FEATURE
2023 ABIA Dermal Therapist of the Year
o c n e v o i G Alana By Louise May
At the age of 15, Alana Giovenco harboured ambitious dreams of venturing into the Beauty Industry, inspired by her aunt, Daniela Boerma. Guided by this inspiration, she set out on a path to make others feel beautiful, elevating their self-confidence and inner well-being.
Her journey unfolded in 2013 when, while pursuing her Diploma of Beauty Therapy, she joined Bliss Day Spa as a full-time staff member. Fast forward to 2018, and Alana earned a promotion to the position of Manager, affording her the opportunity to showcase leadership skills and shoulder increased responsibilities within the salon. However, Alana’s passion for the Beauty Industry transcends the confines of the spa. Despite her busy schedule, she consistently lends a helping hand to those in need. In this chat with Beauty Editor Louise May, Alana discusses her love of helping others, reflects on her career milestones, shares insights into winning the prestigious 2023 ABIA Dermal Therapist of the Year award, and provides a glimpse into Reign of Beauty, her personally crafted beauty brand.
What inspired your transition from traditional to dermal therapy, and how has it shaped your client care approach?
Although I will always have a passion for traditional Beauty Therapy, my training as a Dermal Therapist has allowed me to expand my skills and utilise a range of modalities available within the salon to address specific skin concerns. What inspired me the most to transition into a Dermal Therapist was wanting to stay relevant in today’s market, offering versatile advanced treatments such as non-surgical beauty enhancements. Over time, my client care approach has evolved as I expanded my skills. I strive to create a comfortable environment allowing plenty of time where my clients don’t feel rushed at any point. I provide in-depth consultations and explain each treatment option in detail, including the benefits of both traditional and advanced methods. This helps clients make an informed decision about their treatment choice.
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Beauty Biz Year 16 Issue 6
How do you ensure your clients benefit from the latest advancements in dermal therapies, and how do these impact your treatment offerings? In order to excel in any field, it’s crucial to stay up to date with the latest trends and continuously educate oneself. As a professional, I make it a priority to conduct thorough research, attend online workshops, add a new skill or qualification yearly, and most importantly, listen to my clients. Ongoing education and experience helps me stay ahead of the curve but also enables me to provide the best possible service to my clients of all age groups.
Reflecting on your recent achievement as Dermal Therapist of the Year, what specific moments or milestones in your career do you believe contributed most significantly to this recognition?
There were many moments with many clients, but one moment, in particular, would be seeing the results of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) on my ongoing Bell’s Palsy client who happened to be one of my case studies. Over 4 years, I was able to reduce the side effects of Bell’s Palsy by 90%. Restoring my client’s self-confidence in more ways than one, changing her life for the better. When I was writing my submission for the ABIA’s this year, I was overwhelmed with gratitude as multiple clients volunteered to write recommendations, reviews, and testimonials. Reading the abundance of love and kind words brought tears to my eyes, and it still does. These moments have been imprinted in my heart. I believe without the trust of my clients and the support of my employer believing in me, I would never have been able to achieve successful results and this amazing accolade.