offer a treatment you deeply believe in, and deliver with consistency, clients learn to trust you. They know what to expect. They feel safe, and in wellness, safety and trust are everything.

- Sustainable business: A well crafted signature ritual encourages repeat visits, word of mouth, deeper client therapist relationships. It also sets a standard for your team, helps with branding, and becomes part of your clinic’s identity.

- Creative expression: Your signature treatment is also where your artistic side gets to shine. It allows you to combine your favorite modalities, draw from your training, and deliver a treatment that feels alive and inspired.

What “Lead with Heart, Care & Pause” Looks Like

As I think about clinics in 2025 some patterns emerge. Clinics that thrive in this wellness led moment are those that:

- Prioritise consultation & skin journey planning not just as paperwork, but as listening. True listening to what the client’s life is like, what stresses them, what their skin really tells them and you .

- Include personal touches: the way we greet clients, the way we prepare the room, ambient scents, playlist, touch, ritual based massage ,a personal hand written note on the treatment bed . Small rituals that show care (warm towels, scalp massage, that

comforting pause).

- Have their own massage, their own ritual—something that clients can’t get elsewhere.

- Treat aftercare and follow up as part of the ritual, not an add on. Giving clients something to take home ..rituals, sample the candle scent from the treatment room, check ins that show you care beyond the appointment.

- Embrace the power of stillness. In a world that moves fast, stillness is revolutionary. That moment where hands are still, the client breathes, and the room holds a rare kind of peace…..that’s where the magic is.

Building Your Signature Treatment: Steps & Considerations

1. Audit what already feels like “you”: What are the treatments you wish you did more of? What do clients comment on most? What do you naturally love delivering? Sometimes your signature is hiding in what you already do well.

2. Identify the emotional journey: Think of the treatment like a small story: arriving, being welcomed, unwinding, the core treatment, rising back into the world. What feelings do you want to evoke at each stage? Safety, softness, peace, renewal?

3. Design every touchpoint: From the moment someone walks in: sight (lighting, smells), sound (music, voice), touch (temperature, comfort of the bed), space itself. Uniforms, room décor, the way you speak. All of this compounds the experience.

4. Embed healing rituals: Massage (facial, scalp, neck/shoulder), tools that bring calm (warm stones, gua sha, light facial massage pressure), moments of silence or breathing, scent work. Rituals can slow time.

5. Center skin health & results: While ritual and experience are essential, your credibility rests on results. Ensure your treatment includes clinical steps and that you train your team well so those results are real.

6. Make it unique: Perhaps it’s a massage technique only you or your clinic does. Or a home ritual you have developed. Or combining modalities in a way no one else offers. Or a “signature aroma blend”.

7. Train & standardize: Document your protocol. Train all therapists. Ensure consistency so every client gets the signature experience.

8. Reflect & evolve: Get feedback. What touches do clients remember? What would they change? Over time, tweak. Remember, your signature treatment should never be stagnant. It evolves as you do. As your energy, education, and insight grow, so too should your ritual. This keeps it fresh, alive, and aligned with your values.

The Privilege & Responsibility of Holding Space

We often underestimate how much it means for someone to trust us. When someone lies back on your treatment bed, they are giving you more than their skin; they are giving you their vulnerability. Their worries, their stress, their hopes for relief.

That is a privilege.

To hold that space well is also a responsibility. It means showing up with compassion, with clarity, with intention. It means being fully present. To let the ritual be more than skin deep.

In 2025, people are craving honest human connection, authentic care. Our clinics can be sanctuaries. Our hands, tools, touch not just instruments, but conduits of healing.

It means asking ourselves: How do I create a treatment that doesn’t just treat the skin ,but feels like care? How do I create an experience that gently reminds the client: You are worthy. You are safe. You can rest.

The Therapist’s Self Care Is Part of the Ritual

Creating a signature treatment is not just about what the client receives— it’s about how we show up to give it. And we cannot pour from an empty vessel.

Your treatment will only be as nurturing as you are nourished. That means:

• Scheduling breaks in your day to breathe, eat, rest.

• Setting boundaries with time and energy.

• Cultivating your own rituals: journaling, meditation, bodywork, rest.

• Keeping inspired through education and creative downtime. Self care is not indulgence. It is sustainability. The tenderness and depth we give our clients must also be something we offer to ourselves. Otherwise, the sacredness of the work begins to wear thin.

Let this be a reminder that your energy matters. If your nervous system is frayed, your clients will feel it. If you are grounded and full, your clients will drink in your presence like medicine. Your signature treatment begins with you.

It also means having support. Talk with other therapists. Learn from mentors. Give yourself the same softness and patience you offer others.

Real Life Inspirations & Elements You Might Incorporate

• Mindful arrival ritual: herbal tea, warm towel, five minute breathing or guided meditation before beginning skin work.

• Scalp / neck / shoulder warm stone massage to release tension.

• Signature scent or aroma blend, something exclusive to the clinic.

• Skin journey planning: mapping out not just today’s treatment but the context of their stressors and rhythm of life.

• Aftercare rituals: not just products, but take home mindfulness or skin rituals. Possibly a small note or message a few days after treatment to gently check in.

• Slow paced touch: massage that is unhurried, intentional.

• Client intention setting: asking clients to name how they want to feel at the end of the treatment. Then designing the experience to honour that.

• Seasonal adaptations: shifting your treatment slightly with seasons, aligning with energy of rest, renewal, or invigoration.

Why Now Is the Moment

• Wellness & self care are no longer optional. We are in an era where people are craving meaning, balance, and sanctuary. Clinics that understand this are not just surviving—they are becoming leaders in the wellness space.

• Clients are more educated and looking for more than skin deep results. They want emotional connection, authenticity, and a sense of resonance.

• Wellness as positioning helps your business stand out and deeply serve. Clients want to feel not just treated, but seen. Held. Understood.

• People want fewer, better things. That includes experiences. When your treatment becomes more than a facial—when it becomes a ritual clients crave—you tap into a loyalty that marketing alone cannot manufacture.

Practical Tips: How to Carve It Out in Your Clinic

1. Set aside “pause time” in your schedule.

2. Create a sensory profile: choose music, scent, textures, lighting.

3. Document your ritual in writing.

4. Offer a signature menu version.

5. Collect stories: use client feedback to evolve.

6. Regular reflection as a team.

7. Celebrate your treatment: talk about it proudly in your marketing. Share the ‘why’ behind it.

8. Invite emotion into your space: not every client needs to cry, but many want to feel. Let your room be one where that’s welcome.

Bringing It Together

You are more than someone who removes dead skin cells or massages muscles. You are a keeper of calm in a restless world. A space holder of release. A gentle guide back to self, back to feeling, back to peace. When you begin to think of your signature treatment not just as something you offer, but something you are offering in being, everything shifts. You deserve to create something that reflects your values. Something that lets your clients exhale. Something that lifts you too …..because serving from fullness is more sustainable than serving from burnout. You are the ritual. You are the pause. And when that radiates from your hands, your energy, your presence you don’t just deliver a treatment. You deliver transformation.

Your Invitation to Create

So: my invitation to you, today, is to pause. To take out a notebook. To think: What if my facial, my ritual, my signature, was everything I believe beauty and care should be? What small change could I make now that signals presence, that tells my clients: “Here, you are seen. You are held.”

In the clinic you build this in, you craft a signature that is yours. One that the world needs: gentle, honest, calm, caring. One that leaves people not just with radiant skin…..but with quiet hearts, fuller spirits.

Karen Geiszler Educator / Trainer / Mentor

KG Beauty & Modality Training www.kgbeautyandmodalitytraining.com.au

Future-Proofing Brows and Beyond: Why Pigment Literacy Is Not a Luxury

By Kat McCann - Inka Cosmetic & Medical Tattoo

Think a bad brow can be lasered away in a lunch break? Think again.

Perhaps you have watched a client’s brows turn a vivid red or fluorescent orange after laser lightening, or seen a once-soft brown heal to a stubborn charcoal grey and wondered why. Maybe you have referred someone for removal only to have them return with unexpected colour shifts that even the clinic could not fully explain.

Pigment does not politely disappear on command. Once colour is implanted, the skin’s biology and the chemistry of the ink take over, and removal is rarely simple or complete.

If you or a client who turns to you for help are confronted by these outcomes and cannot explain them, this is your wake-up call. It signals a gap in knowledge that many practitioners share. There is no shame in that: you cannot know what you have never been taught. But you can choose to stay curious.

Clients who experience these unpredictable changes are often anxious and looking to you for answers. Being able to explain what is happening, outline likely next steps and guide them towards safe options builds trust and shows that their health and wellbeing are at the forefront of your practice. Offering that level of clarity in a moment that can feel nerve-racking or frightening is invaluable.

Too often artists accept what they were told in their first training course or repeat advice picked up from online forums without ever examining the science. When information is passed on in diluted form, the depth of understanding shrinks, and important chemical facts are lost. It is easy to assume that if a pigment is commercially manufactured it must be safe and predictable, but that assumption is precisely what leads to unexpected colour shifts, stubborn residues and difficult removals.

To create work that will still look natural and remain timeless years from now, practitioners must look beyond marketing claims and superficial training notes. Pigment literacy—knowing the chemistry, the particle behaviour and the long-term interactions with living skin—is not a luxury; it is the foundation of ethical practice and the safeguard of every client’s future self.

Know Your Ink Before You Touch Skin

A bottle of cosmetic pigment is more than a colour swatch. It is a carefully balanced suspension of particles and liquids, and recognising the major pigment families is the first step towards responsible practice.

Iron oxides

These traditional pigments for brow tattooing have a relatively large particle size that produces a soft, natural look and they are designed to fade gradually. Over time they can shift in colour. When Q-switched or picosecond lasers are used for removal, ferric oxide (Fe³⁺) can be chemically reduced to ferrous iron (Fe²⁺), creating a stubborn jet-black residue. Laser treatment may also expose or intensify the natural red and orange tones of ferric oxide before any darkening occurs.

Carbon black

Carbon is intensely dark and extremely stable. Used with care it gives crisp definition, but it readily absorbs laser energy. Oversaturation or excessive depth can cause the healed result to cool to a blue grey. Once carbon dominates the dermis, later attempts to warm the tone often fail because the ratio of carbon to corrective colour is too high.

Titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is prized for its high opacity and light-scattering brightness. On the periodic table titanium sits among the transition metals, but in pigment form as TiO₂ it is already in its most stable oxidation state. It does not oxidise further or “age yellow”. Any warm cast seen years later is usually the result of changes in the client’s own melanin or of subtle surface discolouration from surrounding tissue, not a chemical change in the titanium itself. Titanium is exceptionally lightfast and resists laser fragmentation, so residual particles can remain visible long after neighbouring colours fade.

Organic lakes and hybrid pigments

Modern formulas often blend synthetic organics with iron or carbon to achieve both vibrancy and flow. These pigments are suspended in carriers such as glycerine, witch hazel or alcohol and are stabilised with polymers or resin-type ingredients. The stabilisers improve consistency in the bottle but can react unpredictably under laser, sometimes flashing fluorescent orange or yellow before fading.

Because hybrid formulations vary so widely, a pigment that performs predictably in lip work may react quite differently if that same formula

Old Red Brows

is later lasered from brow tissue. Understanding the pigment’s composition and its behaviour under different conditions is essential before any corrective work is attempted.

Tracing pigments through CI numbers

Every cosmetic pigment is registered internationally with a Colour Index (CI) number. The CI system assigns a unique code to each chemical compound, allowing manufacturers, regulators and practitioners to speak a common language about what is actually in the bottle. While most artists will not memorise the numbers, knowing that they exist—and that you can check them—helps you verify safety data, regulatory compliance and the true identity of a pigment. For those who later pursue advanced study, CI numbers become the key to deeper research into lightfastness, particle behaviour and long-term stability.

Pairing Needle and Pigment Correctly

Needle selection must match both pigment chemistry and the way the ink flows. Iron oxides contain larger particles and often thicker carriers, so they require a larger needle configuration to implant evenly and to offset their higher initial fade. Small groupings simply cannot deliver enough flow and can create a reactive patchy redness as the artist works harder to ensure even implantation of colour.

Carbon pigments, by contrast, consist of very fine particles carried in a thinner liquid. They slip into the skin with ease, but that same quality means a fine single needle or tight grouping can deposit pigment quickly and, if you work too deep or linger too long, the result can ash out, leaving an oversaturated cool grey cast that is difficult to correct.

Viscosity matters as well. A thicker iron oxide mix may need a few drops of approved diluent to achieve smooth flow through the chosen needle. Without that adjustment, artists often see a false irritative red and uneven saturation, not because of the pigment’s hue but because it simply has not been implanted evenly.

Matching the needle to both pigment viscosity and particle size, rather than choosing a needle only for its visual effect, is essential for predictable healing.

How Pigments Age in Living Skin

Skin is not a static canvas. Over the years ultraviolet exposure slowly oxidises some pigments. Topical actives such as retinoids accelerate epidermal turnover, and hormonal changes or immune activity influence how macrophages clear pigment particles.

Lightfastness, the ability of a pigment to resist change under UV exposure, becomes critical. Iron oxides often lighten while leaving residual red or orange undertones. Carbon rarely fades but can appear cooler as warmer companion tones disappear. Titanium dioxide remains bright and white, creating long-term contrast when surrounding colours soften.

For technicians, understanding these dynamics is not a theoretical exercise. It informs every consultation, every colour choice and every aftercare plan.

Removal Is Not a Reset Button

When colour must be lightened or removed, two main approaches are used.

