It took 18 years to get here...

Some may call it being stubborn, but I call it determination. In year 12 when I had to write down 10 university and/or TAFE preferences, I wrote down 1. I was asked what would happen if I wasn't accepted, and I simply said, I will just apply for the next intake. Here I am, 19 years later running my own business. Let me reassure you, this was not a linear process. There were many ups and downs along the way.

I began my career in a high end salon which humbled me very quickly. I learnt that this industry was not just about waxing and giving a relaxing massage, it was about the hustle, pumping out as many clients as you could, and upselling to reach targets. I was not a fan. I worked in 3 different salons before I felt like this career path was not for me. I enjoyed treating clients and making them feel relaxed, but I did not enjoy the pressure pushing sales. So I made a pivot. I started in a sales role in a completely different industry (little ironic since I hated sales), while continuing to do beauty at home for friends and family.

I was in the sales role for 4 years. Although I ended up completely hating my job, I do need to recognise the skills it taught me. It taught me resilience, confidence in communication, understanding business and how to build professional relationships. As this was a male dominated workplace, it also taught me the importance of being a feminist, standing up for myself even when I knew I would never win, and it built my self worth and integrity. I ended up quitting spontaneously without any idea or job to go to. This moment in my life was the beginning of what we all know now as Beauty at 163.

I began my salon from home, having no idea what I was doing, but thought I would never know if I didn't give it a try. After 3 years of building my clients from home, I thought why not open a shop, how hard could it be right? Another humbling moment for me. My open day was extremely successful. I was optimistic and excited for the journey ahead. Not long after opening the business, my dad became unwell and passed away in 2019. Then COVID hit in 2020. Safe to say, this was a complete shit show. However, there was no choice but to persevere. This difficult time led to the beautiful Jen and I meeting! Fast forward to today, and here we are, working along side each other, running the salon based on our core values and beliefs. I asked Jen to describe me in 4 words. They were amazing, professional, meticulous and crazy! Even though I keep insisting we start margarita Fridays, I am glad to have a business partner who is rational and grounding. And who doesn't need a little crazy to keep life spicy ;)