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 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