Laser

Q-switched and picosecond lasers can fragment many organic pigments and carbon blacks, yet they are far from a magic eraser. Iron oxides may darken paradoxically or reveal red-orange tones. Polymers and hybrid pigments can break into neon orange or yellow residues while titanium dioxide remains stubbornly white. Carbon particles may aggregate or migrate, creating smudged shadows.

Non-laser techniques

Alongside laser there are several manual lightening methods such as saline, glycolic or alkaline based solutions. These can be applied across an entire area for overall lightening or used immediately after treatment for emergency removal within the first day. They can also be placed with precision to lift only selected sections when a full removal is not needed. Effectiveness varies with pigment type and skin condition and there is always some risk of texture change or scarring. Even after a series of laser treatments, additional non-laser sessions may still be required to refine residual colour, and the final result will depend on how well the skin tolerates each stage.

It is also important to explain that removing pigment does not always restore skin to an untouched state. Years of tattooing or repeated trauma can reduce the skin’s ability to bounce back, so even when the pigment has lifted successfully the underlying tissue may not be as resilient as it once was.

A mixed-modality plan that alternates or combines laser and non-laser sessions often provides the most thorough lightening. Yet complete clearance is rarely achieved. Age, skin type, budget and the skin’s capacity to heal all influence the outcome. Like stretch-marked tissue, previously tattooed skin seldom returns to its original state.

Consultation as a Reverse Interview

Because correction is complex, prevention must begin with a thorough “future self” consultation. This is more than taking notes; it is a two-way conversation.

• Explore goals and lifestyle. What will these brows mean to the client in five or ten years?

• Assess skin and hair. Natural brow colour, Fitzpatrick type, dermal thickness and any history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation all influence pigment choice.

• Decode their pigment history. Uncover what has already been done, even if the client is unsure of the exact products or techniques. Ask about previous procedures, fading patterns, areas of pigment loss or migration, unexpected colour shifts or patchy heals. Understanding these layers—

Colour Matching

and New Ink

Adverse Colour Shift on Lip Ink from Laser

Laser test patch exposes a vivid fluorescent-orange flare beneath dark brow pigment — inks can react unpredictably when disrupted

like peeling an onion—helps explain what you see today and frames what is realistically achievable.

• Manage expectations. Once you know the starting point, outline what can and cannot be achieved, whether that means neutralising residual colour, planning staged removals or accepting that certain outcomes are limited by previous work.

Recording every detail is vital: note the pigment brand and the exact formula or ratios used to create the chosen colour, along with any observations on existing pigment and why particular colours were selected. These records protect both client and practitioner if questions arise years later. If a client insists on a design or colour, you believe will age poorly, you are within your rights—and arguably your professional obligation—to decline treatment. Informed consent means they understand both the longterm risks and your reasons for caution.

Professional reflection: After the client leaves, ask yourself the same question you might pose to a colleague or a student in training: Why did I choose this pigment over another? If two shades appear almost identical, can you explain by formula or pigment ratio why one offers a more predictable long-term result? Building this habit of questioning— whether in your own practice or in an educational setting—reveals where our knowledge is thin and keeps professional standards rising.

Designing for the Future Self

Low maintenance does not mean no maintenance. Hair continues to grow through a tattoo and colour refreshes will be needed. Work lighter and more natural; it is far easier to add depth later than to pull colour back.

Match pigment family to skin and lifestyle. Iron oxides may suit mature skin where a gentle fade is desirable, provided you understand their potential for colour shift. Carbon-based pigments give longevity but demand precise saturation control to avoid a cool ashy cast that cannot be easily warmed.

Every stroke should be guided by how the pigment will look and behave as the client’s skin and life change. Designing for the future self protects both client satisfaction and your professional reputation.

Professional and Legal Responsibility

In Australia, cosmetic tattooists are bound by the same consumer guarantees that apply to other professional services. Under the Australian Consumer Law, practitioners must exercise reasonable skill and care and ensure their service is fit for purpose.

If a client’s brows turn an unexpected colour because pigment choice or technique was negligent, they may be entitled to a remedy such as a refund or corrective work. Ignorance of pigment chemistry is not a defence.

Equally important is pigment compliance. The European Union’s REACH regulations now set the global benchmark for the safe composition of tattoo inks. Australian practitioners are expected to source pigments that meet or exceed these REACH standards. Using products that are not REACHcompliant not only risks the client’s health but may also expose you to legal liability if a complication arises.

Non-laser saline lightening reduced the eyeliner’s intensity without full removal, chosen to match the client’s brief/achieve a softer look

Protect yourself and your clients:

• Carry professional indemnity and public liability insurance that explicitly covers tattooing and pigment removal or correction.

• Use informed consent forms that explain potential long-term colour changes and the limits of removal.

• Provide written aftercare and maintenance advice.

• Confirm that every pigment you use is REACH compliant and backed by clear CI-number documentation.

Professionalism is not just about artistry; it is about accountability and raising the standard for the entire industry.

The True Cost of Shortcuts

Clients with botched brows often ask for a quick camouflage using skincolour pigment. Covering a dark or cool base with a light shade may briefly mask the problem but almost always makes it worse. The underlying pigment continues to show through, and later removal becomes even more unpredictable.

Shortcuts—whether rushing a design, oversaturating colour or attempting a hasty cover-up—are the most expensive mistakes of all. They leave both client and artist with a legacy of complex, sometimes permanent problems.

Golden Nuggets to Apply Immediately

• Record formulas and reasoning. Document the pigment brand, the exact formula or ratios used to create the chosen colour and any notes on why those choices were made. These details become invaluable years later if correction or removal is needed and protect you professionally.

• Explain the real maintenance cycle. Cosmetic tattooing is low maintenance, not no maintenance. Hair continues to grow through the tattoo and colour refreshes will eventually be needed. Say this clearly during every consultation so the client owns the long-term plan.

• Decline with confidence. If a client insists on a design or saturation level that you know will age poorly, it is both ethical and professionally responsible to say no. Explaining why builds trust and protects both of you.

Raising the Standard

Cosmetic and medical tattooing can restore confidence and transform lives. With that power comes responsibility. Our true measure of craft is not simply creating beautiful work today, but ensuring it remains safe, natural and credible for years to come.

Pigment literacy is not a luxury. It is the foundation of ethical practice and the safeguard of every client’s future self. By mastering the science behind the inks we use—and by sharing that knowledge—we protect the people who place their skin in our care and elevate the profession for everyone.

www.inkaonlima.com

Learning HOW chemistry shapes colours

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Beyond the Hype: What Marketing Doesn’t Tell Us About Real Skin Results

By Alanna Douglas

If you spend even a few minutes scrolling on Instagram or flicking through a beauty magazine, you’ll see it: glossy claims that a cream will transform your skin in 28 days, that a single treatment will erase years, or that a brand-new machine is the answer to every skin concern under the sun.

It’s easy to roll our eyes at these promises — but let’s be honest, even as professionals we can get caught up in the hype. Suppliers dazzle us with before-and-afters, reps speak the language of transformation, and colleagues rave about the results they’re seeing. You bring that new technology or product line into your clinic, excited and hopeful. And then… reality hits. Because the truth is, skin isn’t a cookie-cutter.

Why Hype Meets Hard Reality

Every client who walks through our doors brings a unique combination of genetics, lifestyle, health, hormones, and stress. The “average” client from a clinical trial doesn’t exist in real life. What you saw on that marketing flyer — incredible as it may be — doesn’t always translate to the client sitting in your chair.

And when those results don’t happen in 28 days? We can start doubting ourselves.

• Did I choose the wrong treatment?

• Am I missing something in their homecare?

• Why can’t I get the same outcomes others are shouting about? This is where overwhelm creeps in. Not just for our clients — who are constantly bombarded with mixed messages — but for us as clinicians too.

Cutting Through the Noise

When you feel like you’re drowning in philosophies, protocols, and product launches, it’s tempting to keep chasing the next “miracle.” But the truth is, no matter how advanced a system or ingredient may be, it won’t perform if the skin itself isn’t functioning well to begin with. That’s why, in moments of doubt, we have to go back to basics. Back to:

• Understanding skin anatomy and physiology.

• Knowing our formulations and the true actions of our key ingredients.

• Remembering that inflammation, barrier dysfunction, and impaired healing can derail even the most high-tech modality. The skin doesn’t read marketing claims. It responds to science.

Reclaiming the Power of Our Knowledge

Here’s what we do know: when you deeply understand your actives, your devices, and the biology of skin, you’re no longer at the mercy of hype. You’re equipped to take that overwhelmed client (or yourself) back to first principles and rebuild from there.

Think of the last time you had a client who “wasn’t responding.” It’s frustrating, yes. But often, it’s not that the treatment “doesn’t work.” It’s that the timing, condition, or context wasn’t right. When you zoom out and lean on your knowledge, you can reframe:

• Is their barrier compromised?

• Are their hormones influencing inflammation or oil flow?

• Is their stress and sleep quality sabotaging healing? That’s when you shift from chasing results to creating them.

Managing Expectations — Ours and Theirs

Clients come to us with high expectations, often shaped by marketing promises. Our role is to translate hype into honesty, without deflating their hope. It’s a delicate balance — because we know the potential of our treatments, but we also know results are not guaranteed in neat little 28-day packages.

The key? Education. Not in a lecture-style way, but in a collaborative conversation that builds trust. When you empower a client with real knowledge about their skin, you’re not only setting realistic expectations — you’re giving them ownership of their journey.

From the Treatment Room: A Reality Check

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had a client slump in the chair and say, “I saw this product online and it said my pigmentation would be gone in four weeks. Why doesn’t my skin look like that yet?”

In those moments, it’s tempting to sigh and silently curse the influencer who made the claim. But instead, I see it as an opportunity to reset. To explain that pigmentation, for example, can stem from sun exposure, hormones, and even medication. That while brightening serums and peels are powerful, melasma won’t disappear overnight — and in fact, treating it recklessly can make it worse.

That’s where our role goes far beyond “giving facials.” We’re not just applying creams or pressing buttons on a device. We’re interpreters of the skin. Translators of science. Coaches in patience. Holders of space when the emotional weight of skin concerns becomes heavy.

Coming Back to What We Do Best

At the end of the day, the latest machine or serum will never replace the power of your professional judgment. The most important “tool” in your clinic is still you:

• Your ability to analyse skin in real time.

• Your instinct to step back when something doesn’t feel right.

• Your commitment to blending science with human-first care. That’s something no marketing campaign can sell — and it’s the difference between hype and healing.

Final Thoughts

The beauty industry will always be full of shiny new promises. And that’s not a bad thing — innovation pushes us forward. But when overwhelm sets in, and when the glossy ads don’t match your treatment room reality, remember this:

You already have what you need.

Your knowledge. Your experience. Your ability to adapt. And your courage to tell clients the truth — even when it’s not as sexy as “results in 28 days.”

Because when you strip away the hype, what remains is what truly matters: skin that’s respected, clients that feel safe, and professionals who know the quiet power of doing their work with integrity.

With love, Alanna Douglas Skin Freak Academy www.skinfreakacademy.com.au

Alanna Douglas

The Missing Link in Skin Health ? The Nervous System .

By Jacinta Curnow, 2025 ABIA Sole Operator of the Year

We’ve all worked with that client. The one who’s ticking every skincare box, showing up for treatments, using the right products, doing everything they’ve been told to and still, the skin won’t settle. It’s frustrating for them, and for us as therapists.

You start mentally revisiting their routine, their triggers, your protocols, but sometimes what’s missing isn’t something you’ll find in a product bottle or treatment plan. It’s stress.

Skin and the nervous system are closely connected. They actually come from the same embryological tissue during development. So, it makes complete sense that when someone is stressed, their skin often shows it. Whether it’s breakouts, inflammation, barrier disruption or flare-ups of things like eczema, rosacea or peri-oral dermatitis, stress almost always plays a role.

Stress isn’t just emotional, and it’s not something we can always see. It shifts the entire body into survival mode. The nervous system speeds up. Cortisol rises. Sleep gets patchy. Digestion slows, and the skin drops down the body’s priority list.

When the nervous system is dysregulated, so is the skin barrier.

I’ve seen it in clinic more times than I can count, and I’ve felt it too. A while ago, during a season of intense work, travel, full-time study and parenting, I developed peri-oral dermatitis that eventually progressed to ocular dermatitis. My body was talking loud and clear. Even though I was doing all the ‘right’ things on paper, my skin was telling another story.

It reminded me that skin never exists in isolation. It reflects what’s happening in our lives and in our bodies. If that’s true for me as a therapist, it’s even more true for our clients.

So many barrier disorders are connected to stress. Eczema flares often follow emotional upheaval. Acne is driven by inflammation and oil flow, both of which can be impacted by cortisol. Rosacea tends to flare when the nervous system is on edge. Even peri-oral dermatitis is commonly linked to stress, lifestyle changes, and barrier breakdown.

None of this means we abandon treatments or protocols. It just means we open the door to bigger conversations. Consults can include nervous system support, lifestyle questions, conversations about sleep, pace and pressure. When we make space for the person inside the skin, not just the skin itself, we often get to the real heart of the problem.

These lessons have shifted the way I approach the skin, now treating it with curiosity rather than just correction. It’s not about replacing what we know with something new; it’s about expanding what we consider, so we can support our clients more fully. When we calm the system, the skin often follows and when a client feels more at home in their body, their confidence starts to return, too.

Jacinta Curnow Perth Holistic Skin Therapist @jacintacurnowskin

Why heat

is the

worst enemy for Melasma

, and why lasers don’t always have the same effect.

By Gay Wardle

Melasma is one of the most stubborn and emotionally challenging pigment conditions to manage. Unlike a sunspot or freckle that can often be lightened quickly with targeted treatment, melasma has a far more complex nature. It’s not just “pigment in the skin” — it’s a disorder driven by a web of internal and external factors, including hormonal influence, genetic predisposition, inflammation, and environmental triggers.

