Guest Editor's Letter

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