Beauty Biz

an ad in the local paper for a 12-week self-improvement course at Diana
Nolan School of Beauty Therapy. I loved it! As it was part of the full Beauty
Therapy Course, I was able to hear what was involved in the full course.
Something happened and my heart told me this was it and I had to do this
course. I desperately wanted to be a Beauty Therapist. The course was very
thorough, and I loved every minute of it. Her school taught the craft extremely
well. I was fortunate enough to work for Diana for 2 years after completing
my course at her Kareela and Bexley salons. It was an invaluable time for
me. I gained great experience in those years. It wasn’t until working in the
salon that I realised what the drive was for me in this wonderful career I had
chosen. Without question, for me, it’s my clients. I just love to see my clients
walking out the door feeling better about themselves. It can even be after an
Eyebrow Wax! It really is quite a special thing we get to do.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES OR
CHALLENGES YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME?
About three years ago I was on holidays in Fiji. I fainted and broke my ankle.
That holiday was cut short and two weeks later I slipped in the shower and
fractured my back. Fun times! Honestly, looking back it was such a horrible
time for me. I was quite depressed and wasn’t interested in anything much.
The thing I worried most about was work. Beauty Therapy is part of who
I am and if for some reason I couldn’t do what I’ve always done… well I
couldn’t even think about that. I was at Bliss then and my beautiful friend (and
boss) Daniela was very understanding. I was able to take my time and ease
back in. Eventually I got back to doing all my treatments. I was so incredibly
grateful.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME INSPIRING PEOPLE YOU’VE
COME ACROSS IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR AND WHAT DID
YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THEM?
There are so many! Where do I start? Diana Nolan taught me so much more
than Beauty Therapy. She was a very hard taskmaster but that’s why I had
such a great start in my career. She taught me well. I still find myself thinking
of things that she said to me all those years ago that have shaped who I am
as a therapist. I am continually in awe of so many people in our business
now who are so knowledgeable and driven. The educators who I encounter
are so full of knowledge and their enthusiasm is contagious! One person
who comes to mind is Will Fennell. He is our Biodroga trainer and I am
amazed at both his knowledge and passion of the product, and his love for
his profession. He is also one of the most compassionate people I know. I
just adore him.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TREATMENT OR
TRANSFORMATION SOLUTION?
There are many treatments I enjoy doing, but the Omnilux LED treatment
would have to be one of my favourites. It treats so many skin concerns and
if administered properly with the right protocol, the results are nothing short
of outstanding. It is also a treatment that has no downtime so is suitable for
almost every skin. I also have to mention Electrolysis. It is still the only form of
permanent hair removal and to be able to help clients who have sometimes
battled with this problem for years is a privilege.
YOU’RE CURRENTLY AT BLISS DAY SPA. TELL US ABOUT
JOINING THE TEAM AND HOW YOUR PRACTISE &
APPROACH TO CLIENTS HAS CHANGED SINCE JOINING
THEM?
Daniela and I have been friends for many years. I worked for her when she
had her first salon in Cronulla. Throughout our friendship over the years we
both swore we would work together again. She bought Bliss Day Spa in
2013 and we finally both got our wish. I was there the day we opened and
there I shall remain until I’m unable to get up the stairs to the treatment
rooms! Working for Daniela is easy. She inspires me each and every day.
She is everything a therapist should be. She is driven and knowledgeable.
She leads by example and for that reason we at Bliss are constantly learning
and keeping up to date with products and treatments. At Bliss we are never
idle. We support each other and I am so blessed to work with such beautiful
girls. I love them all dearly. I guess I know I’ve always been good at what I
do (I’m uncomfortable actually saying that) but at Bliss we are given every
opportunity to perfect our craft. Which is pretty special.
THE ABIA’S ARE BACK IN 2021 (HOPEFULLY IN PERSON).
WHAT ADVICE WOULD GIVE THERAPISTS WANTING TO
ENTER?
Do not hesitate. Just do it. Do not doubt yourself in any way. If you are
contemplating this, it means you are passionate, and you are good at what
you do. Simple. I think we as Therapists naturally have a giving nature and
we’re not keen on talking about ourselves. I remember thinking that I’m
not good enough to win, I’m too old, not knowledgeable enough. I thought
of every excuse not to do it, but Daniela and the girls encouraged me, and
as I was writing my application, I realised something. I am good enough;
I’ve had a vast amount of experience and it will make you realise that
you’re good enough too.
HOW DID YOU FIND THE ABIA AWARDS PROCESS &
DID ENTERING CHANGE OR MAKE YOU TWEAK ANY
ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
It was a funny year last year wasn’t it? It of course would have been
wonderful to have our big night, however it wasn’t meant to be. Under the
circumstances I think Mocha publishing did a wonderful job. We still got
together to enjoy the night and celebrate, and we all had a ball! I think
the process of entering is very well done. It’s an involved process but
I thoroughly enjoyed it. By entering it encourages you to keep moving
forward in your career and enjoy every day of it.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL AND WORK IN ANY SPA OR
CLINIC ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT
BE AND WHY?
This one is easy. I would love to go to Baden Baden. I have worked with
Biodroga products for most of my career. I have always loved the product
and the company and to actually see where the product is made would be
wonderful, but to work in a Biodroga salon in Germany would be a dream!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU IN 2021?
If there is one thing for certain in this business, you cannot rest on
your laurels. But that’s also the wonderful part of this business. It is
ever changing, ever evolving. There is always something to learn but
we can also keep perfecting what we already know. It’s just the most
interesting, fulfilling and fun career to be in. That’s my plan for this year,
to keep learning and to keep getting the best results I possibly can for my
beautiful clients! After all at the end of the day that’s who this is all about.
Beauty Biz Year 14 Issue 1 13