It is also a chronic condition, meaning that even when the surface pigment fades, the underlying susceptibility remains. This makes it incredibly easy to flare up and notoriously difficult to keep under control. For practitioners, the key to successful melasma management lies in understanding what fuels it — and one of the strongest triggers is heat.

The Underlying Nature of Melasma

Melasma presents as irregular, often symmetrical patches of brown to grey-brown pigmentation, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and jawline. Its pigment can be located in the epidermis, dermis, or both. The exact cause is still not fully understood, but research consistently shows that melanocytes in melasma behave differently from those in unaffected skin.

They are:

• Larger in size

• Contain more dendrites (extensions used to transfer pigment to surrounding keratinocytes)

• More sensitive to stimulation — whether from UV, visible light, hormones, inflammation, or heat

This heightened reactivity means that triggers which may cause only minimal pigmentation in non-melasma skin can produce significant, rapid pigment changes in melasma-prone skin.

How Heat Activates Melanogenesis

When skin tissue heats up, a chain of biological events occurs that is remarkably similar to the skin’s UV defence response.

1. Tissue Temperature Rise

Heat from the environment (hot weather, saunas, hot yoga), from mechanical friction (vigorous scrubbing, dermabrasion), or from treatments (IPL, RF, aggressive lasers) can increase the temperature of the skin’s basal layer to around 40–42°C or more.

2. Vasodilation and Increased Blood Flow

The body responds to this heat by dilating blood vessels, allowing more blood, oxygen, and nutrients into the tissue. While this is a normal cooling and healing mechanism, it also brings inflammatory cells to the site.

3. Release of Inflammatory Mediators

Inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and cytokines flood into the area. These are “messenger molecules” that signal the skin to protect itself.

4. Hormonal Signalling

Keratinocytes release alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). This hormone binds to melanocortin 1 receptors (MC1R) on melanocytes, switching on tyrosinase — the key enzyme responsible for the production of melanin.

5. Pigment Production and Transfer

Tyrosinase begins converting the amino acid tyrosine into melanin. Melanocytes package this melanin into melanosomes and transfer it through their dendrites to surrounding keratinocytes, where it becomes visible as pigmentation.

Why This is a Problem for Melasma-Prone Skin

In healthy, non-melasma skin, this melanin production slows down once the trigger is removed. But in melasma:

• Melanocytes are already primed to overproduce pigment.

• They react more quickly and more aggressively to even mild heat.

• The pigment-making process continues for longer.

• Pigment is distributed more diffusely, often leading to a broader and deeper pigmentation pattern than before the trigger.

This is why something as seemingly harmless as a facial steam, hot shower, or a walk in hot weather can set melasma back weeks or months.

Why IPL is the Worst Choice for Melasma

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is widely used to treat pigmentation, vascular conditions, and photoaging. However, its design makes it one of the riskiest devices for melasma.

Here’s why:

• Broad-spectrum light: IPL delivers multiple wavelengths in each pulse, targeting all melanin in the skin — not just the unwanted pigment.

• Bulk heating: The light energy is converted to heat within the skin, and because it’s non-specific, this heating is widespread.

• Superficial improvement, deeper damage: While surface pigment may initially lighten (giving a false sense of success), the bulk heating has already activated melanogenesis deep in the skin, setting the stage for rebound pigmentation.

The result? Within weeks to months, pigmentation often returns darker, more diffuse, and more resistant to treatment than before. In some cases, it spreads into areas that were previously unaffected.

The Typical Sequence of IPL on Melasma

1. Initial Lightening

The treated pigment oxidises and flakes off, giving the client visible improvement in the first 1–2 weeks.

2. Invisible Trigger

Deep in the skin, melanocytes have been stimulated by the treatment heat, and the pigment-making process is underway.

3. Rebound Pigmentation

Within 4–12 weeks, new pigment surfaces. It may be darker and cover a larger area than the original melasma.

4. Increased Sensitisation

The melanocytes become even more reactive, making future treatment more challenging.

Why Lasers Don’t Always Produce the Same Outcome

While lasers also use light energy, they differ fundamentally from IPL in that they emit a single, specific wavelength of light. This wavelength can be selected to target a specific chromophore at a defined depth with much greater precision.

In melasma, certain lasers — particularly low-fluence Q-switched and picosecond lasers — can be used to break down pigment particles with minimal heat damage to surrounding tissues. This approach is sometimes called “laser toning.”

However:

• Not all lasers are safe for melasma.

• Incorrect settings or excessive energy can still create enough heat to trigger rebound pigmentation.

• Even with the right technology, treatment should be conservative, slow, and always paired with pigment-suppressing skincare.

The main difference is that a carefully chosen laser, in experienced hands, can reduce pigment without the same degree of bulk heating that makes IPL so risky.

Breaking the Heat–Pigment Cycle

The safest and most effective approach to melasma is built on prevention and control, rather than aggressive pigment removal. This includes:

• Cooling, calming treatments: e.g., LED therapy for inflammation, gentle enzymatic or lactic acid peels.

• Pigment suppression: Consistent use of tyrosinase inhibitors (such as azelaic acid, kojic acid, arbutin, or tranexamic acid).

• Barrier repair: A healthy skin barrier reduces inflammation and improves treatment tolerance.

• Strict light and heat protection: Physical sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, avoiding saunas/hot yoga, and limiting midday sun exposure.

The Bottom Line

For melasma, the rule is simple: heat fuels pigment. IPL’s broad-spectrum, heat-heavy nature makes it the least appropriate choice for this condition. While some lasers, used conservatively, can help without causing rebound, no device should be used without first calming the skin, reducing melanocyte reactivity, and creating a solid pigment-control routine.

Understanding the biology of heatinduced melanogenesis gives both therapists and clients the power to make informed choices — and to avoid the frustration of treating melasma only to make it worse.

www.gwsi.com.au education@gaywardle.com

Inventing the Benchmark: How Stene and Corri Marshall changed microneedling forever!

By Louise May

From humble beginnings to more than 25,000 clinics worldwide, Dermapen 4™ has become the global gold standard in microneedling. At the heart of this revolution are Stene and Corri Marshall, the Aussie couple whose vision and relentless pursuit of excellence have transformed professional skin procedures.

In this exclusive interview with Louise May, Editor of Mocha Beauty, they share the story behind their invention, the breakthroughs that set Dermapen 4™ apart, and what every clinic owner can learn from their journey.

What does it mean to see your Australian innovation recognised as the global benchmark?

Corri: Honestly, I’m so proud of all our hard work, and especially of Stene’s innovations with DermapenWorld™. To see our protocols and products embraced in over 100 countries is a testament to our amazing team.

Stene: It’s also a proud moment for Australian manufacturing. I hope our story inspires other Aussie innovators to think big and have a go at making a global impact.

What breakthrough technologies make dermapen 4™ stand out?

Stene: It’s all about precision and power. Dermapen 4 features a fully digital motor and mechanics, delivering extreme speed and strength for superior results. You can literally hear the difference. That hum is the sound of highperformance technology at work. The device also uses a smart system to ensure the needles penetrate at the exact depth selected. With over six million Dermapen 4™ treatments performed globally, practitioners and patients can trust they’re using a device engineered for efficiency, comfort, and results.

How does Dermapen 4™ help ensure safe and hygienic procedures?

Stene: Our patented Anti-Contamination Management (ACM™) and AOVN™ Retention Valves ensure zero risk of cross-contamination. The inner section of the needle cartridge is completely covered with an expandable silicone layer, so no blood or fluids can enter the device or needle. The AOVN™ Valves let the cartridge glide smoothly without drag or clogging. It’s the safest, most dependable microneedling device on the market.

What impact do these features have on patient experience and results?

Corri: Well, my claim to fame is being the first person in the world to have a Dermapen 4 treatment. I cried… but from joy, not pain. I could not believe how good it was. My skin was less red and bloody, and we soon discovered that what used to take six treatments with Dermapen 3 could now be achieved in just two or three!

How has the dedicated scar treatment setting changed outcomes for clinics and patients?

Corri: Doctors joke with us, they wish they’d found Dermapen sooner, because it outperforms even their expensive lasers for scars. The results in our before-and-after photos and testimonials are amazing.

Stene: The Scar Treatment (ST) Mode is unique. It automatically calibrates to the correct speed and depth, and the digital drive motor punches through tough scar tissue with ease. It’s a gamechanger for all types of scars, including stretch marks.

How do you empower clinics to grow commercially with dermapen 4™?

Corri: Education and support are so important. Since 2010, we’ve empowered clinics with step-by-step protocols, four books, comprehensive training, and marketing resources. Our “education first” approach, led by Dr Andrew R. Christie-Schwarz, has been key to our success. When clinics are supported, they deliver better results and grow their businesses.

How does Dermapen 4™ ensure clinics are always working with the latest technology?

Stene: Dermapen 4™ is constantly updated behind the scenes to stay accurate and reliable. In the past, users had to manually update the firmware, but now with our Dp DOCK™, it’s all automatic. Just plug it in and it syncs everything—no IT headaches.

How will dermapenworld continue to set the global standard for microneedling?

Stene: We’re entering an exciting new chapter. We’re partnering with like-minded companies to help expand DermapenWorld— not just in microneedling, but across other gold-standard devices and protocols. Our goal is long-term growth, and we truly believe DermapenWorld is on track to become a billion-dollar brand.

Stene and Corri Marshall’s journey is proof that excellence, innovation, and a commitment to supporting others can change an industry. For clinic owners, Dermapen 4™ offers a blueprint for building a business around results, safety, and trust.

Australia’s Top-Performing & Safe Microneedling Device

by Design

Dermapen 4 is precision-engineered to offer unmatched speed, safety and results. It creates flawless rejuvenating channels up to 104% faster than other pens and delivers 80% more topical nutrients for better results. With built-in anticontamination technology, Dermapen 4 ensures safe, hygienic procedures every time.

Want the best for your clinic?

Contact your local distributor or scan the QR code to get started.

UNRIVALLED SAFETY

Dual fluid seals protect inside and out—only with Dermapen 4.

DERMAPEN 4 ™

Doctor Eckstein ® A Family Legacy in Skincare.

When we talk about heritage in skincare, few names carry the weight and tradition of Doctor Eckstein ® . This Germanborn brand has spent more than seven decades shaping the way we think about skin health, with a philosophy that beauty is never just surface deep. It is a reflection of well-being.

The Beginning

The Heart of the Brand

The story begins in 1949 when Dr Richard A. Eckstein and his wife Linde founded their company in the small town of Oberasbach, Germany. Post-war Europe was rebuilding itself, and Dr Eckstein recognised a simple but powerful truth. When people feel cared for, connected and healthy, it shows in their skin. With that guiding principle, he set out to create skincare that supported not just appearance, but overall well-being.

From the start, the Ecksteins combined nature with science, formulating products that balanced effectiveness with care. They launched with just three products, but the response was immediate. Estheticians embraced the brand, supported with training that helped them deliver better results for their clients. By 1957 Dr Eckstein’s contribution to the industry was recognised internationally, becoming the first German scientist to receive the prestigious PRIX CIDESCO award for excellence in cosmetics.

Building a Global Brand

As the company grew, the next generation stepped in. Dr Gerd Eckstein, son of the founders, shared his father’s belief in total beauty. After completing his doctorate in 1972, he drove the brand forward with energy and innovation, expanding internationally and introducing products ahead of their time.

Dr Gerd’s expertise in plant science and natural properties led to pioneering work in sensitive skin care, hyaluronic acid and biomimetic peptides. But it was not only about science. He had an instinct for design and marketing that revitalised the brand, ensuring it stayed modern while keeping its values intact. Under his leadership, Doctor Eckstein® became known globally for intelligent formulations, professional support and a quiet commitment to excellence.

A Legacy Continued

Before his passing in 2015, Dr Gerd ensured the business would remain in the care of his family. Today, Doctor Eckstein® is still independent and familyrun, with his wife, daughter and son leading the company. Dr Verena Eckstein, now the third generation to hold a doctorate in the family, continues to guide the brand’s philosophy. With her background in naturopathic medicine, she brings a holistic approach to skin health, ensuring the company remains true to its origins while continuing to innovate.

What makes Doctor Eckstein® stand apart is that it has never strayed from its original principles. The focus has always been on what skin truly needs rather than following fleeting trends. Many of their classics have remained bestsellers for decades, a reminder that genuine care and well-formulated products stand the test of time.

Every product is created from scratch. There are no premade bases and no shortcuts. Each formulation is carefully crafted, piece by piece. This commitment to detail is backed by a proactive Biotherapy Research and Development team who continue to refine existing formulas while developing new ones to provide the best possible care.

One of the most iconic products, LAVOLIND, tells this story perfectly. Introduced in 1951 and named after co-founder Linde Eckstein, this cleansing gel has been a favourite for generations. Loved for its fresh and uncomplicated results on oily and impure skin, it has been updated over the years to reflect new research and changing expectations. Today it remains as effective as ever, but gentler on the skin with a fragrance that feels modern yet timeless.

Reaching the World

From its small beginnings in Germany, Doctor Eckstein® has grown into a global name. Since arriving in Australia in 1972, the brand has built a loyal following among professionals and clients who appreciate its authenticity and results-driven formulas. Today the range spans more than 100 products, each designed to provide personalised solutions for different skin needs.

Across continents and generations, the Eckstein family has remained steadfast in their mission. To combine science, nature and heart in every product they create. Seventy-five years on, that mission feels as relevant as ever.

