Meet the 2024 Beauty Squad Jacinta Curnow

For Jacinta Curnow, a childhood spent as a tomboy offered no glimpse into the beauty industry—until one unexpected experience changed everything. A gift voucher for a facial opened her eyes to the transformative power of skin therapy, and just four weeks later, she found herself enrolling in a diploma program in beauty therapy, leaving behind her years in Disability and Aged Care.

What began as a simple introduction quickly turned into a passion, leading Jacinta to apply for work experience with Oasis Health and Beauty while still pursuing her Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy. Within just three days, her dedication was rewarded with a casual employment contract, marking the start of a remarkable career.

With accolades such as “The Beauty Student of the Year” and “The Dermalogica Highest Achieve Award – Skin Therapy,” Jacinta continued to excel, landing a coveted position as a therapist at the prestigious 5-Star Richardson Hotel + Spa in West Perth.

In 2018, Jacinta’s dream of running her own business came true with the opening of her home studio, Jacinta Curnow Skin. Now, after years of delivering VIP-level service to her clients, Jacinta has been recognised as one of the 4 Beauty Squad Winners at the 2024 Australian Beauty Industry Awards, a testament to her passion, expertise, and dedication to the industry.

Editor of Beauty Biz Louise May chats with Jacinta about her industry journey and what she is looking forward to as one of the Beauty Squad winners of 2024.

What made you want to be a Beauty Therapist?

When I was in year 8 my dad signed me up for a makeup/ skincare magazine and every fortnight you would get a new product, and the magazine would show you how to get a “ summer shimmer look” ha-ha.

But my “ta-da” moment was during my first facial back in 2014. I received a gift voucher from my sister in law and brother for the local eco spa. I remember laying on the treatment bed as this lady applied different smells and textures on my face. As a tired new mum, I was in heaven. I left that salon saying “ I want to make people feel that good too”

A few months later I was enrolled in my Diploma! Haven’t stopped learning since!

What kind of treatment is your favourite and why?

Skin Skin Skin! My favourite part of a facial is probably the face massage. To receive, my favourite would be a QI facial!

How do you manage life and work balance?

Still working it out. This year I set boundaries with how many hours and days I was working. I only work 3 days a week and never weekends. Setting up my “focus” moods has been a game changer as I can turn off certain apps and notifications depending on if I’m in mum, work boss or sleep mood.

Who inspires you in the beauty industry and why?

I have a long list of women who have inspired and guided me through the industry. Tamara Reid for kicking her goals with twins on her hips, Robyn McAlpine for letting us get our weird out and not having to worry about the aesthetics or trends of the industry and Reika Roberts for her success and dedication to the industry.

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

Oh well that really is a hard one, as there are so many amazing people in the industry! Definitely the top of my list is Karla McDiarmid – would love to pick her brain and see how the heck she does all the amazing things she does, plus run her clinic and would love to chat about the business side of things.

How important is training and education for you?

Education is life. My clients admire my passion for skin education and with this, I am able to pass on my knowledge and educate my clients during their appointments. I always have a new skin course booked in! With Skin, you can never know enough. Every brand I’ve worked with I had to be a level expert ha-ha. You can do a course, then find another that’s even more in-depth. I always repeat education and masterclasses too.

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

Being able to push myself and really stepping out of my comfort zone, being a sole trader it is really hard to bounce ideas or know if what you’re doing is okay or could be better. Being around like-minded women who just want to succeed and be the best the industry has to offer.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

Hopefully, I’ve finished my Naturopath Degree ha-ha. Once I’m finished, the goal is to be able to book a client in for skin consultation and start them on skincare while they have their swabs and blood tests done. So, by their first actual facial, I know exactly what’s going on inside and out! Maybe at a wellness clinic on the coast with some minions, other holistic allied health. Maybe some of my own education courses, skin retreats, a sole trader award…

Fun Snapshot

Worst fashion moment: I split my pants once while doing a massage! I squatted down to do a foot massage! And I ripped them from back to front! Luckily the client was asleep!

Fave Place to Holiday: so far Bali, I just love not having to cook, or clean, and I’m such a cold person. I’d live in Bali if I could!

Fave Drink: Anything mango!

Favourite type of Music/song: I love live music and anything before the 90s... My wedding was all 70/80-themed music.

@jacintacurnowskin