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FEATURE
From left Jess and Grace
SHARING A
LOVE OF BEAUTY By Louise May
Registered Nurses Jess Hone and Grace Luce are experienced in all injectable treatments including Antiwrinkle, Dermal Filler, Fat Dissolving Injections, PDO threads and Hyperhidrosis Treatment. Sharing a beautiful space, “Meridian Aesthetics” , they are both continually attending conferences and training with world leaders in the industry to ensure the best techniques and outcomes are given to patients. Working together for many years in their previous roles, their common bond is their love of making their patients feel comfortable and happy whilst in their care. “I was delighted to be able to train Nurse Grace and pass on what I had learnt over the years of injecting. She is an amazing injector who not only has great talent and an eye for beauty but also a beautiful person to be around,” says Jess. Grace continues, “When Jess started Meridian aesthetics, she had always encouraged me to come work with her as we had such a wonderful working relationship prior. I couldn’t think of anyone else I would want to be mentored by.” We caught up this dynamic duo recently and got to know more about each of them and how they run their businesses collectively.
How did you both get started in your careers in the skin & aesthetics industry?
JESS: For a very long time I had a big interest in the aesthetic world which stemmed from an interest in plastic surgery. I did enjoy nursing however did not feel a huge pull to stay within the hospital system forever. I always felt deeply you should have passion for your work and do what makes you happy. For this reason, I left the hospital system and studied a diploma in cosmetic nursing through Gray Clay College. As soon as I had my first lecture with Gray Clay, I knew I was in the right place. I had such a desire to learn everything I could about the industry and in particular cosmetic injectables and the nonsurgical space. 8
Beauty Biz Year 15 Issue 3
GRACE: Prior to being a nurse I worked as a beauty therapist and dermal technician for 10 years, I had a wonderful career and always had a passion for aesthetics and skin health. I had always dreamed of being a nurse and completed my Graduate year in Darwin in surgical and paediatric units. I love the clinical side of my work, but I really missed the client interactions I had as a Beauty therapist. Jess and I were lucky enough to work together for years in this industry and she has always encouraged me to get into aesthetics as it was a natural flow of my passions combined. She has been an amazing encouragement and mentor to me getting back into the industry and I haven’t looked back.
How did you each get where you are today?
JESS: Once I completed my diploma I gained a position in a busy chain clinic as a part time injector. At this point I was nervous about leaving my secure government job as a Registered Nurse, so I continued working both in the hospital system and as an injector which was a nice balance for me at the time. I continued to work both positions for a number of years until I took the plunge and left my hospital position for full time injecting. During our first COVID
lockdown when we were unable to work for 2 months, I had a great deal of time to reflect on where I was in my career and decided it was time for a new challenge which included opening Meridian aesthetics. Melissa a friend of mine was advertising a space for rent which would involve working alongside her already successful cosmetic tattoo studio “Melissa Mayuge”. I took this as a sign and the rest is history! GRACE: A lot of hard work and determination, I always dreamt of advancing my skills further when I was a Dermal Technician but the thought of leaving a stable career and being a mature aged student to study my RNs was a hard decision. I had amazing encouragement from family, friends and colleagues and I haven’t looked back since. Being a nurse can be a very challenging and demanding career in both the hospital and aesthetic fields but is also one of the most rewarding careers I could have followed.
How do you achieve work/life balance?
JESS: It has taken time to learn. I have a 2-yearold as well as a 4-month-old and a business to run so time is extremely valuable. I am so lucky to have a supportive husband and family who make it possible for me to live this life balancing it all.