Doctor Eckstein® is more than a skincare line. It is a family legacy that proves when passion, knowledge and care are passed down through generations, the result is something truly timeless. And for Australian professionals who have trusted the brand since 1972, it remains a partner that continues to deliver confidence, care and results.

www.eckstein.com.au @doctorecksteinaust

>Beauty Shop

Electrical Beauty Essentials You Can’t Work Without By Comfortel

The right tools make all the difference in a salon. Essential for delivering the very best treatments, these salon tools are designed to enhance every service you provide.

Salon Stools in a range of colours: These comfy, cushioned Salon Stools are a salon favourite. Available in a range of colours and bases, the smooth rolling wheels are a must have for any beauty professional.

Digital Facial Steamer with Ozone: Delivers consistent steam with adjustable direction, a digital timer, and automatic shut-off, so you can focus on treatments without the hassle. Includes pedestal with wheels.

LED Magnifying Lamp Stand: A 3.5x diopter lens with 56 non-glare LED lights ensures you see every detail with absolute clarity. Designed with a stable base with wheels for effortless positioning.

Hot Towel Cabinets: Keep towels warm, fresh, and hygienic with the Mini (perfect for small spaces) featuring UV sterilization and an independent ozone function. Available in two sizes to suit your salon needs.

At great value and a smart investment for your salon, these are tried, tested, and trusted by professionals- because the best salons run on the best tools.

Available from Comfortel Salon Furniture. Showrooms Australia Wide www.comfortel.com.au

PHYTO CLEANSING DYNAMIC DUO

By BIODROGA Organic Institute

BIODROGA’s Organic PHYTO CLEANSING duo makes cleansing a ritual, not a routine. The “Take It Off” Cleansing Milk melts away makeup while nourishing normal to dry skin, and the “Calm Down” Tonic sweeps away the last traces, soothing sensitivity with hyaluronic acid and botanicals. Certified organic and vegan, this pairing leaves skin refreshed, hydrated, and glowing — perfectly prepped for the treatments that follow. Biodroga.com.au

Introducing BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation By Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

A groundbreaking launch redefining full-coverage liquid foundation, setting a new standard for clean luxury in complexion. After more than two decades at the forefront of mineral formulas, Youngblood’s innovation of BeyondBlur is their most impressive foundation yet. Beyond just makeup, BeyondBlur Skin Perfecting Foundation is infused with 70% skincare ingredients, merging makeup and skincare for a weightless but full coverage, skin-first formula. www.youngbloodmineralcosmetics.com.au

Beautiful Energy by The Collagen Co

A collagen-infused energy drink powder (5,000 mg hydrolysed collagen + 110 mg natural caffeine per serve), available in Strawberry Kiwi, Peach Iced Tea, and Raspberry Crush. www.thecollagen.co

OPAL 013 Electric Beauty Bed with Wheels - By

Joiken

Transforms into a spa bed with adjustable head and footrests. Equipped with four high-performance motors, the Opal 013 allows smooth and precise adjustment of height, backrest, footrest, and tilt. This ensures maximum client comfort and ergonomic support for every treatment. The Opal 013 features innovative LED colourchanging wheels, which go beyond basic functionality and boost the overall client experience. These wheels gently illuminate the treatment room with calming colours like blue, purple, and green, creating a tranquil atmosphere that promotes relaxation during treatments.

www.joiken.com.au

Swiss Precision Stars

Be a star in Swiss precision. Introducing Rubis Slant Tweezers in Metallic Star Orange and Metallic Star Green. Each Rubis Slant Tweezer is individually hand-finished under magnification for an impeccable beauty tool which lasts a lifetime.

Complete Grooming Control at Home

Give your clients the tools for precision and comfort at home with the Silver Bullet Lady Luxe Face & Body Kit. Hypoallergenic titanium foils, stainless steel blades, a secure switch lock, and a waterproof design deliver gentle, accurate results every time, ideal for sensitive skin.

Apraise’s Vegan Era

The eyelash and eyebrow experts, Apraise, enter their vegan era. Newly reformulated Eyelash and Eyebrow Tints, supported by a whole suite of new prep, maintenance and aftercare products. Outstanding results made 100% vegan.

The Finishing Touch Every Manicure Deserves

On the ultra-fast track with DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer. Quick dry nail polish on both natural and artificial nails with this magic spray. Smudge-free, smear-free, fuss-free.

Feather-Light Precision

Rubis Sweezers combine 100% recyclable aluminium with Swiss craftsmanship. Ultra-lightweight to reduce hand fatigue, the precision slant tip removes the finest hairs. Available in striking colours, they’re sustainable, stylish, and professional.

The Essentials

BeautyPRO Wax Strips and Wax Applicators, designed to customise your waxing services. Flexible, tear resistant strips and precision applicators make waxing and removal effortless, hygienic, and flawless every time.

The Wax Heater Experts

Designed to deliver professional results across every waxing service. BeautyPRO Wax Heaters feature quick heat-up, adjustable temperatures, non-stick inserts and sleek European styling. Suitable for both strip and hard wax, BeautyPRO #1 worldwide in wax heaters.

A Global Force in Beauty: Meet ABIA 2025 High Fashion/

Editorial Make Up Artist of the Year, Shiree Collier

Shiree Collier is a high-profile, internationally acclaimed and award-winning hair and makeup artist, hailing from New Zealand and currently based in Melbourne, Australia.

When it comes to hair and makeup, Shiree Collier is a name that resonates across continents. Twice named ABIA’s Australian/NZ High Fashion and Editorial Makeup Artist of the Year. A nine-time winner at the International Beauty Industry Awards, and winner in the Asia Pacific awards, Shiree has spent over 27 years transforming faces into works of art, from everyday beauty to bold, editorial statements.

Her journey began at just 16 as a hairdressing apprentice, completing her makeup training by 19. From early days in television, advertising, and fashion, she quickly built a reputation for precision, creativity, and an uncanny ability to translate a vision into reality. Her signature style balances natural beauty with artistry, allowing her to create looks that are both luminous and unforgettable.

Shiree’s global perspective is a cornerstone of her success. She has worked across continents; Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, Cambodia, London, and Europe, seamlessly adapting to diverse cultures and creative visions while maintaining her signature precision. From high-fashion editorial shoots to backstage at fashion shows and filming on set, her work consistently exemplifies elegance, innovation, and technical mastery.

Her portfolio spans some of the world’s most iconic brands. She has been trusted by Louis Vuitton, Adidas, Amazon, Microsoft, Red Bull, Samsung, Coca-Cola, Disney, Starbucks, Emirates, Porsche, Zoom, Foxtel, and YouTube, as well as prominent Australian names including Lovisa, Hairhouse, Kevin Murphy, Bondi Sands, Novo, and Adore Beauty. Shiree’s artistry has graced billboards in Times Square and Sunset Boulevard, and high-profile stages such as the NFL Super Bowl, the Emmy Awards, and The Oprah Winfrey Tour. Her work has also appeared on the covers of VOGUE Beauty, Forbes, and in The New York Times, cementing her status as a globally recognized and influential makeup artist.

Her client list reads like a global who’s who of influential public figures and creatives: U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for the World Civilization Prize. Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert, wellness guru Deepak Chopra, musicians Guy Sebastian, Delta Goodrem, and Green Day. Athletes from Manchester United F.C, USA NFL and NBA, and Australian AFL players, the NZ All Blacks and worldwide Olympic Gold Medalists. Many Australian stars including Rachel Griffiths, Chrissie Swan, Melissa Leong, Eddie Macquire, celebrities for the Logies, and U.S. executives from Vogue magazine, Starbucks, and Coca-Cola.

Beyond client work, Shiree has helped to shape the beauty industry. She has served on educational panels to maintain Australian makeup standards, judged American beauty pageants and international fashion awards, and mentored emerging talent worldwide. Her editorial experience as a beauty editor for a Los Angeles multicultural high-fashion magazine sharpened her eye for composition, lighting, and storytelling and well as hair and makeup for many different ethnicities making her a master of all skin and hair types.

Shiree’s accolades are numerous and varied. In addition to her ABIA wins, her nine International Beauty Industry Awards, she has earned recognition for Best Eye Makeup, Best Creative Makeup, Best Unconventional Makeup, Best Reparative, and Best Lips. Her awards reflect a career built on both technical excellence and innovation and is an all-rounder when it comes to makeup mastery. Shiree has also achieved remarkable success in the digital space. Recently having one of her social media creations have reached over 110 million views and 2.2 million likes, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences globally while inspiring aspiring artists and makeup enthusiasts.

Mentorship is central to Shiree’s philosophy. She emphasizes that makeup mastery comes not only from technique but from the ability to convey personality, mood, and story. She encourages the next generation of artists to approach beauty with curiosity, confidence, and courage, blending skill with creativity.

At the heart of Shiree’s practice is storytelling through beauty. Every brushstroke is an opportunity to express individuality, confidence, and artistry, whether creating luminous everyday looks, bold editorial statements, or designing tools that help others perfect their craft. Her career is a testament to dedication, skill, and vision.

In 2025, Shiree co-founded GASP Beauty, a brand born from her decades of experience and a desire to revolutionize makeup removal. The brand’s signature precision makeup remover pen allows users to correct smudges, sharpen lines, and touch up quickly, making it essential for beginners, enthusiasts, and professionals alike. By reducing reliance on single-use cotton tips, GASP Beauty merges high-performance results with sustainable, luxury design.

“Makeup doesn’t always need to be about what you can do — sometimes it’s about having the right tool to fix what you can’t and perfect the little details,” says Shiree. “Everyone makes slips with mascara, eyeliner, or lipstick, and GASP Beauty was created to make tidying those up quick, precise, and sustainable.”

Her approach combines artistry, functionality, and empowerment. GASP Beauty bridges the gap between beginners and professionals, allowing anyone to achieve flawless results while embracing sustainable practices. Its thoughtful design embodies Shiree’s belief that beauty should be accessible, precise, and eco-conscious, without compromising on style.

Through decades of award-winning artistry, mentorship, viral social media influence, and GASP Beauty, Shiree Collier remains a defining force in the global beauty industry, an artist whose vision and creativity continue to inspire, elevate standards, and empower beauty lovers worldwide.

@shireecollier_mua

The Energy of Money: How to Let It Flow into Your Business

By Elle Wilson

So many brilliant women fill their appointment books, pour themselves into their craft, and still wonder why financial freedom feels out of reach. You can be busy from morning to night, week after week, yet feel the quiet panic that you are running faster just to stand still.

Here’s what I want you to know: money is not your enemy. It is not something to battle with day in and day out. That is exhausting, and more importantly, it doesn’t work.

Money is made out of the same essence as you are.

It is meant to move, to flow, to expand. It responds to clear thought, to openness, and in business, to the value you extend into the world.

We often fall into the thought pattern that money responds to working harder. I profoundly disagree with this statement. Throughout my career there have been times I worked less and earned considerably more.

These were the times I allowed my heartfelt contribution to lead me. I was aware of the discomfort of moving outside my comfort zone, my nervous system firing off in disbelief, trying to pull me back. Yet I chose to flow forward with my expertise, my love of inspiring others, and my commitment to serve.

Money never finds me when I am contracted and overthinking. And even if it did, it could never fulfill me, because without nourishment and alignment with something deeper, money is empty.

I learned long ago that faith in the process of my life and my devotion to serve opened countless doors that fear, and tension kept closed. Even in moments of tightness in my body, or when my mind was running in circles, I could pause, soften, and hear the quiet words within: “I’ve got you.”

It took years for me to trust qualities that weren’t driven by survival mode. In my early career I was like a bull in a China shop, charging ahead, determined, working harder and harder. Yes, money came. But it left me hollow on the inside.

I discovered that money itself isn’t the answer. What matters is the flow, the faith, the knowing that you are made of the same essence from which beauty arises. When you align with that, the river of money opens naturally. Money, in fact, becomes the booby prize, valuable in the world, yes, but never the true source of fulfillment.

My fulfillment, joy, nourishment, and sense of wealth never came from the amount of money I made. They came from letting go into my life, choosing service, contribution, and inspiring others to step into their own potential.

For me, as a beauty professional, this meant always being ahead of the game. Better at that one treatment than anyone else in my location. Not from competition, that never appealed to me, but from stepping into a river of endless flow, adventure, and specialization.

In that river, I was untouchable.

So, here’s what I want you to consider: find that one perfect treatment you would do for free. The treatment that lights you up so deeply that you

would happily give it just for the joy of creating it. That is where your energy shifts. That is where clients feel something different. That is where money begins to chase you.

Because money loves value. It loves richness, originality, and sincerity. When you extend real goodness into the lives of the women and men in your community, money cannot help but flow your way.

The energy of money is aligned directly with how you are in the world, everywhere. It is not a separate category. It is not confined to your business bank account. It responds to who you are in your conversations, in your home, in the way you choose courage over fear.

When you contract, you block it. When you open, it flows.

Money is not complicated. It does not demand perfection. It responds to alignment between your value, your courage, and your willingness to stand out.

You don’t need to exhaust yourself to earn more. You need to believe in your worth enough to create value others cannot ignore.

Stop trying to chase it. Instead, become the professional whose work, presence, and contribution are so rich with value that money can only chase you.

Because in the end, money will always be a reflection of what you believe about yourself, and the courage you have had to let that belief move into the world.

Scan the QR code and say “yes” if you would like me to share the next essential piece of the Money Puzzle in Beauty Biz’s next issue.

Elle Wilson Mentor TrueBrow™ CEO support@truebrow.com

AHPRA Guidelines: friend or foe? (PART 2)

By James Vivian

Welcome back to Part 2 of navigating our way through the AHPRA guidelines AKA the world is ending (spoiler alert: it’s not!). How are you been finding the transition so far? Are you?

a. All over it?

b. Plodding your way through it slowly?

c. Thinking it doesn’t concern you?

d. Thinking to yourself ‘What’s AHPRA?’

