From Finance to Facials .

By Louise May

Krystal Smith’s journey into the world of beauty entrepreneurship is a testament to resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of a better life for herself and her family.

In 2019, Krystal found herself amidst the monotony of a 9 to 5 job at a finance company, struggling to make ends meet while raising her children.

Feeling the strain of balancing work and family life, she seized an opportunity that presented itself through a Facebook ad—an invitation to a 5-day lash course.

Driven by her desire to spend more time with her children and break free from the constraints of traditional employment, Krystal embarked on this new path.

Though she didn’t initially find her passion in lash extensions, a pivotal moment came when she discovered the world of brow tattooing through an Instagram post by her brow technician.

This marked the beginning of her journey towards establishing Diamond Brows Brisbane.

Undeterred by challenges, Krystal’s commitment to her craft remained unwavering. She continued to invest in her education, enrolling in a Diploma of Beauty while simultaneously managing her business and single-handedly raising her three children.

Initially focused solely on brow tattooing, Krystal recognised the need for diversification in her business model to ensure sustainability and growth.

This realisation led her to pivot her business towards offering facials and body contouring services, giving birth to Diamond Skin & Body.

Embracing this new venture with passion and determination, Krystal found herself captivated by the possibilities it offered. Her journey from humble beginnings to the successful owner of Diamond Skin & Body is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Beauty Biz Editor Louise May chats with Krystal Smith about her industry journey…

Can you tell us about Diamond Skin & Body and what inspired you to start the business?

I was so tired of working for someone else and honestly never having any freedom with my children, and barely making ends meet. On some weeks I struggled to pay my bills as I was not earning very much and had the whole responsibility of 2 young children at the time. (Now I have a soon-to-be husband and a third little one who is 3) honestly, I was miserable, plus at the time the company I worked for didn’t treat to well and I felt as though there was more to life.

At the time, I loved all things beauty and being on my own at the time I would spend a small amount on myself each month to keep me going and working towards my goals. I was tired of going into different beauty salons and never feeling like I was special, I always felt as if I was just another number and I love all things beauty.

I take pride in my appearance and taking care of my body. Incorporating my love for beauty and a need for a salon that made clients feel as if they were family was my mission and if you read my reviews, we have done just that.

How do you ensure that each client who walks through your doors feels valued and unique, avoiding the feeling of being just another customer?

I always treat my clients how I would want to feel going somewhere and paying for a service, I mean it’s hard to make money in the first place and when you go to someone to spend it you want to know you're spending your money with someone who truly cares about your wellbeing.

I treat my clients like family, they are indeed my work family. I always have high expectations in life and that flows into my business.

In what ways do you create a supportive and nurturing environment for your clients?

From the moment my clients walk in the door they are transformed into a safe space where they can truly be themselves, my salon is comforting with snacks and drinks for the clients, and soft subtle smells which make you feel at home.

Greeting my clients as if I have known them for all our lives, sitting with them before their treatment and getting to know them on a more personal level and making sure they feel comfortable from the get-go is so important, after all, they are trusting me with their skin and body journey.

Plus, we all know being a mother means putting yourself last - well in my salon you are always be made to feel first, feel wanted, and feel important.

When you come into the studio it’s all about you, upset - no worries we can chat, feelings anxious - no worries let discuss that first before your treatment. You will be met with someone who genuinely cares about you as a person and your life outside the salon.

When you leave, I always check in on my clients regularly, I always follow up how they are feeling after their treatments, and we even discuss life issues. My client’s sister was going through chemo, and I knew it was hard time for the family. So, I offered her sister a free facial to help her to feel a little like herself after what she was going through.

It's small gestures that make big impacts in people’s lives. Building a nurturing relationship with my clients is at the forefront of my business. We have snacks and drinks for all clients that come through the door, after a facial treatment we provide tea, chocolates, and affirmation cards to end their service on a high.

Could you elaborate on your commitment to authenticity and understanding with your clients? How does this philosophy shape the services you offer at Diamond Skin & Body?

Listening - listening to their needs, their concerns, and their life, making them feel heard and inclusive, I only use high-quality products that work, I have a less is more approach to skincare and the body, helping clients save money and getting top results.

For me I like to be open and be myself, showing my clients I am human, I have issues, I struggle with self-confidence and thinking I’m a bad mum most days. Being vulnerable with them creates a bond between each other where trust is built.

You mentioned creating a safe space where clients can feel comfortable in their own skin. How do you foster this atmosphere of acceptance and self-love within your clinic?

Think of it like a counselling session, I will build trust from the moment the client contacts me or the moment they walk through the door. I am easygoing and kind, my energy comes off in the studio like someone who can be trusted and someone who will look out for you.

I encourage clients in salon to talk to me, be open and be your complete self. Rawness and all. I won’t judge you, I will listen, and I will support you. my dad who has dementia and I believe the carers should have time away for themselves which a lot of the time they do not do.

We also are heavily invested in becoming an eco-friendly salon and we at present take many measures to minimise our waste to help keep our planet intact for the next generations to come.

As a busy mother of three, how do you balance your personal life with running a successful business? Look, I don’t… lol. I do cry a lot it’s a very tough gig. I have a toddler who is very busy, and then two teenagers who are giving me grief most days, I have no family support here and it is a juggling act.

I do make sure to have regular facials myself and massages when I can, I am very lucky to have a supportive partner who always comes home to take the load off.

Your commitment to giving back to the community is commendable. Can you share some of the initiatives or activities through which Diamond Skin & Body contributes to the community?

We currently offer free facials to women/ men who are currently going through cancer treatments, have been diagnosed with cancer or are in remission, this allows for those struggling with one of the hardest times in their lives a chance to get away for an hour to relax, de-stress and take some of the burden away. We also offer this service for carers caring for someone with a mental illness, dementia, or sickness - my mum is a carer for my dad who has dementia and I believe the carers should have time away for themselves which a lot of the time they do not do.

We also are heavily invested in becoming an eco-friendly salon and we at present take many measures to minimise our waste to help keep our planet intact for the next generations to come.

Can you describe a typical client journey at Diamond Skin & Body, from the initial consultation to the treatment process and follow-up care?

From the moment of contact, I want my clients to feel heard, listen to their concerns and organise a consultation or treatment to suit them.

Once the treatment is finalised we will sit and discuss how they are feeling after the treatment, show before and after photos and plan our next steps, we will rebook your next treatment and I will follow up with you the very next day to make sure you are feeling amazing after your treatment and if you had any questions and concerns, depending on when your next treatment is I will reach out again to touch base with you to see how you are and just a build a connection with you.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Diamond Skin & Body, and how do you envision continuing to positively impact the lives of your clients and the community?

I do hope to change many women’s lives by visiting us in-salon, I hope they leave realising their true beauty and it's ok to be them and that they are not alone. I would like to continue growing and eventually open a second studio on the Sunshine Coast. Continue my journey on giving back to the community.

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