Building on a Legacy of Excellence

After more than 20 years of empowering salon and spa owners to build successful, thriving businesses, Faye Murray is retiring from coaching. Yet her legacy will not only live on but evolve in the hands of someone extraordinary: Elle Huempel.

With nearly two decades of experience leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering award-winning results, Elle is ready to take the reins and bring her fresh perspective, expertise, and passion to the coaching world.

Faye, who has guided countless businesses and professionals to achieve their goals, speaks with heartfelt confidence about this transition:

“I believe someone was looking after me to connect me with Elle. Some months ago, I had been considering retiring later in the year, but my main concern was finding someone who would continue coaching my special clients. Then, I received a call from Leanne Morris, who, along with her partner Tracey Ivanovski, had owned Harbour Day Spa in Brisbane. She shared that their exceptional manager, Elle, was considering stepping into business coaching and asked if I could connect with her.

After spending time with Elle, I knew she was the perfect fit. Her knowledge of business and team management is outstanding, her financial and marketing acumen is remarkable, and, most importantly, she cares deeply about people. She is approachable, forward-thinking, and has a natural gift for empowering others. I am confident she will continue my work and bring incredible value to every client she supports.”

Elle’s career is a testament to her ability to lead and inspire. As the former manager of Harbour Day Spa—named “Best Spa Team in the World” in 2022—Elle has created high-performing teams and fostered cultures of collaboration and growth. Her expertise spans team development, financial management, marketing strategy, and delivering exceptional client experiences.

But it’s her dedication to people that truly sets her apart. Elle has a personalised approach to coaching, tailoring her strategies to the unique needs of each business.

Below, she shares her vision, philosophy, and plans for the future, with Beauty Biz Editor Louise May

Leading a team that won “Best Spa Team in the World” is an incredible achievement. What was the key to building such a successful and cohesive team?

There’s definitely no “I” in team. By consistently striving to deliver the highest of quality service and delivery in every area including team culture, the environment, communication and daily positive energy, I was able to support and celebrate all of the wins both big and small, so it wasn’t just about our skill but our ability to work together as a “work family” and in doing this was able to deliver an exceptional client experience every time.

Taking over from Faye Murray is no small task. What inspired you to step into the world of coaching, and how does it feel for her to hand over the reins to you?

You’re right, no it’s not a small task, Faye leaves big shoes to fill, and I look forward to meeting absolutely everyone from her journey, continuing her journey in the industry. Honoured still doesn’t feel like it gives it enough credit of how I feel, but truly I am so honoured and proud, to be able to continue her legacy. What inspired me? Harbour Day Spa & Salon, where I spent a lot of my career.

Although it was never my own business, it provided me with the invaluable firsthand mentorship, leadership and management, and the power of growth driven by hard work structure and effective systems. This inspired me to become a coach, driven by passion to support as many business owners as possible to receive the same amount of success.

You have a customised approach to coaching. What does that look like in practice, and how do you adapt your strategies to different businesses?

I understand no two business are the same, no two goals are identical, and no two strengths or challenges are alike, so by being the coach I am that can listen, adapt and accommodate for the needs of each and every business owner. With every business having its own “DNA” I am invested in helping achieve profitable success and overcome challenges tailored to what aligns with your business’s vision and goals. Not only do I offer the option to coach and train via Zoom and phone but face to face from time to time in clinic or on site from as an alternate option as well.

Having worked in both operational and leadership roles, what do you think are the biggest challenges facing the hair and beauty industry today?

Work life balance employment opportunities; the perfect balance that suits the employee and the employer, trying to find multi skilled staff to provide more opportunities for business owners and the fear of financial pressures and rising costs.

You’ve revitalised and transitioned businesses successfully. What’s one financial strategy you believe every salon or spa owner should focus on?

Know your budget! Be firm and fair with it. Delegate roles and responsibilities to your key staff to be able to complete the project successfully. Remembering communication is key throughout the entire project.

As someone who has juggled family, business, and leadership roles, how do you coach others to find balance in their personal and professional lives?

Time Management, know when to wear what hat at what time, it is hard, but when you learn, it works!

Faye Murray has built an incredible legacy. What do you hope to build upon, and what’s your ultimate vision for the businesses you work with, moving forward?

Hasn’t she ever! I am convinced she knows everyone in the country!! Faye has had the most incredible career. A true passion of mine is customer service, the growth of someone becoming the best version of themselves, Coaching in the Spa Industry, and education and exposure to the younger emerging community.

What is it about the hair and beauty industry that continues to inspire you after all these years?

The possibilities are endless, availability of new treatments, services and machinery, creativity of so many individuals in the industry, clients, and their expectations, I love people, so in this industry the client’s and the professionals inspire me!

A New Era Begins

As Faye reflects on this significant transition, she shares what makes Elle truly exceptional: “Elle understands and has managed large teams of 20-plus across hair, beauty, and spa for 17 years. She is approachable, with a care factor that is essential for a coach. She understands the financial side of business, is forward-thinking with marketing, and has brilliant ideas for growth. She’s strong in team training and development, and, most importantly, she’s a genuinely lovely person.”

“The last few weeks have been an emotional ride for me. I’ve shared so much with my clients over the years—many of whom I’ve worked with for over 15–20 years. We’ve laughed, celebrated, and navigated tough decisions together. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of their journeys. Now, I look forward to seeing them continue to thrive with Elle’s guidance, and I will remain involved in the industry I love, catching up with everyone at events in 2025.”

With Elle at the helm, a new chapter begins—one filled with opportunity, growth, and the same care and excellence that have defined Faye’s career. For businesses looking to achieve their full potential, this is just the beginning.