Whatever your answer, I am back to share with you what I am calling Stage 2 of interpreting the AHPRA guidelines. If you recall from last month’s article, Stage 1 was all about deciphering the guidelines e.g. understanding their intention, understanding their relevance to my business, appreciating their existence etc.

Stage 2 is now about putting these into effect and as promised, I wanted to share with you some of the steps we have, so far, taken to embrace the guidelines and protect our business, our clients and industry.

Cut ties with influencers

Whilst working with influencers has never been a high priority for our business (they can be more trouble than it’s worth) we did have a few longstanding relationships with like-minded influencers that we traded our time for access to their audience.

Whilst the guidelines do not forbid businesses working with influencers directly, the guidelines suggest that engaging with influencers can lead people to seek out services for the wrong reasons e.g. they admire the influencer, they desire skin like the influencer. The guidelines also state the any content created by influencers are the responsibility of the business providing the service. As we all know, we have enough problems with misinformation, fearmongering and gatekeeping already so reducing the noise seemed like a good idea to us.

Removal of emojis and casual therapist titles

Whilst communicating with our community in a frank and easy-tounderstand manner has always been of the utmost importance to us, the use of emojis and other casual language tools were often employed as a point of difference and to add a little fun to the conversation. The guidelines have flagged the use of emojis and the use of casual therapist titles, such as Skin Wizard, Dermal Magician, Pore Sorcerer etc. as potential risks for reducing the serious nature of higher-risk procedures.

Cease competitions, giveaways etc.

As we may know, running competitions online can be a great way to leverage off influencer or like-minded businesses audiences to increase awareness and followers. What the guidelines suggest is that competitions and giveaways can place the need for procedures in the hands of people who may not want or need these services or who might not be physically or mentally suitable. We have therefore ceased future competitions, and these include giveaways to local charities, schools and to clients e.g. refer a friend for a discount to you and them.

No more public sharing of before and afters

Again, this is not a requirement from AHPRA to cease the promotion of your before and afters, however, the guidelines do come with some robust requirements for how to share them. For us, we have always thought that before and afters can be a very misleading form of advertising. Of course, there can be some incredible before and afters, both from the perspective of

results and image quality. But even then, take two people who do the exact same treatments, use the exact same products and start off with seemingly the exact skin, these two people can have completely different results. We have made the decision to ban the public use of before and afters to ensure that we do not mislead anyone into thinking they can expect similar results to another client.

Refining our language, both spoken and written

There’s no denying the profound effect that the words we say and write have on a person’s decision to undergo, or not undergo, a treatment or procedure. Through persuasive, emotive and exaggerated conversations we can lure clients into have procedures for the wrong reasons. Add to this misinformation, demonisation and fearmongering and you can hold an audience in your hand for as long as it takes them to realise what’s going on.

For this reason, we did a thorough sweep through our vocabulary, both written and spoken, to ensure the following:

- No glamorisation e.g. the best treatment for redness, model-ready skin etc.

- No discussion that we are ‘the best’ or any better than anyone else

- No minimisation of the power of treatments or the impact of pain/ downtime e.g. quick and easy, lunch-time facial, no pain or downtime etc.

We have also ensured that whenever we are offering a treatment or treatments as an option that we provide alternative treatments beyond what we offer in our clinic for our clients to consider. We have also ensured that we have thoroughly outlined the downtime and aftercare process as well as provided written instructions for what to do in case of a reaction or, God-forbid, an emergency. We also share with clients how long a treatment has been around so they can consider its standing in the industry and finally we provide not just a suggested treatment plan to get the job done but also awareness around any required maintenance treatments for full transparency. These all help manage a clients expectations and try to avoid difficult conversations and interactions down the track.

And this is just the start. I need to read through the guidelines a few more times but honestly, I feel so empowered by these guidelines and really want to implement what is relevant and best-practice for our business.

As always, I’d love to hear from anyone who would like to share their experience so far with the guidelines or reach out with any questions, comments and concerns –

james@jamesvivian.com.au

The Women Redefining Beauty as Big Business!

By Danni Boerma

For decades, beauty was dismissed as just lipstick and nail polish, a world of make-up and glamour rather than grit and growth. But step into today’s industry, and you’ll see something different, women and men who are not only shaping how we look and feel but also rewriting the very roadmap of business.

The Beauty of Business Savvy

What sets beauty apart from other industries? It’s one of the few areas where women dominate, from entry level therapists to CEOs. The treatment room has become a training ground for leadership, teaching therapists to manage clients, market services, balance budgets, and build brands from the ground up.

A single salon can evolve into a multi-site empire. A kitchen blended face oil can turn into a cult global brand. Behind the serene facade of a spa treatment operates a finely tuned engine of strategy and resilience. Across Australia and globally, more men are entering the beauty industry, not just as clients but as founders, therapists, educators, and innovators.

The shift is partly generational. Younger men have grown up with wellness, skincare, and grooming as normal parts of self-care. At the same time, social media has expanded visibility of male beauty professionals, normalising their expertise and creativity. Whether it’s advanced skin treatments, barbering meets spa services, or product formulation, men are recognising that the industry is not only lucrative but also deeply rewarding.

There’s also a cultural benefit, men working in beauty help dismantle outdated stereotypes. They show clients male and female alike that beauty and self-care are universal, not gendered. In clinics, spas and salons, their presence broadens the conversation about what it means to look after ourselves, and it opens new opportunities for collaboration and inclusivity.

Beyond the Treatment Room

Today’s beauty entrepreneurs are wearing more hats than ever, therapist, educator, mentor, marketer, and property investor. They’re scaling businesses with the same ambition and vision you’d find in creative industries, all while staying committed to personal connection and care.

Technology has accelerated the shift. Social media has transformed how beauty brands are born, while e-commerce and AI tools allow solo operators to compete on a broader scale. But at its heart, the industry is still about one thing, and that’s people.

Successful beauty founders master not only their market but also the underlying drivers of confidence, vitality and self-expression.

Mentors, Movers, and Money Makers

Behind the glossy campaigns are stories of grit, women and men who mortgaged their homes to fund their first salon clinic or spa, who trained staff into future leaders, or who risked it all on a product line the industry told them was too niche.

These leaders go beyond job creation. They build legacies, mentor teams and inspire the next wave of therapists, showing that true success in beauty is the fusion of creativity and business.

The Future Is Female and Fearless

As beauty continues to evolve, one thing is clear the spa is no longer just a sanctuary for self-indulgence. It’s a launchpad for leadership. The boardroom is no longer the domain of suits and presentations, but now runners and scrubs are making bold, fearless moves.

The next wave of beauty pioneers will be defined not only by their products and treatments, but by their ability to empower teams, nurture communities, and prove that success in beauty is serious business.

Because when beauty professionals take the lead the beauty domain grows. I congratulate all the incredible passionate beauty and dermal therapists, product innovators that contribute to this industry. You inspire and elevate others to succeed.

Danni xx

Training Your Team: Elevating Your Salon ! (Without

By Will Fennell

Losing Your Sanity)

Choosing a skincare line for your salon isn’t just about selecting which jars look the nicest on the shelf. These bottles aren’t just decor — they represent your standards, your philosophy, and your reputation, all sealed with a lid. But here’s the thing: no matter how glamorous the brand, it’s as useful as a Ferrari without a driver’s licence if your team hasn’t been properly trained.

Let’s be honest. Therapists don’t want to come across as pushy salespeople, and clients certainly don’t want to feel like they’ve wandered into a used car yard. What clients really want is someone who knows their stuff and can explain (without jargon or sales-speak) why a certain cream or serum will benefit their skin.

Consider the difference between:

“This cream is popular.” (Yawn.) vs.

“This formula helps lock in hydration after today’s peel, so your results last longer.” (Bingo!)

One approach makes your client’s eyes glaze over, while the other encourages them to reach for their wallet because you’ve genuinely connected with them. When your team receives training, sales no longer feel like sales — they feel like the natural next step in caring for your client.

Consistency Across the Team

Ever had two therapists explain the same product as if they were discussing entirely different worlds? Clients dislike that. Consistency reassures them that no matter who they see, they’ll receive the same accurate advice (delivered with their therapist’s own personality, of course).

And as a bonus, it relieves the pressure on your “star therapist.” Instead of clients only trusting one person, they’ll happily book with anyone. That means more loyalty, greater flexibility in bookings, and less risk of burnout for your superstar staff member.

Why Training Matters

Here’s the thing: even the best skincare line can’t do all the talking on its own. Beautiful jars don’t tell stories — your team does.

That’s why I don’t just hand over products and hope for the best. Training means your staff know not only what’s inside a formula but also why it matters and how to explain it without sounding like robots. They get to test textures, see how products feel, and most importantly, learn how to connect those results directly to client needs.

Clean Beauty in Training

Let’s be honest — clients nowadays don’t just flick through magazines while waiting. They’ve been on Google, TikTok, and probably asked three friends before they even visit your salon. They know their ingredients, and sometimes they’re even a bit sceptical. That’s why training in clean beauty isn’t optional — it’s essential for survival. For BIODROGA, clean beauty isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation: no microplastics, no parabens, no PEGs, no phthalates, no silicones, no mineral oils — and absolutely no animal testing. Essentially, none of the ingredients that clients dislike are the ones that catch brands out. When your team can say this with confidence (and maybe even a smile), clients immediately feel at ease, knowing your salon genuinely upholds these standards.

And here’s the thing: it’s not about memorising a list of banned ingredients. It’s about understanding the reason behind it so therapists can chat naturally, not robotically. That authenticity builds trust, helps conversations flow smoothly, and reassures clients they’re in expert hands — without the lecture.

Making Training Part of Salon Culture

Training isn’t just a one-off PowerPoint presentation. It’s an ongoing shift in culture. Launches, refreshers, and updates — they keep your team motivated, confident, and (dare I say it) even a bit excited.

And it’s not just about knowledge. Training sessions also serve as team bonding. When your crew experiences products together and shares real-life client stories, it generates an energy that flows into the salon. Clients notice that vibe straight away.

The Payoff

Trained staff equals happy clients. Happy clients lead to loyalty. Loyalty results in a stronger, more profitable salon. Simple maths.

Treatments give an instant glow. Training ensures your clients take that glow home with the right products and the confidence to use them. Without training, products sit on shelves collecting dust. With training, they fly out the door with happy clients who feel supported between visits.

Final Thought

Training isn’t “optional” — it’s the secret ingredient. It boosts confidence, pride, and consistency within your team. A trained therapist enters a room prepared to give their best, and clients notice it straight away.

Bottom line: products might add the sparkle, but training is what keeps the sparkle shining long after clients leave your salon. And who doesn’t want to be the salon that’s remembered for a bit of sparkle?

Best of luck,

Will x

What to Sell and How to Sell It . How Emerging Educators can package and price their expertise without secondguessing every step.

By Tamara Reid

You’re not new to this. You’ve been in treatment rooms, training rooms, and staff rooms long enough to know your stuff — inside out. Clients love you. Industry leans on you. And every second conversation seems to end with, “You should be teaching this.”

And maybe you’ve started to believe it. You know you’ve got something to say — and something worth sharing.

But then comes the hard part: what exactly do you sell?

And once you know that — how the heck do you price it?

That’s where a lot of incredible educators get stuck. Not because they’re not capable, but because suddenly they’re faced with 100 ideas, 1000 Instagram tabs open, and zero clarity on what’s right for them.

So, let’s take the noise out of it.

Before you create a course, offer a 1:1 session, or launch a masterclass… press pause.

And ask yourself:

“What do I actually want my work life to look like?”

Do you want to be on Zoom 3 days a week, or on the road presenting live? Do you want to build passive income with evergreen courses, or high-touch impact with small group programs? Do you want to sell to therapists and owners (B2C), or partner with brands and platforms (B2B)?

Because that will tell you what to sell. So, what does that look like, in practice?

Well, it might look like a $49 downloadable that helps therapists run better consults. Or $297 masterclass teaching brow artists how to retail without feeling pushy. Or a $2,000 short course helping new clinic owners nail their first hire.

It might also look like a brand partnership where you get paid $1,500 to speak on stage. Or create a co-branded retail training video. Or build a three-month mentorship program that lives on a brand’s learning portal.

There’s no one way to do this — and that’s the beauty of it. You can mix and match. You can scale. You can start small, test the waters, and build as you go. But you can’t price in the dark. And you can’t package a service you haven’t properly defined.

That’s where pricing gets sticky. Because here’s the thing: most of us were never taught how to price our services. We picked numbers based on what someone else was doing — or worse, based on what we thought people would “be willing to pay.”

But that’s not how you build a sustainable personal brand. That’s how you burn out.

So, let’s break it down.

Smart pricing starts by answering three simple questions:

- What does it cost you to live? (Yes, the rent, the bills, the Canva Pro subscription — all of it.)

- How much time do you actually have to give?

- What’s the transformation you’re offering — and what is that worth to someone else?

If you want to earn $100k a year, and you’ve got 20 hours a month to dedicate to paid work, then your pricing needs to reflect that. Simple math’s, big mindset shift.

From there, factor in your experience — the years on the floor, the results you’ve helped clients get, the value you bring to the table. It’s not about charging because someone else is… it’s about charging because you can deliver.

And just one more thing, while we’re here?

Be really clear on what’s included. If you’re offering a 90-minute session — is it recorded? Do they get a workbook? Is there email support? Clarity equals confidence (on both sides of the equation).

Also: don’t forget to account for travel, admin, prep, and energy. (Your energy is your most expensive asset — protect and price accordingly.)

