Beauty Boss By Louise May

Owner and founder of Cosmetics Hub, Bell Barca has been sharing her talents and expertise in a range of advanced skin procedures for several years. She is a paramedical aesthetician who has worked with hundreds of men and women across Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

After years of working in dermal therapeutic practices, Bell gravitated towards make up tattooing as a way to instantly achieve a desired aesthetic look. Bell has been operating as a Permanent Makeup Artist for over nine years, having trained in both Australia and Dubai to bring you the best in cosmetic tattooing techniques, industry insights, and the finest of skills from working alongside some of the world’s most elite PMU professionals. With a background in Dermal Science, Bell is also highly skilled in pigment retention methods and corrective techniques and is trusted with a wide range of remedial applications.

This busy beauty professional runs multiple businesses across the beauty industry including the skin and cosmetics clinic in Brisbane, where Bell also runs the PMU Academy and the Cosmetic Shop – a B2B salon supplies online destination which focusses on sustainable, eco-friendly products and consumables in a bid to clean up the beauty industries reputation. “It’s no secret that we have a negative impact on the environment,” says Bell. “Our goal is to remove plastics from our day-to-day toolkits.

Finally - a project she has been working on for the last few years and one that she is very passionate about is a complete range of mineral makeup that is clean, nourishing, and gentle on skin without compromising on performance and of course bio-based packaging which fits in line with my ethical values. We can’t wait to bring Beauty Biz readers more on this launchg later this year.

Editor, Louise May, chats with Bell about the creation of her businesses and her journey so far…

How did you get started in the industry?

I always knew I wanted to be a “beauty boss” I studied beauty therapy at the French Beauty Academy and then I went onto learning Dermal Science in my mid 20’s. A few years later I wanted to focus more on my creative ability, so I moved into Permanent Makeup. I trained in Australia and Dubai, I am constantly up skilling and working on my personal and professional development.

What drew you to therapy in the first place?

I think most of my fellow therapist would agree, whether you’re in the health or beauty industry you desire to be in a people-focused role. I genuinely care about the wellbeing of others and enjoy making a positive impact on someone’s life. These days I am mostly mentoring and onboarding my students into their new careers. In turn I get my own career gratification in seeing them succeed.

How did your businesses come to be?

It was always a goal of mine to open my own Cosmetic Clinic. - The cosmetic shop I felt was a necessity. I personally wanted to change to more sustainable products, but I found it difficult to find eco-friendly essentials, so I created my own store. I am pleased to see the support we have received and surprised how much it has grown over the last 12 months considering it’s more of a hobby. The Makeup label is still in her infancy stage, it’s been a dream developing this range.

Can you tell us about your makeup range and what inspired you to create this?

She truly is the goddess of Mineral Makeup. I have always had a strong propensity for innovation and developing this range allows me to utilise my artistic side while fulfilling my entrepreneurial prowess. Beauty Biz Magazine is the first to hear about the project, so I won’t say much more other than, stay tuned!

Who is the Cosmetic Hub for?

We founded our business with one goal in mind - to make aesthetic treatments effective, safe, and affordable for every woman and man. Our boutique clinic offers a modern, clinical, and private setting.

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

1. Creative mindset

2. Be ambitious and self-motivated.

3. Grow with your business

How do you juggle work and personal life balance?

Let’s be honest, I have not mastered the work / life balancing act yet! but, I am learning to be present in the moments that I am with my son, and I have put new systems in place to be more time efficient at work. I don’t get caught up on unrealistic expectations. Some days I think I have nailed it, and other days it’s a working progress.

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

Prior to my mini muse being born I would go to Pilates, make up some aromatherapy concoction and listen to podcasts. Now days, I wrestle with my 2-year-old to get dressed while watching the Wiggles. I do enjoy our morning challenge.

How do you stay strong but agile during these times?

Resilience is such a buzzword at the moment, but important because our environment has been so unpredictable the last few years. Having a strong business plan and business continuity reduces any stress that may arise when we are faced with disruptions.

What challenges have you had in your business and how did you overcome them?

We’ve overcome a lot of challenges like many businesses during the pandemic. We learnt to adapt to a new era of beauty, incorporating a more holistic approach to our businesses. Above all, we remain positive. challenging times are only temporary and build strength.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Take action! It’s that easy.

www.thecosmetichub.net.au