My first encounter with providing esthetics was through an apprenticeship program at Christiansen village retirement home associated with the Gibsons alternative school. What started as a way to obtain credits spun into a passion for providing appearance based services but so much more. I saw how positive the mental change was for both myself and those I was providing for which drove a passion for the connection between physical and mental benefits of esthetics services. Ive been able to create an environment that feels like I’m connecting with old friends, easing their anxieties about life and having them leave happy and fulfilled. I believe that my clients seek me out due to my expertise and integrity within an unregulated industry. My continued education and standard creates a positive relationship with my clients which leads to trust related branch out services and retail sales. These are the reasons that I think I’ve been able to maintain and grow a small business on the Sunshine Coast. The past five years have seen massive changes in how I’ve run Allora spa, through many educational upgrades and investments I’ve transformed the space from a small opportunity and a job for myself into a thriving brand with great community impact. Last year I began mentoring other woman in business to empower and educate for the greater good of the industry. Standard for service in an unregulated industry can be complicated but with guidance and connection I’m proud of how the bar has been raised in our community through communication. Despite the lack of storefront exposure I have thrived now for five years through word of mouth in a small but powerful community. Taking the risk in opening my own business gave me the confidence to expand my services, invest in myself and drop the products or services that just weren’t working for my own health and wellness. I’m proud to be nominated for this award and although I specialize in esthetics and not writing thank you for reading about Allora spa!