Just a Beauty Therapist

From October 1, a major change to payments in Australia is coming and it will impact every clinic. This is not just about removing card surcharges. This is about profit margins, pricing, client behaviour, and how money actually moves through your business. And right now, most clinics are not set up for it. In this episode, I sit down with Charles Rabbets, who has worked across EFTPOS and payments supporting over 500 hair and beauty businesses, to break down what is actually changing and what it means for you. We cover:• Where clinics are losing money right now• How client behaviour will shift• The hidden costs inside your systems• The frequent flyer and rewards issue• What you need to review before October, the questions to ask your providers• How to protect your margin without hurting the client experience The clinics that understand this early will stay in control. The ones that do not will feel it in their numbers. We're here to educate, support and help any way we can. To get in contact with Charles to ask more visit his socials @charles_rabbets or email him at charles_rabbets@hotmail.com.

This is part two of our two-part laser tattoo removal series. In this episode of Just a Beauty Therapist, Shamara Jarrett sits down with Jade Wignall, owner of Westcoast Laser. Jade’s perspective is shaped by her experience working closely within the tattoo industry, giving her a uniquely informed understanding of ink, skin, and client expectations. That crossover between tattoo culture and laser removal is what makes this conversation particularly valuable. Rather than focusing on the technology alone, this episode explores what happens as a practitioner evolves when skill level increases, responsibility deepens, and the role shifts from simply performing treatments to exercising confidence, boundaries, and professional judgement. Together, Shamara and Jade unpack the realities of working in high-responsibility treatments, including expectation management, navigating complex client conversations, building self-trust, and understanding what true professional maturity looks like inside the treatment room. For therapists who have upskilled, aspire to work at a higher clinical level, or feel the growing weight of responsibility that comes with advanced modalities, this conversation offers an honest, grounded, and highly relatable perspective. If you have not yet listened to part one, we recommend starting there to understand the clinical foundations behind this discussion. Follow Jade Wignall and Westcoast LaserInstagram: @westcoastlaser Westcoast Laser | Tattoo Removal & Laser FacialsMandurah WA, Perth Laser technology referenced in this episode: Candela Pico Laser

In this episode of Just a Beauty Therapist, I sit down with Joanie Gonella, internationally recognised electrologist, educator, and co-owner of Electrology Academy, one of the leading institutions in permanent hair removal education. Joanie has spent over two decades in the field of electrology, combining hands-on clinical experience with world-class training and education. We go deep into what electrology really is, how therapists can enter this specialty, and the level of skill, commitment, and professionalism required to succeed. We also discuss the risks and realities of permanent hair removal, where common misunderstandings lie, and why comprehensive training matters more than ever in a growing industry. Whether you are curious about expanding your service menu, considering a career shift, or want to understand the technical and safety foundations of electrology, this episode will give you clarity.. This conversation is for beauty therapists, skin therapists, and clinic owners who want to understand the science, strategy, and structure behind electrology, and what it truly takes to build confidence and professional success in this niche. If you want to go beyond surface-level aesthetics, understand a highly specialised modality, and elevate the care you deliver, this episode is for you. Learn more about Joanie here – Instagram - @joanie_cpe Academy - @california_electrology_academy Website - California Electrology Academy | Electrolysis School

In this episode of Just a Beauty Therapist, I’m joined by business mentor and industry leader Sammy Kennedy for a grounded, honest conversation about what it really takes to grow a sustainable, profitable clinic. We unpack the mindset shift from technician to leader, why so many clinic owners stay stuck in reactive mode, and what it means to step into strategy instead of survival. Sammy shares her insights on resilience, scalability, and why being busy is not the same as building a healthy business. We also dive deep into offers and pricing. From overcomplicated service menus to outcome-driven treatment plans, we talk about how clarity builds trust, improves conversions, and changes the way clients perceive value. This includes how to identify high-value clients, simplify your offerings, and create signature programs that anchor your brand. On the marketing side, Sammy explains why consistency alone doesn’t drive growth, the importance of authority and relevance, and why marketing results will always outperform marketing services. We finish with a powerful conversation around systems, financial clarity, and personal growth, including the impact of stepping away from the day-to-day to invest in education, strategy, and self-leadership. This episode is a must-listen for clinic owners who feel stuck in the business and are ready to build something that runs with clarity, confidence, and long-term vision. Leave your comments below, like, comment and share! @sammykennedycoach @beautyindustryleaders

In this solo episode, I unpack what really happens after the busiest sales period of the year and why the weeks that follow matter more than the promotions themselves. Black Friday brings momentum, but it also exposes gaps. Client care, treatment planning, aftercare education, and retention either strengthen or slip. This episode share my simple tips on how to get grounded again. I walk through what to review, what to reset, and what to prioritise now that the dust has settled. No noise. No discounts. Just clear direction on how to turn seasonal chaos into long term stability, stronger client relationships, and predictable revenue. If you want to walk into the new year with clarity, structure, and a client journey that actually works, this episode will get you there.

