The Australian professional beauty industry’s female founders get candid. Interviews by Hannah Gay & Anita Quade.
Shaunte Mears-Watkins of Advanced Cosmeceuticals Skin Group
“I was drawn to working in the beauty and aesthetics industry because… of the impact that a positive transformation in one’s skin can have on the way they see themselves and in turn, the way that others perceive them. As someone who has struggled with acne and hyperpigmentation, I’m happy to help others find solutions that work for them. I’ve had the pleasure of working across a number of different industries throughout my career. I believe that the variety of experiences that I’ve had have enabled me to be a very creative problem solver, as I’m able to readily draw analogies from different areas of my experience.”
Lydia Jordane of LYCON
“I had secretly been making my own wax since 1969… and taught myself how to wax using it. In my new job as a beautician, my wonderful employer taught me other treatments like eyelash and eyebrow tinting. Through the knowledge my father passed down, I already knew how to do manicures and pedicures, and I brushed up on my facials. I recall in those days I took a long time to do an eyebrow wax, which frustrated my boss. The time allocation for an eyebrow appointment was just 15 minutes, but I took 45. She was very kind and invested in me to get me up to speed. I recall her buying a kitchen timer and setting it for 15 minutes every time I did an eyebrow wax, until I could beat it.”
Pauline Valle of Ultraderm
“I have had several ‘pinch me’ moments throughout my time with Ultraderm. One memorable highlight was appearing on The Today Show with Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson. The team was invited to share our expertise on skin needling, as well as the use of a then brand new ingredient: Apple Stem Cell Extract. That experience generated significant interest and exposure for our brand.”
Maria Enna-Cocciolone of INSKIN COSMEDICS
“I’ve managed to adapt the business through the highs and lows… by staying true to the cause; staying true to the people. One of our pillars to success is restrictions in open selling online. When COVID hit and clinics closed down, it would have been easy for INSKIN COSMEDICS to open online sales and to sell through the likes of Adore Beauty and Mecca. I am a big believer in ‘the actions of today are the consequences of tomorrow’. Had we taken that road, we would have lost the industry’s trust and support and we would not have increased our sales like we did. Know what works for you and stay strong in your actions.”
Terri Vinson Jones of Synergie Skin & Synternals
“The best advice I can give other female skincare entrepreneurs would be…
- To always stay true to your vision and values. Focusing on your personal and business integrity is key.
- To create the true story on what makes what you do unique. This is more than an elevator pitch; it gives you and others clarity on who you are and what you do.
- You cannot do it alone, so as soon as you are able, surround yourself with a talented and supportive team.
- Always stay curious about everything on your business sphere. Stagnation is suicide.
- Embrace innovation and don’t shy away from taking calculated risks.”
Victoria Curtis of Victoria Curtis Cosmetics
“I have had several ‘pinch me’ moments throughout by career, including… Winning ABIA Makeup Artist of the Year, being featured as one of the top 40 high achieving business women in the book, The Game Changers, being the official makeup sponsor of major Australian fashion brands at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Sydney, being invited as a keynote speaker at various industry and business events to mentor young women in our wonderful industry, and being recognised as Australia’s fastest growing makeup brand in the salon industry with over 300 retailers.”
Iola Ciavarra of Reveal
“Reveal has been around for three years. There’s a lot that’s been accomplished in that time, but we still have a lot more to achieve. Finessing what we do is a priority, as is bringing new opportunities by way of transformative, global aesthetic products. We will be tapping into contemporary ways to bolster the success of our industry partners in achieving their clients’ aesthetic goals. We are excited to play a part in the future of this incredible industry.”
Read the current issue of our digital magazine here:
- For more news and updates, subscribe to our weekly newsletter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Like us on Facebook
- Join Australia’s largest network of beauty industry professionals on LinkedIn
- Subscribe to our print magazine
Have an idea for a story or want to see a topic covered on our site and in our pages? Get in touch at info@professionalbeauty.com.au.