The truth is, you don’t need to sell everything to everyone. You need 3–5 clearly positioned, properly priced offers that speak to the audience you want to serve.

That could be:

- A $27 download

- A $297 live masterclass

- A $3,000 brand retainer

- A $5,000 event partnership

It’s not about throwing spaghetti at the wall — it’s about strategic pricing, clear packaging, and confidence in your delivery.

If that’s something you’re ready to get serious about, then my online course Build It, Brand It & Bank It is where I’ll meet you.

We take all this (your lifestyle, your POD, your energy, your goals) and turn it into a personal brand and product suite that gets seen, sold, and taken seriously.

You already are a personal brand.

Let’s get you paid like one.

Tamara Reid

www.insideindustry.co

Empower Your Career!

JOIN THE SKIN SUCCESS COMMUNITY

A supportive and educational membership created for Beauty Therapists, Dermal Clinicians & Nurses who want to grow, connect, and lead with confidence. A supportive and educational membership created for Beauty Therapists, Dermal Clinicians & Nurses who want to grow, connect, and lead with confidence.

What is the Skin Success Community?

It is your trusted space to:

Access monthly expert-led education sessions on skin science, ingredients, disorders & treatments

Download ready-to-use client and therapist handouts (editable in Canva!)

Connect with like-minded professionals in a safe, supportive space

Learn from guest speakers, stay updated on trends, and deepen your consultation skills

It’s not just another group – it’s your go-to professional development hub.

Why Join Us?

Real Learning – No fluff. Everything is designed to improve outcomes and confidence.

Customisable Resources – Tools you can brand and use immediately in your clinic.

Supportive Community – You’re not alone. Ask questions, share wins, and grow together.

Global Reach – Ideal for therapists in Australia, USA, Europe & Asia.

What’s Included?

Monthly Masterclasses

Editable Handouts (Therapist + Client Versions)

Guest Expert Talks

Step-by-step guides

Discussion Forums

All for just $89/month or save with one yearly payment of $890

Beyond The Team Meeting: The Impact Of One-On-One Coaching.

By Elle Huempel

One of the greatest joys in our industry is seeing people grow, not just our clients, but also the individuals within our teams. We celebrate when someone finds their confidence, develops a new skill, or takes ownership of their role in a way that changes both their career and the business around them.

Over the years, I believe that this kind of transformation often happens in the most personal of settings: one-on-one conversations. While team training and group meetings are essential, it’s those moments of focused, individual guidance that create the biggest shifts. When a team member feels truly seen, heard, and supported, something powerful happens. Their growth benefits not only themselves but also their clients, team, and the business overall.

BUILDING CONNECTION & REBOOKING BASICS

Our industry is built on a strong foundation, connection. Clients return because they feel cared for, listened to, and guided. Rebooking isn’t about sales, it’s about service. It’s about showing clients the value of returning at the right time to maintain their results. When I work one-on-one with individuals, I see how personal coaching builds their confidence to have those conversations authentically. It’s not about scripts or pressure; it’s about discovering the approach that feels natural for them. Watching a team member move from hesitancy to confidence in rebooking is so incredibly rewarding.

RETAIL AS AFTERCARE

Retail is often seen as a challenge, a hurdle and then avoided. Many in our industry shy away from it, fearing they’ll come across as “salesy or pushy.” But when we reframe retail as aftercare, everything changes. Our clients trust us. They choose us for their treatments. It’s only natural that we would also guide them on how to look after that investment between visits too. When approached from this perspective, retail becomes a seamless part of their professional care. I love watching that shift take place, the moment someone realises they’re not selling, but that they’re educating, and in doing so, they’re building deeper trust with their clients.

TIME MANAGEMENT & EFFICIENCY

Our industry is busy. Every appointment is precious. Yet so often I see talented people overwhelmed by inefficiencies, losing time in preparation, struggling to structure their days, or rushing at the end of appointments.

What excites me is supporting individuals to see how small improvements can make a huge difference. A few minutes saved here and there can ease stress, open space for more thorough consultations

for themselves and the business overall. After all, every 15 minutes matters!

OVERCOMING RESISTANCE & BUILDING CONSISTENCY

Change isn’t loved by all. We’ve all worked with people who resist rebooking, shy away from retail, or avoid new systems. I don’t see resistance as laziness, I see it as fear, uncertainty, or lack of confidence. Through individual support, I love being the support to work through those hurdles. Step by step, resistance turns into small wins and with consistency, those small wins build into forever habits. Watching someone go from avoiding a skill to mastering it is one of the most inspiring parts of this industry.

REVIEW, CELEBRATE & NEXT STEPS

Growth isn’t solely about forward momentum, it also requires moments of reflection. I’ve always been passionate about celebrating progress, no matter how small. When we acknowledge wins, individuals feel proud, motivated, and are inspired to keep going.

Taking the time to review progress and establish clear next steps strengthens accountability. It turns growth into a continuous process that drives meaningful, lasting change for both individuals and the business.

WHY IT MATTERS

Our industry is unique and personal. We don’t just deliver services, we create experiences, build relationships, and help our clients to not only look good but feel good about themselves, THAT, begins with the people on our team.

For me, there is nothing more rewarding than watching someone transform, not just in their skills, but in their mindset. Because when individuals grow, they don’t just change their own careers, they change the culture of the entire business and that’s what makes our industry so powerful! When individuals thrive, the whole business thrives!

By Elle Huempel @elle_business_coaching

asking the right questions to get the right answers or allow for an extra client. Coaching individuals around efficiency and organisation doesn’t just improve productivity, it makes their whole day flow more smoothly,

Elle Huempel

Building a Stronger Future for Australia’s Beauty Workforce.

Australia’s beauty industry is a cornerstone of personal care and wellbeing, reaching into every community across the country. From the beauticians who boost everyday confidence to the therapists who deliver specialised treatments, beauty professionals play a vital role in how we look, feel and connect.

Yet the industry is under pressure. Persistent shortages of salon, spa and clinic managers, beauty therapists and make-up artists, combined with low pay, physically demanding work, and limited career pathways are pushing skilled professionals out and impacting attraction to the industry.

As the Jobs and Skills Council for the Personal Services sector, Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) is leading the response. SaCSA’s Workforce Plan Update highlighted these pressing issues, and now they’re working with industry to drive solutions. Current projects focus on strengthening training pathways, tackling retention challenges and opening new career opportunities to secure the sector’s future.

Understanding the Shortages

SaCSA has launched a national project to understand why some of the most important jobs in beauty are increasingly hard to fill. The focus is on three critical roles: salon managers who keep businesses running, make-up artists who can face insecure work, and beauty therapists who are nationally recognised as being in shortage. These roles are central to the industry’s success, and SaCSA is digging into the reasons people leave, the barriers to career growth, and the opportunities to bring more people into the profession.

Research That Reflects Reality

SaCSA’s evidence-based approach combines data from national sources with direct conversations with industry, unions and training providers. Already, some common themes are emerging:

• Many new entrants lack the digital, communication and customer-service skills now expected in salons.

• Gaps in leadership and management training are making it harder for businesses to build positive workplace cultures.

• Women make up the majority of the beauty workforce and often leave within three to five years, with limited support to return later in their careers.

• Professionals are moving into self-employment, and the lack of mandatory qualifications is raising concerns, particularly as the use of advanced technologies and specialised equipment becomes more common. By listening closely to industry voices, SaCSA is ensuring that future solutions are grounded in the real-world experience of professionals at the frontline of the beauty industry.

Have Your Say: Shape the Future of Beauty

SaCSA is conducting a national survey to better understand the drivers of shortages, from skills gaps and attraction challenges, to pay, career progression and workforce re-entry.

This is a critical opportunity for salon, clinic and spa owners, beauty professionals, independent educators, suppliers and all those working in or with the industry to share their experiences. Your insights will directly shape SaCSA’s recommendations for training, workforce planning and long-term policy.

The short survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and closes on Friday, 17 October 2025 at 5:00 pm AEST.

Smarter Training and Qualifications

Alongside this research, SaCSA is reviewing and updating the Diploma of Salon Management to ensure beauty qualifications are up to date and aligned with what employers and clients expect. This is part of a wider national push to modernise vocational training, cutting red tape and ensuring courses are practical, relevant and aligned with industry needs.

The updated training package will provide aspiring beauty professionals with stronger digital literacy, better business skills, and clearer pathways for career progression. It will provide employers with job-ready graduates who can step into roles with confidence.

Looking Ahead

SaCSA’s research aims to strengthen training and workforce development across the beauty industry. These findings will help shape future projects aimed at improving staff retention, supporting sustainable businesses, and creating clear career opportunities. For aspiring beauty professionals, that means more relevant qualifications and better pathways into rewarding beauty careers. For employers and educators, it means greater confidence in attracting and keeping skilled people. And for clients, it means the industry they rely on for confidence, care and creativity will continue to evolve with their needs.

Stay Connected

Stay informed on SaCSA’s projects and consultation opportunities aimed at strengthening the beauty workforce. Scan the QR code to register your interest.

The Rise of AI in Beauty: Innovation, Compliance and Protection in the Digital

Age

By Jade Spehr, Co-Owner JadeStart

From skin analysis tools that personalise treatment plans to chatbots that handle enquiries while you sleep, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how beauty and aesthetics businesses operate. What was once the domain of large tech companies is now accessible to salons, clinics, and solo practitioners. It is changing the client experience for the better.

But with opportunity comes responsibility. As we embrace AI to enhance marketing, consultations, and client care, we must also navigate Australia’s privacy laws, ethical responsibilities, and insurance requirements to ensure our businesses remain protected. Here is a look at some of the most common and emerging AI tools currently adopted in beauty businesses:

1. AI-Powered Skin Scanners and Virtual Consultation Tools

Advanced skin analysis tools can now be embedded directly into your website, allowing potential clients to scan their face using a mobile device. These tools deliver tailored product and treatment recommendations instantly, helping convert browsers into bookings. They also support therapists and clinicians by adding another layer of diagnostic precision. It is important to note that not all tools are trained on diverse skin types. Business owners should test for inclusivity before implementation.

2. Consultation Notes with AI Transcription and Summarisation

AI tools such as Notion AI, Otter.ai, and specialised clinical note platforms can transcribe and summarise client consultations. This saves time, improves recordkeeping, and supports continuity of care, particularly in multipractitioner environments. However, human oversight remains essential. Clinicians must always review AI-generated summaries for accuracy and compliance.

3. ChatGPT and Custom AI Chatbots

Custom AI chatbots are transforming how businesses interact with clients.

They can answer frequently asked questions, recommend services, and even suggest retail products. Some clinics also use ChatGPT or similar tools to draft marketing content, email replies, and patient scripts. Be cautious not to input sensitive client data into public AI platforms like Chat GPT. These systems are not secure for storing or processing personal health information.

4. AI for Predictive Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation

From optimising subject lines to personalising entire email campaigns, AI is reshaping how clinics market themselves. Platforms such as Jasper, Phrasee, and SurferSEO can analyse client behaviour and automate content creation to meet specific needs. Some systems can also identify when a client is likely to lapse, triggering targeted re-engagement.

5. AI in Booking Systems and Client Retention

Modern booking platforms often include AI to support smart scheduling, automated reminders, and client retention strategies. These tools can help identify VIP clients, encourage timely rebooking, and offer tailored follow-up communication.

Transparency Builds Trust

With AI being used across consultations, websites, and communications, transparency is essential. Clients should be informed when they are interacting with AI tools. Whether it is an online skin scan or a chatbot, disclosure builds trust and aligns with privacy expectations.

For example, a simple message such as “This analysis uses AI technology and is reviewed by our expert team” can go a long way in reassuring clients.

Privacy and Data Compliance in Australia

If your business earns over three million dollars annually or handles health information, you are legally required to comply with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Most beauty and aesthetics clinics collect personal or sensitive data, making compliance relevant even for smaller operators.

Key obligations include:

- Clearly informing clients about the data you collect and how it will be used

- Obtaining informed consent before collecting sensitive personal information

- Allowing clients to access and correct their data

- Using data only for the purpose for which it was collected

- Taking reasonable steps to protect personal data from misuse or unauthorised access

If you use AI platforms hosted overseas, you must ensure compliance with APP 8, which governs cross-border data disclosures. Review the privacy policies of cloud-based tools to ensure they meet Australian standards. If you don’t want to read them, ask these companies the hard-hitting questions in writing upfront before signing up.

Tip: Conduct regular audits of your data collection practices and systems to ensure ongoing compliance and security.

Insurance and Cybersecurity Considerations

As digital tools become central to operations, protecting your business from cyber risk is more important than ever.

Cyber Insurance

Most beauty business policies do not automatically cover cyber incidents. If your clinic stores client images, consultation notes, or personal health data digitally, it is wise to invest in cyber liability insurance.

Cyber insurance can help cover:

- Legal costs and mandatory notifications following a data breach

- Forensic investigations

- Business interruption losses

- Reputation management and public relations support

Cybersecurity Basics

Foundational cybersecurity does not require advanced tech knowledge. Every business should:

- Use strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication

- Update all software and devices regularly

- Restrict staff access to sensitive information

- Provide staff training on identifying suspicious activity

- Back up client and business data securely and consistently

Things to Watch: Ethical and Practical Considerations

To help navigate the AI landscape with confidence and care, keep these professional principles in mind:

Bias

in Skin Analysis Tools

Some AI tools have been trained on limited data sets and may not perform equally across all skin types. Trial tools on a diverse range of clients before full implementation.

Human Oversight is Essential

AI is not a substitute for professional judgment. All AI-generated recommendations should be verified by a qualified practitioner. AI often gets things wrong.

