Alanna Douglas: Elevating Beauty Education Through Innovation and Accessibility

By Louise May

When it comes to education in the beauty industry, few names shine as brightly as Alanna Douglas. As the 2024 ABIA Educator of the Year -Individual, she has earned a reputation for her unwavering commitment to her students and her ability to make education accessible, engaging, and transformative. Through her unique teaching methodologies, hands-on experience, and passion for continuous learning, Alanna has not only shaped the careers of countless beauty professionals but also redefined what it means to be an educator in today’s modern era.

A Holistic and Inclusive Approach to Education

What sets Alanna apart in the education space is her holistic teaching style, which caters to all types of learners. Whether through written, auditory, or visual methods, she ensures that every student experiences those transformative “aha” moments. Her expertise in working with neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, further highlights her ability to adapt and personalise her approach. She also understands the unique challenges faced by busy professionals, mothers, and entrepreneurs, designing flexible learning solutions that fit seamlessly into their schedules.

From small, short courses to comprehensive in-clinic training and one-onone Zoom sessions, Alanna’s educational offerings are as diverse as her student base. With options ranging from free resources to self-paced paid courses, she makes professional growth attainable for all, regardless of their learning style or availability.

Bridging Education and Real-World Experience

Alanna’s passion for beauty education is deeply rooted in her own journey as a beauty professional. As the owner of Gloss Skin & Beauty, a renowned skin and wellness destination she established over 11 years ago, she remains immersed in the ever-evolving landscape of skincare and beauty treatments. This real-world experience allows her to “walk the walk,” ensuring that the education she delivers is not just theoretical but backed by hands-on expertise and industry relevance.

With over 16 years of experience in the industry and a Bachelor of Health Science in Dermal Therapies, Alanna continues to refine her knowledge, blending her clinical expertise with her natural ability to teach. This synergy between education and practice has made her a sought-after mentor for aspiring beauty professionals.

The Birth of Skin Freak Academy

Alanna’s passion for skin health and dermal education led to the creation of Skin Freak Academy in 2020. The academy has since become a hub for industry professionals seeking advanced education in paramedical skin treatments. Her courses, which cover topics like melasma management, exfoliation techniques, IPL treatments, and chemical peels, have gained widespread recognition for their depth and accessibility.

Recognising that beauty education extends beyond just technical skills, she also offers courses focused on consultation techniques, business strategies, and mindset coaching. By equipping her students with both practical and professional development skills, she empowers them to build successful and sustainable careers in the industry.

A Leader in Beauty Business Consulting

Beyond education, Alanna plays a pivotal role in shaping the business acumen of beauty professionals. As a freelance business consultant and presenter, she has worked with some of the industry’s most reputable names, including Murad and Professional Beauty Solutions. Through workshops, seminars, and personalised coaching, she helps skin clinics and beauty businesses refine their strategies, optimise client management, and enhance service delivery.

Her ability to blend business expertise with technical knowledge makes her an invaluable asset to salon owners and beauty entrepreneurs looking to elevate their brands and expand their reach.

Keeping Up with Industry Trends and Innovations

Education is a journey, not a destination—and Alanna embodies this philosophy through her continuous pursuit of knowledge. As a member of the Australian Society of Dermal Clinicians and the Australian Beauty Industry Committee, she actively participates in industry events, monthly webinars, and professional development retreats.

Her collaborations with dermatologists, plastic surgeons, physiotherapists, and wound management specialists further enrich her expertise, allowing her to provide her students with cutting-edge knowledge and best practices in skincare. Through partnerships with Professional Beauty Solutions and leading cosmeceutical brands, she stays ahead of advancements in skincare technology, ensuring that her teachings remain current and impactful.

Shaping the Industry Through Media and Community Engagement

Alanna’s influence extends beyond the classroom, reaching thousands through her podcast, social media platforms, and contributions to industry publications. Through her free podcast, she delves into complex skin conditions, treatment methodologies, and professional insights, offering valuable knowledge to beauty professionals worldwide.

Her “Guess the Skin Condition” social media series fosters an interactive learning environment, challenging her audience to engage in differential diagnosis exercises. Meanwhile, her weekly “theratips” provide bite-sized motivation and practical strategies for overcoming challenges in the industry.

As a regular contributor to Beauty Biz Magazine, she shares her expertise on industry trends, best practices, and professional development, further cementing her role as a thought leader in beauty education.

Commitment to Accessibility and Student Success

True to her mission of making education accessible, Alanna offers financial assistance through scholarships and extended payment plans. With each live course launch, at least one student benefits from an extended payment plan or part-scholarship, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder learning opportunities.

She also integrates innovative tools like a resource library, daily affirmations, and structured feedback systems to enhance the student experience. By prioritising student engagement, accountability, and support, she has cultivated a learning environment where students feel motivated and empowered to succeed.

Overcoming Challenges and Driving Results

One of the challenges Alanna has faced as an educator is ensuring that students commit to their learning amidst their busy schedules. To address this, she has implemented pre-scheduled study times, additional reminders, and personalised follow-ups for missed sessions. These strategies have led to increased attendance, improved engagement, and ultimately, better learning outcomes for her students.

By fostering a culture of accountability and support, she has helped her students stay on track and achieve tangible progress in their careers.

The impact of her education is evident in the success stories of her students, many of whom have gone on to build thriving businesses, master advanced skincare techniques, and transform their clients’ lives through expert beauty treatments.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Alanna plans to expand her expertise by studying naturopathy, integrating holistic health principles into her teachings. By bridging dermal science with naturopathic practices, she aims to offer a more comprehensive approach to skin health education, further enhancing the value she provides to her students.

Her vision for the future is clear—to continue revolutionising beauty education, breaking barriers to learning, and empowering professionals to excel in an ever-evolving industry.

Alanna Douglas is more than an educator—she is an industry trailblazer, a mentor, and a champion of accessible education. Her dedication to her students, her commitment to innovation, and her ability to adapt to the changing landscape of beauty education have made her an invaluable force in the industry. As the 2024 ABIA Educator of the Year - Individual, she stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming careers, businesses, and lives.

Through her work, she continues to shape the future of beauty education, ensuring that every aspiring beauty professional, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

@skinfreakacademy