PB IN SALON: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN

Settled into a brand new and elite space, Diandra Politano caught up with Hannah Gay to talk business expansion, personal wellbeing, and navigating ‘the hustle’.

Few beauty spaces I visit have lent themselves to a visceral response in me quite like Diandra Politano’s new Balmain hub did. Reaching the top of her ‘stairway to heaven’, as I like to refer to it, I found my breath literally taken away; jaw dropped as I peered into an unexpectedly expansive space housed in one of the suburb’s original nineteenth-century sandstone buildings.

“The building itself has such a rich history. It was built in 1864, and all the original sandstone is still intact,” Diandra tells me. “Even the floors are original, which adds so much character. Because of heritage restrictions with the council, we’ve had to be really mindful of preserving these details, which I love because it keeps the integrity of the space. There’s something special about working in a place with so much history while bringing in a modern, refined touch to create a beautiful contrast. It reminds me of places I’ve been in Paris or London - you enter this old charming building and inside is always a surprise.”

Diandra describes her space as a take on her very own dream Parisian apartment. And while expansive, feels incredibly warm and welcoming, balancing a neutral colour palette with luxury modern furnishings. “I wanted to create an environment that feels high-end but never clinical; somewhere my clients can truly switch off and feel at home; an environment to help regulate the nervous system. Think soft neutral tones, textured linens, buttery yellows, and fifty shades of cream.” She lists elements like chrome, chocolate browns and sculptural furniture to finish the look. And while she sees the space as “ever evolving”, her intention is not to fill every corner, but to curate it with “intention, purpose, and love”. “There are minimalist moments, but that’s the beauty of having your own space - you can keep refining and recreating it over time.”

“I’m highly sensitive to my environment, so every element has been designed with purpose and meaning. Loads of natural light filter through sheer drapery, carrying the subtle scent of something grounding in the air. It’s all about that sensory experience, from the plush treatment beds to the curated skincare displays. My architect Laura Stanton doesn’t typically do shop fit outs (she focuses on high-end homes) with the rare exception of a boutique or two, so that made her the perfect fit for bringing this vision to life.” Diandra plans to also utilise the space for wellness events and masterclasses, making the most of its grand entrance and large reception area.

State-of-the-art sound proofing has been installed to provide a private and cocooning feel to treatment rooms. “My builders at Impression Projects are so clever, they actually made soundproofing blend perfectly with the gorgeous wall mouldings and detailing - you can’t even tell it is there!” Like her ethos to work, Diandra says her intention behind electing such design elements was to craft something “considered, timeless and never overcomplicated”. She adds, “there is a fine balance when you are fitting out a clinic - often you need to be careful you are not losing sight of function.”

THERE IS A FINE BALANCE WHEN YOU ARE FITTING OUT A CLINIC - OFTEN YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL YOU ARE NOT LOSING SIGHT OF FUNCTION.

Diandra’s story is one of authentic and natural growth. Starting her solo business from the front room of her parents’ home, to later opening her very own pad on Sydney’s sought-after Darling Street in Balmain, through to today - opening a new, expanded space catering to five staff members and a sophisticated clientele list. Luck has seemingly always played on Diandra’s side. In the eight years since our first meeting, the business owner has built on her success two-fold. Of course, success has not come without its challenges. “It’s easy to see the highlights from the outside! After ten years of tirelessly working for other people, I was ready to put that effort into my own thing, but then there comes the challenges of that as well,” she admits.

“Physically, being a facialist is demanding. I spend long hours on my feet, and there’s an emotional component as well, as I’m not just treating skin but also holding space for clients who often share deeply personal things. Financially, the transition from working solo to running a full-fledged clinic came with major investments, expanding my space, bringing on staff, and ensuring the business remains sustainable, keeping everyone happy! Mentally, I’ve had to navigate the pressure of growth. I love what I do, but there’s always the balance of staying present with my clients while also thinking ahead for the business. There have been times when I’ve felt completely stretched, but I’ve learned that prioritising my own wellbeing - whether it’s through daily rituals, walks with my dog and husband, travel, or simply taking moments to reset - is what allows me to continue showing up at my best.”

17 years on from commencing her career, Diandra says she’s finally ready to move away from the ‘hustle’ and instead find space to pause.

“It’s getting so old, right? These days, I try to put things to the side that do not deserve my energy. I say ‘no’ more often and I’m much firmer about not overbooking myself.” At the time of interview, Diandra’s books were filled nine months in advance with a closed-off waitlist – a fortunate problem to have. “It’s just too hard to make promises to new clients. I would much rather they have better care with my team who are more available and can build a treatment plan with them,” she says.

Despite her busy schedule, Diandra has found joy in managing a team, naming it one of the more “fun” aspects of business ownership.

She sees that communication “is everything” and believes in the importance of playing into the individual strengths, learning styles, and ways of working of each member. “I’ve had to refine how I guide, support, and empower them while maintaining consistency across the clinic. I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries, not just with clients, but within my team, to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and clear on expectations.” For Diandra, her team’s wellbeing is her number one priority. “We work in a service-based industry where we treat clients on such a personal level. If we’re burnt out or unhappy, it just won’t work. I never want my clinic to be a place where people feel unsupported or exhausted. I’m so strong on maintaining a positive, healthy workplace. It’s not just about delivering exceptional treatments; it’s about creating an environment where my staff feel safe, inspired, and genuinely happy to come to work. And I truly believe that when your team thrives, your business thrives, too. I’ve realised that great leadership isn’t about controlling everything, it’s about trusting your team, giving them space to grow, and leading by example.”

And it’s no wonder. One of Diandra’s most admirable traits is her ability to have you feel like the most important person in the room. The time she takes for each and every one of her clients is visible; at no point do you feel rushed. With Diandra, time stands still. Through conversation and touch, her level of care is evident. For what felt like the full duration of my very own 90-minute treatment, Dianda’s hands worked to sculpt my face and release tension from my shoulders and upper back.

In 2022, the dermal therapist was named Australian skincare expert for Dior – a highly coveted position. She described her approach to skincare as “highly personalised”, building a team of therapists that mimic this philosophy. Moving into a larger premises has allowed her team to expand its clientele, providing a consistent level of care and expertise across the board.

Passing on her skills is a goal Diandra hopes to achieve in the future, holding a passion for education. “Education has been a huge part of my own journey, and I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right training can be in shaping a therapist’s skillset and confidence. Right now, my focus is on refining my team’s expertise, but in the future, I’d love to create a platform that shares my approach with a wider audience. Whether that’s through online courses or mentorship programs, I want to help elevate the standard of facial treatments in Australia and beyond. The clinic is also huge, so I will definitely hold some in-person courses. I just need to make sure I am ready to offer something truly valuable and unique.”