Disclose When AI Is in Use

Whether it is a chatbot or automated skin scan, let clients know when AI is involved. Transparency fosters trust and meets client expectations.

Avoid Inputting Client Data into Public AI Tools

Do not share sensitive or identifiable information in platforms such as ChatGPT. Use AI tools that meet healthcare-level data security standards.

Review Your Tools and Agreements Regularly AI systems evolve quickly. Review the relevance, accuracy, and legal agreements for your tools at least every six months.

Stay Informed on Regulation

Australian regulations around AI and privacy are evolving. Stay informed through the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) or ABIC.

AI presents exciting opportunities for beauty and aesthetics business owners. It enables more personalised care, streamlined operations, and deeper client engagement. However, innovation must be balanced with responsibility.

By choosing reputable tools, securing client data, maintaining human oversight, and investing in the right protections, your business can confidently lead in this new digital era. The key to long-term success is not just about adopting AI. It is about using it wisely, ethically, and with care. @jadestart_

You can’t see the forest for the trees ...

By Jay Chapman

There’s this funny thing about running your own business. You start it with all the excitement in the world imagining freedom, creativity and the thrill of building something that’s truly yours. Fast forward a few years and you can suddenly find yourself knee-deep in tasks you hate wondering how on earth you ended up here! It can feel like the business is running you instead of the other way around.

Time for some over sharing!

I know this feeling because I’ve been there myself. (A few times!) On paper the business was humming along nicely but I found myself stuck in a role that just didn’t sit right. From the outside it looked successful but, on the inside, it was draining me. It’s a strange kind of mismatch. The numbers are good but you’re not.

The kicker is as a coach I can look at someone else’s salon and point out exactly where they’re off track. I can see the patterns, the gaps and the obvious changes that would help them grow. But doing the same thing for your own business is a whole different story. When you’re too close to it you can’t see the forest for the trees. That’s why even coaches need coaches. We all need someone on the outside who can hold up the mirror and remind us of what’s really going on.

One thing I’ve learnt about myself is that I don’t muck around when it’s time to make a change. Once I realised I’d drifted away from what energises me I reshuffled things quickly. I filled my week with the work I enjoy and passed on the tasks I hated to people who actually love them. And yes, those people really do exist.

I share this because I think every business owner hits this point sooner or later. We drift away from what feels good. We get caught up in habits or responsibilities that don’t line up with who we are or what we value. And when that happens you don’t just feel stuck in business you feel stuck in life.

time and actually sticking to my own rules around rest. Every time I let those slip I pay for it in business and at home.

That’s where your personal values come in. They’re not just a nice idea or something you pop on a wall. They’re the compass that helps you steer. When your business stops reflecting your values that’s when you feel that nagging sense of frustration, resentment or even dread.

And here’s the truth! You have got freedom of choice. It doesn’t always feel like it when you’re juggling clients, bills and a never-ending list of tasks. But you are in control. If the direction feels wrong, you can change it.

For salon owners the first step is simple awareness. Ask yourself…. Do I actually like the role I play in my own business? Am I spending more time on the things that give me energy or the things that drain me?

If the answer leans towards drain don’t stress. Start with small adjustments. Offload one or two tasks you hate either to your team or to an outsourced option. Even a few hours a week of getting the heavy stuff off your plate can change your whole outlook.

The next step is boundaries. This is one I see slip all the time with salon owners and I’ve been guilty of it too. Boundaries are what protect both your business and your personal life. For me it looks like saying no to opportunities that don’t serve me, shutting the laptop when it’s family

And while we’re at it let’s be honest. Sometimes you just need to suck it up and do the work. Every business has jobs that aren’t glamorous. That’s fine in the short term. But if you find yourself slogging away for months or years on the bits you hate that’s a recipe for burnout.

Here’s a quick exercise to bring this home. Think about the long list of personal values out there. Choose your top three. Write them down and add a note about why they matter most to you. Then brainstorm one or two small actions that would bring your business closer to those values. It might be as simple as delegating, saying no more often or carving out time for yourself.

The big picture here is simple. The whole point of running your own business is to create a life you actually want to live. It’s not about building something that looks successful from the outside but leaves you drained on the inside. You really do have freedom of choice even if it doesn’t always feel like it. And if you’re stuck in a role that doesn’t feel like “you” now might be the time to re-align and steer things in a direction that makes you excited again.

Follow Jay and his team on Instagram at ‘Your Growth Coaches’

Jay Chapman

Show Up on Google with Instagram SEO

By Kayla Zigic

Once upon a time, Instagram was all about aesthetics: food and latte pics, valencia filter, and perfectly curated grids. But in 2025? Instagram is no longer just a pretty place to scroll, it’s officially a search engine.

In July, Instagram announced that it now indexes public content via Google, and salon and clinic owners have a golden opportunity to increase visibility outside of the Instagram app itself. That means your still posts, carousels, reels, captions, profile, and even your spoken words all help determine whether new clients can find you both on and off Instagram.

The good news? You don’t need a digital marketing degree to make your profile searchable; You just need a few simple tweaks to your content strategy. Let’s break them down together.

But first, what is Instagram SEO and how does it work?

We’ve always relied on Google as the go-to search engine. The keywords you use in your website copy are scanned, indexed, and categorised so, when someone searches for those specific terms, Google can match their query with relevant results. If your website contains those keywords, your salon, spa, or clinic has a much higher chance of appearing in their search results. And now? Google is now indexing keywords used on Instagram and displaying relevant results to people searching on Google.

What does that mean in real life?

It means your ideal client might type “Skin Needling Gold Coast,” into Google, and if you do not strategically place keywords relating to Skin Needling and Gold Coast in your Instagram, you won’t have as many opportunities for your account to be seen compared to someone who has a well-optimised social media account and content.

This also goes for Instagram. People no longer just scroll for inspiration. They’re using Instagram like a search engine, looking for treatments, salons, and clinics in their area.

How to use Keywords and Where:

1. Your Name Field: Let’s start with one of the most overlooked features of Instagram SEO: your name field (the bold line in your bio, not your @ handle).

This field is searchable both within Instagram and on Google. So instead of simply writing your name, salon name or “Owner,” update it with your location and your niche.

Example:

Before: Skin Factory | Sarah | Skin Specialist

After: Gold Coast Skin Clinic | Acne + LED Expert

This helps you show up when someone searches “Gold Coast acne facial” or “LED skin clinic near me.”

2. Captions: Captions still matter, but I don’t mean a string of Emojis or the famous “Skin Goals” statement caption. Instead, in your captions, use natural, descriptive keywords that align with what potential clients are searching for:

Try this:

“We treat hormonal acne and pigmentation with customised LED facials. Available now at our Broadbeach skin clinic.”

You’re still sounding like you, but you’re also helping the algorithm understand what your post is about.

3. Reels: It’s hard to believe, but Instagram is listening to and “reading your content. So when it comes to Reels, make sure it’s easy to index and categorise:

- Say your service name and/or location in your audio or voiceover.

- Add closed captions using the “Captions” sticker in Edits or Instagram. Use on-screen text with relevant keywords, such as “Acne Facial,” “LED Therapy,” or “Skin Needling Brisbane.”

- Ensure your Captions are SEO keyword-rich.` Instagram’s algorithm uses this data to recommend your content to people searching for exactly what you do, so make sure you’re saying the words people are typing.

4. Hashtags: Niche Over Broad

Hashtags aren’t dead they just aren’t used for “reach” more to “categorise” content.

Ditch the overloaded and generic #skincare and #facial and focus on location-specific and niche hashtags that describe what you offer and where you offer it.

#SkinClinicBrisbane #LEDLightTherapyGoldCoast #AcneExpertMelbourne

These help you reach clients in your area who are actively searching for your services.

5. Alt Text for Image Posts (Yes, It’s a Thing)

If you’re posting carousels or single-image posts, don’t skip the alt text field before uploading.

Example:

“Client receiving acne LED treatment at our Broadbeach skin clinic.” This helps your post appear when people search for relevant keywords, especially now that Google is indexing Instagram content.

6. Optimise Your Bio

Your Instagram bio is short, but mighty. Make it easy for people (and search engines) to understand what you do, who you help, how you do it, your location and a call to action.

Example:

We help women achieve clear, glowing skin through results-driven facials for acne & pigmentation

-Broadbeach

- Book your skin transformation now

Think of Instagram SEO like skin prep before a treatment; it ensures that everything you apply afterward works better and penetrates more deeply.

Your Turn: Get Clear on Your Keywords

Take some minutes to write down the specific keywords that reflect:

- Your target audience (e.g., new mums, acne-prone skin, mature clients)

- Your services and treatment types (e.g., LED facials, dermaplaning, skin needling)

- What you want to be known for (e.g., glowgetting results, clinical skin support, holistic facials)

Avoid using industry jargon that your clients wouldn’t type into a search bar. Instead, think about what your clients are actually searching for and how you can naturally weave those words into your profile, captions, and content.

The more clarity you have around your keywords, the easier it becomes for dream clients to discover you.

Kayla Zigic

Marketing with Guts, Grit & Giggles: How to Turn Strategy Into Gold!

By Carly Knowles

Marketing isn’t about shouting louder. It’s about connecting smarter! It shouldn’t be an afterthought, it must be a driving force behind your growth, visibility, & brand identity.

Winning the Australian Beauty Industry Award for Best in Marketing three years in a row didn’t happen because we got lucky or because we posted pretty pictures on Instagram. It happened because we built a strategy and then showed up for it consistently.

If you’re ready to supercharge your marketing and get results that actually move the needle, we’re here to share the intel and what’s worked for us.

So, what is the secret sauce?

Honestly for us: planning, data, creativity and a dash of humour!

Our marketing is underpinned by a clear policy: connect with purpose, communicate with authenticity, and create content that resonates far beyond the scroll.

Build a Plan, Not Just a Post

Every January, we sit down as a team and build out our annual marketing calendar. We map out launches, key promotions, and seasonal pushes, but we also make space for spontaneous, on the fly moments (because nothing kills creativity faster than over planning). All of our ideas are supported by structured content pillars: Educate, Connect, Inspire.

Think of your marketing calendar like a training plan for a marathon, it keeps you moving in the right direction and stops you from sprinting into exhaustion by Easter.

Sell Without “Selling”

One of the most powerful things we do is post non-salesy content. Educational tips, behind the scenes, team moments, even a bit of humour. This builds trust without shoving an offer down someone’s throat all the time.

Lead with Value, Not Just Offers!

By amplifying your educational content, you are helping your audience understand their concerns and what may be able to help them, the science behind your treatments and offerings, and how your clinical expertise translates into real world results.

Make your marketing objectives bold, strategic, & grounded in value driven growth.

For us, we set out to deepen client connection, increase digital visibility, & drive strong ROI, without relying on discounting or generic messaging.

For example, we launched service specific campaigns supported by educational content, storytelling, & results driven messaging. In one year, this helped us grow revenue by 17%, increase net profit by 25%, and generate more revenue dramatically (over $190K more than the previous year.)

Boost Client Engagement Through Value Based Content

As I’ve said, we focus on education first marketing, demystifying skin, scalp, & treatment science. These posts, paired with authentic humour, have increased engagement by 325% across all platforms & attracted a younger, wider audience while strengthening brand loyalty.

Our “Reality TV Clinic” series and prank wars between me and the team didn’t just go viral (13.4 million views, thank you very much) they made people fall in love with our clinic culture. That’s what sells. People book with people they like.

Carly Knowles

Use Data to Get Clever

We pull reports from our salon software every month, demographics, spend patterns, treatment popularity. This data tells us what people want and when they want it. For example, when we saw a lull in bookings, we used text marketing to push last minute offers, and boom our books filled. It’s about working smarter, not just working harder.

Collaborate Like Crazy

We partner with local businesses and influencers regularly, cross promotions, giveaways, and collaborations keep your name in new circles. This is also how we’ve attracted some of our best staff, by using our socials not just to sell services, but to sell our workplace culture. The right people found us because we showed people how Bella Pelle looks like the kind of place they’d want to be.

Measure, Learn, Repeat

authentically who we are as people. What clients see on social media is exactly what they get when they walk into the clinic…just with a little more professionalism (most of the time).

Marketing without measuring is just… posting. We measure everything, from social media engagement to revenue generated. If something flops, we don’t cry (well, maybe for a minute), we tweak it and try again.

And when something works (like our 12 Days of Christmas campaign smashing targets by $50k), we put it on repeat!

Don’t Be Afraid to Be Human

This might be the most important tip of all. Your personality is your point of difference.

For us, humour has been a game changer. From a tongue in cheek cancellation policy videos that reduced no shows by 94%, to skits that poke fun at the beauty industry in a loving way, people connect with honesty and authenticity.

Humour has been a powerful tool in our marketing strategy, but I recognise it won’t suit every business. The key is to find your own authentic way of humanising your brand so it feels real and relatable to your audience.

Humour is part of our DNA as a team. I grew up in a house full of comedians, where sarcasm was our first language and taking the piss out of each other was the norm. That’s why it remains a key driver for us. Our Prank Wars, The Boss Roast, Reality TV Clinic series, and Meet the Team content continue to go viral and, more importantly, foster genuine connection. But it works because it’s

Your Brand Won’t Build Itself. It’s time to be brave Get in front of the camera, make the content, and stop caring about what anyone else thinks, the people who matter will love it and connect with you, and as for the haters? Well, anyone who attended the A.B.I.A this year and witnessed our speech, you all know what I think about them! Let’s just say they’re not your audience anyway.

Market Emotion, Not Just Aesthetic!