When the new TGA regulations dropped, the aesthetics industry went into meltdown — captions deleted, before-and-afters pulled down, and nurses left wondering how to market without breaking the law. In this episode, I’m joined by Jade Spehr, lawyer, accountant, and founder of JadeStart, to unpack what these changes really mean for aesthetic nurses and clinic owners. We break down:-What the new TGA rules actually say (in plain English)-Why compliance isn’t optional — and how to avoid major fines-Why photography and documentation still matter, even if you can’t post your results-How to rethink your marketing strategy to stay compliant and commercially strong-Smart, compliant ways to connect with patients and build trust online If you’ve been second-guessing every caption or wondering what you can still say — this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and a new perspective on marketing in a regulated world. Connect with Jade and her team at www.jadestart.com

In this episode of Just a Beauty Therapist, I’m joined by Emelly Simons — The Cosmetic Industry Coach — to talk about what it really takes to step beyond the treatment room and into more technical, business-focused roles in our industry. With 14+ years of experience — from therapist to educator, BDM, and Regional Sales Manager — Emelly shares how to:✨ Recognise the skills you already have as a therapist that are highly valued in corporate and brand roles✨ Position yourself for bigger opportunities by building confidence and credibility✨ Avoid the common pitfalls therapists face when moving into business/technical roles✨ Use personal branding, planning, and communication to stand out Whether you want to explore brand education, business development, or leadership, this episode is about learning how to position yourself for growth and seize the opportunities our industry has to offer. Follow Emelly @TheCosmeticIndustryCoach

In this episode, Rebecca shares her journey from beauty therapist and laser/skin specialist to educator at Demi International, and now business owner. She opens up about the lessons she’s learned along the way, the challenges she has had to overcome and delivers practical tips on how to build and sustain a long-term career in beauty. With over 19 years of experience across salons, clinics, and classrooms, Rebecca Clues has built a career that spans every corner of the beauty industry. From her early days as a beauty therapist and laser/skin specialist to educating the next generation at Demi International — and now stepping into entrepreneurship — Rebecca’s journey is a true masterclass in career growth. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take the next step, this episode is packed with career insights, industry wisdom, and inspiration to help you carve your own path in beauty.

From luxury spas in Australia, NZ & the UK… to salon owner… to tech founder shaking up the beauty industry — Harmony Tera has lived it all. In this episode, we talk:-The real meaning of “collaboration over competition”-The gap in our industry that inspired SWAPP-How she landed features in major beauty publications-Navigating the tech startup world as a Polynesian, mixed-race woman If you’ve ever had a big idea (but no clue where to start) or you’re ready to build something bold — this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen now — link in bio! www.swapp.com.au @swapp.com.au

Ever avoided a conversation with a teammate or client because it felt too awkward? You’re not alone, but avoiding it won’t fix it. In this episode, I’m giving you the Burger Method. A simple way to have the conversations and connect better without sounding like an asshole. Whether it’s calling out toxic energy in the staff room, addressing a teammate who’s making things uncomfortable, or guiding a client back on track, every therapist needs to know how to have the hard chats so they STOP PUTTING IT OFF. This IS for EVERYONE. Grab a pen, because you’ll want to use this one today.

In this episode, we’re joined by two powerhouse nurses: Agnes Dube from Zebra Aesthetics—cosmetic nurse and educator for Fresh Clinics, Allergan Aesthetics, and Alocuro—and Kira Morrison, an experienced Registered Nurse, owner of Injouthful, and educator for Juvae. We’re diving into the challenges of navigating TGA and Queensland Health regulations and unpacking how skin therapists, dermal therapists, and beauty professionals can genuinely support cosmetic nurses. You’ll walk away with practical tips, advice, and cheeky tricks to confidently cross-refer and promote injectables from your treatment rooms—without stepping outside your scope. And for anyone who’s ever underestimated us skin therapists? Consider this your playful little reminder, you need us! 😉

This episode focuses on what qualifications are the bare minimum for success In the beauty industry. We touch on tips, tricks and the journey as a new therapist and what steps to take to be successful.