BRINGING THE WOW TO WARANA

‘that mirror’ then everything evolved from there. The space is so relaxing and calming. I could literally live here! Which I almost do!”

Illuminate Aesthetics truly delivers on that original charter – a welcoming vibe, fresh, calm and professional - and as a result has attracted a diverse demographic of clients, including men.

“Men are starting to realise that this anti-ageing game is not for the females alone, they have seen the women around them defying time and the ageing process and want a slice of this for themselves,” Steph says.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if the beholder feels more beautiful with a little help to illuminate, then so be it. Carlie Wacker has never been shy about getting by with a little help from her friends – meet her new friends at a place that brings the WOW to Warana.

You cannot miss the stunning new home of Illuminate Aesthetics as you drive along Nicklin Way. She is a pretty sight but more on the fit out at the new digs soon. First, let’s meet the ridiculously fabulous couple behind this Sunshine Coast business that finds itself smack bang in the middle of a boom in cosmetic aesthetics in Australia.

Steph and Chris Gardner both have backgrounds in nursing and emergency medical care. They have been best friends since their university nursing days in the UK and graduated in 2002. Fast forward 20 years and we find the Gardner family living their best life on the Sunshine Coast and working together at their coveted clinic in Warana.

The Illuminate Aesthetics story began with Botox, says Steph.

“At the age of 32 I had formed deep static lines and looked so grumpy all the time - something that truly did not align with how I was feeling insideso I wanted to try injectables,” she said.

“I had never been hugely into makeup and hair so wasn’t sure I’d feel comfortable and the clinics in my area felt unwelcoming, so I avoided it.”

Steph finally decided that with her Bachelor Degree in Nursing she’d be a qualified candidate to train in cosmetic injectables and create a fresh new space.

“I wanted to create a welcoming approachable place that wasn’t exclusive and I have never looked back,” she said. “I’ve always had an interest in skin care and being able to combine that with my nursing degree has been the making of a true passion and a dream come true.

“I have driven past this building for a couple of years and couldn’t stop thinking about what I could do with this space. I literally manifested it! I had a clear vision of how I wanted the clinic to look and feel inside and out. If I was making this big move, I really wanted it to be impactful and not just another injectables clinic. The first shop I went to was Eclectic Style in Noosa and found

Identifying this growing market, Steph’s husband Chris, who is also a qualified nurse, achieved his cosmetic injectables qualifications.

“We are hoping to create a space where men might feel more comfortable in coming in for consultation too,” he says.

With Chris’ expert knowledge in male facial anatomy and aesthetics the team can address a range of male specific concerns.

The Illuminate Aesthetics team have seen a huge increase in men seeking treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, skin quality and hair rejuvenation. In fact, the billion-dollar industry shows no signs of slowing down. Go on, tell me you don’t know someone that has had a little ‘refresh’ with injectables!

“We love to build a strong relationship with everyone who walks in the door and we work hard to build achievable and affordable treatment plans to suit the individual needs,” Steph says. “Our clients often quickly become friends. We offer treatments for beautification and more complex treatment plans for positive ageing.”

The truth is that feeling beautiful is something to behold and if you feel more confident with a little help from qualified and caring friends then just do it!