Through emotional selling, ensure your focus is on how clients feel: confident, cared for, and empowered, not just how they look. Marketing is not a set and forget activity. It’s a living, breathing extension of your business. If you want marketing that actually works, you need to:

• Plan ahead

• Connect deeply

• Show up consistently

• Measure relentlessly

• Have a little fun along the way

When you do all of that, plus some, you don’t just win awards, you win loyal clients, a thriving business, and a brand that people can’t stop talking about.

@carlyknowles @bellapelle

Carkly Knowles is the owner of Bella Pelle Winner of 2023/4/5 ABIA Best in Marketing and VIC/TAS/SA Salon/Spa/Clinic of the Year - 5 Treatment Rooms or More

AI has the creative world on edge right now - here’s why salons and clinics need to pay attention too.

By Keira Maloney

I’ll be honest, when AI first crept into my world as a photographer, I panicked. Not the “end of days” kind of panic, but the uneasy feeling of seeing an image appear in seconds that would’ve taken me hours of planning, shooting, and editing.

Then came the Super Bowl ads: cinematic, 4K, real-life looking commercials that used to cost millions suddenly being made with AI for a fraction of the price. If it could happen to them, what about me?

And I know I’m not alone. Many industries are wrestling with this right now. But here’s where I’ve landed: I trust my creativity and humanity. You should trust yours. Our ability to connect, read nuance, and inject personality into our work is the bit AI can’t take (...yet).

The danger isn’t AI “taking” the job. It’s businesses refusing to adapt while competitors lean in.

Why both beauty and hair need to pay attention right now I photograph specifically in the hair and beauty world, and I hear the same reassurance at your expos and conferences: “Don’t worry, human touch can’t be replaced.” And yes, that’s true. For now, no robot will ever replace a basin head massage, the confidence of a therapist’s advice, or the banter in the chair that makes you feel like family. But running your salon with analogue systems, wasted product, missed calls, and clunky bookings? That’s where the risk lies. Not adopting AI in the business side of your salon or clinic is what will leave people behind.

What’s already happening?

It’s no longer just hype, its reality, and close to being normality: AI is already weaving its way into salons and beauty businesses across the globe.

AI receptionists will make salons money while they sleep Soon, owners won’t be tied to phones or scrambling to return calls between clients. AI bots and virtual receptionists will handle it all, answering questions instantly, booking appointments, even upselling products. It’ll feel like talking to a real person, even at 3am. Instead of losing leads after hours, salons will be “open” 24/7 without anyone working. For solo operators, that could mean dozens of extra bookings a month. For multi-location salons, it could be the equivalent of adding another stylist worth of revenue without hiring. This isn’t a maybe, it’s already starting, and within a year or two I believe it will be standard. AI will slash colour/product waste and boost profit

The colour bowl is one of the most expensive places salons lose money. Systems like Vish are already showing what’s possible, with enormous savings and less waste.

The future is precision colour mixing as the norm. Every gram tracked, every formula recorded, guesswork removed. Salons adopting this tech will reinvest their savings into staff training, marketing, or equipment. Those who don’t will keep washing money down the drain – literally. In just a few years, waste-heavy salons won’t just look unsustainable, they’ll look outdated.

Radical change services will surge with very realistic AI try-ons Clients will soon expect to preview hair colour or makeup digitally before stepping into your space. I tried it myself, uploading a selfie and a Pinterest inspo pic into AI to see the same copper tones on me, as if it was a real photo.. I sent the result to my hairdresser the night before my appointment, and it was done 12 hours later.

AI-powered consultations will cut down costly re-dos, help salons close bigger bookings/transformations, and give clients the confidence that they’ll get exactly what they want.

AI opens the door for growth

The real power of AI isn’t just cost savings or efficiency. It’s the mental load it removes from business owners. When bookings, reminders, or even colour measurements are handled for you, you finally have the headspace to move out of survival mode.

Instead of pouring all your energy into keeping the wheels turning, you can ask bigger questions: How do I expand? What new services could I add? Who could I collaborate with? AI doesn’t just give you time back, it gives you the brain space to reinvent and grow.

The reality check

The divide won’t be “AI versus humans.” It’ll be AI-powered salons and clinics versus those stuck doing everything the old way.

And the pace is fast. Five years ago, I’d have laughed at the idea of a bot creating images, commercials, and pulling insane amounts of data and research in seconds. Now, it’s just normal. Photographers who ignored digital were wiped out 9 out of 10 times. Those ignoring AI-powered business (and creative) strategies in the photography world are already falling behind. Don’t let the same happen in hair and beauty. If you don’t have the energy to stay across the tech, fine. But at least partner with brands and suppliers who do. Because in the next twelve months, not having AI stitched into your business won’t just be inconvenient – it’ll make keeping up harder and harder.

Yours truly,

The oddly specific and very niche combination of hair/beauty photographer and AI fangirl, Keira x @the_salonphotographer

Keira Maloney

Menopause and the

Microbiome : The Overlooked

By Chiza Westcarr

Connection.

What if one of the most overlooked consequences of menopause isn’t hot flushes or mood swings, but the quiet changes in a woman’s microbiome that affect her immunity, metabolism, and skin health?

The Hormonal Shift That Changes Everything

Fatty Acid (SCFA) production. Polyphenols (from berries, green tea, or cocoa) support microbial diversity.

Menopause marks a profound biological transition. While hot flushes, night sweats, and cognitive changes often dominate discussion, the steady decline of circulating oestrogen has systemic consequences that extend far beyond the reproductive system.

Oestrogen is a pleiotropic hormone, influencing virtually every body system— from skin changes, weight regulation, sleep, and bone metabolism to vascular tone, cognition, vaginal and oral health, and even the body’s microbial ecology.

The female microbiome is not static. It responds dynamically to hormonal fluctuations throughout life. During reproductive years, oestrogen supports a healthy balance of microorganisms across the gut, skin, oral cavity, and vaginal tract. Its decline in perimenopause and menopause removes this support, setting the stage for changes in microbial composition and function.

Gut Microbiome: The Foundation of Systemic Health

The gut microbiome is central to immune, metabolic, endocrine, and brain function. One area of particular interest is the oestrobolome — the group of gut bacteria able to metabolise oestrogen.

When oestrogen is processed in the liver, it is “conjugated,” or packaged for removal via bile. Certain gut bacteria produce enzymes such as β-glucuronidase, which can “deconjugate” these metabolites, releasing them so that a fraction can be reabsorbed. In this way, the oestrobolome helps regulate levels of circulating oestrogen.

When oestrogen levels decline in menopause, this recycling loop weakens. Combined with age-related reductions in microbial diversity, women may experience:

• Loss of microbial richness, reducing resilience against pathogens.

• Increased gut permeability, fuelling systemic inflammation.

• Disrupted bile acid metabolism, influencing cholesterol and cardiometabolic risk.

• Reduced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, weakening regulation of inflammation, appetite, and insulin sensitivity.

Clinically, these changes may contribute to weight gain, insulin resistance, glucose dysregulation, and increased systemic inflammation — risks already heightened in postmenopausal women.

Systemic Consequences

The downstream effects of menopause-related microbial change are farreaching:

• Immune function: Reduced microbial diversity contributes to chronic, lowgrade inflammation.

• Metabolic health: Gut dysbiosis (imbalance of gut microbial species) may worsen insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia.

• Bone health: Gut microbes influence calcium absorption and vitamin D metabolism, both critical in preventing osteoporosis.

• Mental health: Through the gut–brain axis, microbiome imbalances may contribute to mood disturbances and cognitive symptoms.

So, What Can Be Done?

Fortunately, gut microbiome health can be modified. Strategies supported by research and clinical practice include:

1. Dietary fibre and polyphenols: Vegetables, legumes, fruit, and whole grains fuel beneficial bacteria and enhance Short Chain

2. Fermented foods: Unsweetened yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and kombucha provide live microbes that support microbial balance.

3. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation: Selected Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, alongside prebiotic fibres like inulin, can support gut health.

4. Lifestyle interventions: Regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep help stabilise microbial balance and reduce inflammation.

5. Medication: Limiting unnecessary use of antibiotics and NSAIDs helps protect microbial diversity and gut integrity.

Clinical and Industry Implications

For skin specialists, understanding the microbiome’s role in menopause opens new avenues for client and patient care. Supporting gut health can improve systemic outcomes, enhance skin integrity, and optimise recovery from in-clinic treatments.

Across the industry, the link between menopause and the gut microbiome is becoming harder to ignore. Nutrition, supplementation, and clinical education now provide practical ways to support women’s health at this stage. Falling oestrogen and changes in the gut microbiome require serious attention, because they show up as inflammation, weight gain, and greater cardiometabolic risk.

For skin specialists, this opens the door to combining lifestyle and nutrition guidance with in-clinic treatments for more comprehensive results.

Menopause is a shared experience for all women, affecting every body system, yet its impact is too often reduced to hot flushes and night sweats. All symptoms matter, but the more significant changes are driven by declining oestrogen and its effects throughout the body.

Reduced microbial diversity, weakened oestrogen recycling, and changes in gut permeability result in inflammation, weight gain, insulin resistance, and cardiometabolic risk. These are serious issues that shape a woman’s health, energy, confidence and quality of life in midlife and beyond.

The good news is that the gut microbiome is not fixed. It can be supported and strengthened through diet, lifestyle, and integrated care. Fibre, fermented foods, targeted probiotics, movement, stress management, and adequate rest all influence microbial balance.

For skin specialists, recognising this means we can deliver care that goes beyond skin symptoms and supports long-term health. Menopause need not be a time of decline; it can be a new chapter of renewal and vitality, especially when the gut microbiome is brought into focus.

Chiza Westcarr is a university-qualified nutritionist, Dermal Clinician, Speaker, and Educator with over two decades of experience in the aesthetics and wellness industries. She is currently undertaking a menopause research PhD looking at the role of nutrition, exercise and health coaching in improving the cardiometabolic health of postmenopausal women. In 2025, she hosted the Australian Medical Aesthetic industry’s first-ever highly successful menopause symposium, Thriving Through Menopause by Chiza Westcarr, and thereafter founded the Menopause Skin Academy — a global online community for skin professionals with a special interest in menopause.

Please contact Chiza Westcarr for References. info@flora-biome.com | www.flora-biome.com

Chiza Westcarr

Your Salon Doesn’t Need Another Motivational Quote . It Needs This.

By Rachel Medlock

Angeli Shaw is no longer The Bliss Coach.

Not because bliss wasn’t meaningful, but because it was no longer enough.

For the last two decades, Angeli has worked at the intersection of salon culture, team dynamics, and leadership. She’s worn the salon owner hat, felt the weight, and seen the impact — both the magic and the burnout. Lately, something has shifted.

Enter, Angeli Shaw Mentoring. A name change, but more than that, a resurgence.

“I’ve evolved and so has the kind of support I want to offer,” Angeli shares. “Salon owners don’t need more surface-level motivation. They need to feel seen. They need space to think clearly. They need grounded leadership, not pressure dressed up as purpose.”

Angeli’s not afraid to call out what’s no longer working.

The top-down, ‘hustle harder’ mentality that has dominated salon leadership for decades is crumbling. Teams are walking away from environments that praise overworking and punish vulnerability. Owners are burning out under the weight of unclear boundaries and constant urgency. The culture that once celebrated twelve-hour days as a badge of honour? It’s being questioned… loudly.

“We’ve been conditioned to think leadership has to look like strength at all costs,” Angeli says. “What I’m seeing now is a new wave of salon owners who want something different. Who are building businesses that prioritise people, not just profit, and are willing to go inwards first, even when it’s uncomfortable.”

the people-pleasing, the endless overthinking before a team meeting. She knows what it’s like to hit goals and still feel unfulfilled, and to love your business and resent it at the same time.

That’s where Angeli’s mentoring begins: not with KPIs or marketing strategies, but with self-awareness. By asking the confronting questions most owners have been too flat-out (or too afraid) to ask:

What kind of leader do I actually want to be?

What patterns am I repeating?

What do I need in order to lead well?

“Leadership often breaks down in the spaces we avoid,” she explains. “In the unspoken tension. In the conversations we delay, the nervous systems running in overdrive, and most of the time, before we rebuild the team, we need to rebuild the leader.”

That means getting clear on your energy, your voice, and your boundaries. Mindset weaves through every part of your culture, whether you’re aware of it or not.

“You can have the best strategy in the world, but if you’re leading from fear or burnout, your team will feel it,” she says. “You’re not just influencing results, you’re modelling what’s possible.”

Through individual and team mentoring, Angeli is helping salon owners distinguish between control and clarity. She teaches them how to lead without guilt, how to have the conversations that matter, and how to create environments where teams genuinely feel safe to thrive, not just perform.

Angeli brings together neuroscience-informed tools and the kind of lived experience that only comes from experiencing ‘life in the trenches’ herself, right where many salon owners find themselves today. The over-functioning,

That’s why so much of her work is centred around nervous system regulation, clear communication, and value-aligned decision-making, because when those things shift, culture stops being a vibe and becomes something you can feel.

That’s when the real work gets easier. Retention rises, trust deepens, and your team becomes a place people want to stay, not escape.

Angeli’s message isn’t reserved for new salon owners. It’s also a call to those who’ve built the business, led the team, and are now starting to wonder if there’s a better way.

“You’ve done the hard work. You’ve ticked all the boxes, but if it came at the cost of your wellbeing or your sense of self, it’s okay to pause,” Angeli shares. “Fulfilment doesn’t come from a full appointment book. It comes from feeling proud of how you’re showing up, even when no one’s watching.”

So, what does she want to see more of in 2025?

Less urgency, more reflection, and space for honest conversations, with salon owners who are willing to evolve, even if it means doing things differently than they have in the past.

Because effective leadership doesn’t begin with a quote on your wall. It starts with you.

@angelishawmentoring

Angeli Shaw

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