Meet the Beauty Squad' 23 - Morgan Harris

With almost 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, Morgan Harris is the proud owner of The Beauty Extract, a successful salon located in Vermont, Victoria.

They specialise in Cosmetic Tattoo, Skin and Beauty services. The salon has been situated in their new location for approximately 18 months and it has been an incredible rewarding experience seeing Morgan’s vision become a reality.

Morgan is fortunate to have a team of three individuals who are like family to her. Their skills and strengths complement each other, and they work collaboratively to foster growth and development.

Morgan always strives to improve herself, she possesses strong leadership skills, excels in client relations, and impeccable attention to detail in all aspects of her career.

Her passion is to provide a personalised approach to care that emphasises a more natural and effortless appearance, rather than the heavily stylised and often exaggerated looks commonly seen on social media platforms like Instagram.

This philosophy is in line with her eco-conscious salon and her first-hand understanding of the importance of the planet and its vulnerabilities.

Editor Louise May chats with Morgan Harris about her industry journey, what she is looking forward to with the Beauty Squad House and some other fun stuff!

What made you want to be a Beauty Therapist?

For me, it all started with a desire to be creative and artistic. My cousin, a ballroom dancer who frequently competed in competitions, introduced me to makeup and tanning at a young age, which ignited my interest in the big wide world of beauty!

Working in the beauty industry allows me to express my creativity while uplifting and nurturing others. I am proud to be part of such a diverse industry that offers countless opportunities for personal and professional development. As I continue to grow in my career, I have developed a strong desire to inspire and support my team in reaching their full potential.

What kind of treatment is your favourite and why?

Throughout my 14-year career in the beauty industry, I have dabbled in various fields, including makeup, nails, brows, and eyelash extensions. However, it was cosmetic tattooing that truly captured my heart and became my niche eight years ago.

This line of work offers limitless opportunities for growth and specialization, making it an exciting field to be a part of. Nothing brings me more joy than helping my clients rock a fresh, flattering Cosmetic Brow, Lip or Eyeliner procedure! As a cosmetic tattoo artist, I live and breathe the art of enhancing natural beauty with expertly crafted shapes, colours, and techniques that flatter each unique face.

Seeing my clients light up with confidence and radiance is what fuels my passion for this art form.

I’m all about enhancing natural beauty, and my goto techniques are the lash line enhancement and soft shading for the eyes. It’s the perfect way to add a little oomph without shouting it from the rooftops.

I’ve recently learned a cool new technique called nano brows that’s a game-changer. Instead of using a microblade, I wield a machine to craft the most natural-looking strokes that look so much more flattering and has minimal trauma to the skin. And let’s not forget the lip blush! I love emphasising the perfect cupid’s bow and border, delivering a natural fresh and youthful vibe.

How do you manage life and work balance?

Ahh, the timeless pursuit of juggling work and play! As someone who loves to learn and loves what I do, it’s often difficult to step away, but I’ve found that goal setting and a structured calendar help me stay focused and balanced. Prioritizing my well-being, relationships, career, goals, and hobbies is essential for ensuring a healthy balance.

Embarking on the path to self-mastery and finding the balance between work and play isn’t a breeze, but I’m all for it. It’s a non-stop adventure that lasts a lifetime.

Who inspires you in the beauty industry and why?

The beauty industry is populated by so many remarkable business owners and therapists, all of whom I admire. I’m fascinated by how each individual finds their way in the industry, whether it’s through coaching, teaching, expanding their business, or simply creating their ideal lifestyle while treating clients.

I draw inspiration from all of these amazing people around me. One individual who has left a profound impact is Tess Tattoo, a world-renowned lip tattoo artist from Canada. I had the privilege of attending her course in Australia last year. Tess Tattoo has already made a name for herself in the world of Lip PMU despite being 24years old.

Not only is she confident and poised, but she also trains individuals from all around the globe. Her ability to connect with others is truly impressive... Her approach is authentic, research-based, and knowledgeable. She taught me to think simply and intentionally about things and to always go with your gut.

If you could spend a day with anyone from a business or lifestyle mentorship perspective, who would it be and why?

For me, it’s all about soaking up some wisdom from the skincare legend, Gay Wardle. Her passion and expertise in the field are truly inspiring, and I’d be all ears as she spills the beans on all things skin. Not only is she a font of knowledge, but her courses and discussions are also seriously captivating.

Plus, rumour has it she’s one of the nicest people out there. Spending a day under her wing would be an absolute dream come true.

How important is training and education for you?

The APMAC course, which connects us with talented cosmetic tattooists from around the world! Learning is a passion for us, and we make it a point to share our newfound knowledge with our clients and offer the most extraordinary service. Monthly training sessions are a must, and we love to stay on top of our game by attending online courses and events. My favourite?

It’s mind-blowing to see how much the industry has evolved over the years, with learning made easypeasy thanks to the wealth of online courses out there. Our industry is on fire at the moment with knowledge!

Can you tell us a little about what you are most looking forward to being a member of the Beauty Squad team?

I am thrilled to embark on this one-of-a-kind experience, and eager to acquire new skills and knowledge. I cannot wait to be amongst so much talent in the beauty squad house, I am absolutely thrilled about this opportunity; it feels like a dream come true!

I cannot wait to be up close and personal with so many of the industries talented trainers and mentors. I’m excited to work alongside the other three members of the “Beauty Squad,” soak up the knowledge, embrace the journey, and have a blast!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

In a decade, I’d love to see our clinic grow and blossom, all while keeping our earthy and grounded atmosphere and top-quality service. I’m thrilled to have a team of three and would love our supportive team to grow and amplify the incredible experience and offerings at the Beauty Extract. I am excited to see where these next few years take us!!

Fun Five Minutes With Morgan

Worst fashion moment: I am not a trendy fashionista that’s for sure! So, there are many moments I have had a not-so-great fashion moment, particularly one when I was holidaying and forgot to pack my shoes, so I had to wear runners to a fancy restaurant. Fave place to holiday: up the coast, beach, or national park is where you will find me!

Fave drink: tea, as my team would know, half drunken rooibos tea with rice milk left around the clinic! And of a night out, Pornstar Martinis!

Fave type of music/song: I am a fan of ambient music! Whether it’s calming atmosphere tunes or with a touch of country, I enjoy it all. Just no screamo music!

If you weren’t a Beauty Therapist, you would be? - If I wasn’t a Beauty Therapist, I would do something to do with animals. Work at a zoo or animal shelter.

@thebeautyextract