Award Winning Classic Treatments & Modern Technology By Louise May

Luminary Melbourne has been designed to be a safe haven for concerning skin conditions, and with its calm and inviting environment, it is a true reflection of creator Nicolette Kocsi’s approach to treating the skins health as a whole.

Nicolette’s honest approach to maintaining and improving the skins health while providing her clients with the education and personal care they need is a passion. Personally designing each individual treatment is a system she uses combining classical treatment methods with new modern technologies.

Known for her clinical experience and refined touch, she treats individual skin concerns and conditions by rebuilding the skin from within, using paramedical and dermal skin techniques, ensuring her approach is effective.

Her reputation has been built on excellent levels of client care and service that has set a new benchmark for clinical dermal treatments in Melbourne, which is why Nicolette was awarded Sole Operator of The Year 2021 in the Australian Beauty Industry Awards as well as being recognised a finalist in the category Best Salon Design 2021.

Editor Louise May chats with Nicolette about the creation of Luminary Melbourne and her solo journey, thus far.

Tell us how you got started in the industry?

I got started in the industry by falling in love with the experience treatments give clients. I felt that as a client and wanted to be a part of it. I was very lucky to get a job at a local Day Spa as a receptionist before starting my Diploma of beauty. About three months in, I got the opportunity to work in a laser and skin clinic and quickly feel in love with the clinical side. I am very lucky in my career to have worked across all fields of the aesthetic industry and quickly being able to specialise in skin facial treatments and management very much from the start.

What inspired you to create a solo business?

I always dreamed of owning and creating my own skin world. My inspiration for my business grew through my own frustrations working as dermal therapist in the industry. I noticed a large gap in client care, and I wanted to completely specialise in skin treatments, and give my clients the whole experience. I wanted to be honest, modern, and giving, in my approach to treating skin.

Your salon Luminary Melbourne is stunning, where did you draw inspiration from with the fit out and aesthetics?

Luminary means a natural light-giving body and a person who inspires or influences others. This really is the core foundation to Luminary Melbourne. Our fit out and aesthetics is drawn from the idea of redesigning what I believe a clinic should look like, and starting a real change in the industry, that clinical treatments do not have to be in a cold environment. I wanted to create a warm, welcoming, and luxurious environment. Our modern curved walls and archways were very important to me, and that is why I chose our space, due to its high ceilings which add a natural dramatic effect to our curves. My favourite features are our reception area with our 4-metre curved wall and 5-metre hallways with a tunnel ceiling. I wanted to keep the aesthetic light and bright and choosing grey, white, gold & light wood, which was inspired by the natural light coming through our very large shop front, which is completely glass windows. These colours make our pink and gold bathroom pop. We are modern & minimalistic to the highest standard.

What is unique about Luminary Melbourne?

Our client care is what makes us unique. As soon as a client walks in the door, I want them to enjoy the environment, and the experience has already started for them. My approach to skin is extremely inclusive and complete, performing dermal clinic treatments with the same fulfilment from a spa treatment. A true blend of modern technology with classic beauty techniques. Our clients are first, we offer full detailed prescriptions, recommendations to naturopaths and a full honest approach to skin. We don’t believe in a one size fits all approach, and we currently stock over 13 different brands. We like mix and match for the clients, and we find this completely effective in getting the results quicker. My goal is to ensure every client has the same personal experience, and I honestly think of my clients as family, and I think that really shows through all our details we include. Adorability is something I wanted to bring to the market. Our treatments have a lot of elements and details which others charge for, and for us its standard.

How do you juggle work and personal life balance?

I honestly do struggle with this. Owning a business especially through COVID lockdowns has meant I have had to work even harder. I usually work about six days a week and honestly, it’s the hardest and most fulfilling thing I have ever done. My goal this year was to work on this so it is more balanced which is why I decided to hire two therapists from march this year.

What do you consider your own top 3 pillars of success to be?

My passion for my clients and wanting to help in any way I can. My unique skin clinic our environment & client care. My education, I am constantly researching, doing training, and increasing the accessibility to clients to treatments that they may have never heard of or previously where inaccessible.

What ways do you like to unwind and get out of “work mode”?

Work mode is hard for me to get out off but when I do give myself a chance a walk with the two dogs maverick and max and my fiancé are my favourite things to do. I love reading books and going out for dinner. Going outside and enjoying some fresh air is the most simply way for me to enjoy and unwind.

Are there any must haves that you love to start your day with?

Water and SPF!

How do you stay strong but agile during these times?

Honestly, it’s my clients, without them I wouldn’t have a successful Luminary Melbourne. I do what I do every day to better myself and them in any way I can. I love to learn, create, and inspire. Starting a business in November 2020 I did not see 2021 going the way it did with COVID in Melbourne, but I am proud of myself to staying true to myself and continued to find growth even when the times where quite dark. I am very head strong and always have kept pushing my dream to keep it a reality that I live every day.

Do you plan to build a team in the future, or are you happy just being a solo operator?

Yes, having a team was always my plan, with COVID lockdowns it did put a delay on having a team sooner. But in March this year after searching for the perfect person for nearly five months I was lucky to have found two incredible dermal clinician & dermal therapists to my team. Both have an incredible amount of industry experience, and they complement my skills and knowledge and together we are an incredible team. I am excited to see them grow further within the business. It’s really hard to have a clinic by yourself and it’s a beginning I am very proud of.

What is on the agenda for the future?

I have some big goals I would like to achieve, and we really are only getting started! We are currently 17 months old. Now with the ability to stay open (fingers crossed) we have the opportunity to grow and develop our clinical treatments. I would love to grow my team by one more therapist in the future and add some more technologies into the business. Maybe even more clinics in the future. I am so proud of what I have achieved so quickly especially in Melbourne through these times, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings. Luminary Melbourne is only just getting started!

Nicolette Kocsi