11 minute read
Editors Letter
PUBLISHER Linda Woodhead
linda@mochapublishing.com.au
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EDITOR Clare Lamberth
clare@mochapublishing.com.au
ADVERTISING MANAGER Nina Barbara
nina@mochapublishing.com.au
ART DIRECTOR Kellie Woodhead
kellie@mochapublishing.com.au
ADMINISTRATION Jess Richmond
jess@mochapublishing.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS
Clare Lamberth Angela Sanchez Kristy Mckenzie Julie Cross Jayde Phillips Joy Crossingham Deb Farnworth-Wood Lisa Conway Elle Wilson Julie Cross Paul Frasca Faye Murray Sarah Garner Brigitte Benge Estelle Carroll Lachlon Silver
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Editor’s Editor’s Note
You are right where you are meant to be!
So much is going on right now. Across the country, salons are either feeling the pinch of quieter times after the initial “reopening rush” or forced to close once again with more restrictions. It’s hard to plan for the future and stay focused, let alone take action to grow and rebuild with so much going on.
Mental health must always come first. Please take time to take care of yourself during this time. It could be taking a day off away from your business. Turning off your phone for a weekend or stepping away from social media. Be aware of where your stress and pain is and choose one small action to help yourself. Your business will not go down the toilet if you take one day for yourself to recharge, refresh and be able to show up better for your clients and your team. In the long term it will become a powerful habit to help both yourself and your business.
I recently came across a video on social by Kerwin Rae. (It’s episode #64 of his Unstoppable podcast / You Tube video if you are keen to look it up.) I was so inspired by the fresh and unique perspectives shared in the conversions he had with renowned performance coach & all-round “life yoda”, Peter Chrone that I wanted to share them with you.
During the podcast and video Peter and Kerwin discuss the weight that self-limiting judgement and pain, that we hold onto throughout our life, can have on our lives and the way in which it can hold us back. Something Peter said resonated with me so much with what’s going on in our industry right now… “when we realise that which has happened is exactly what should have happened (not that it’s always obvious to start with), it leaves room for peace and freedom in our lives.” Lightness. With time we can let go and heal from the pain we have held onto and move forward.
“It shouldn’t have been this way, why me, why us, those bloody people who started this whole thing”. It’s an easy, comfortable and toxic cycle to slip into. Pity, grief, and pain.
We are the sum of our experiences. You wouldn’t be here today without all of the challenges, the highs and lows and celebrations and tears you have endured throughout your life so far. This time is just another one of those times. Now, with many salons across Victoria shutting down into Stage 4 lockdowns this advice might seem harsh. However, as Peter says… “Trust, that in ways that you don’t fully understand, the events of your life that are transpiring are in a way that is for my benefit. We’re not victims of life. We’re beneficiaries to it.” - Peter Chrone
Without the array of experiences in your life you wouldn’t be in the position you are right now. Presented with these opportunities like you are right now. Given the gift of time and space to execute and make possibilities happen. To think outside the box for a second time. To do all those things you didn’t get to do the first-time round. To add to your business in ways you might not have thought.
This is exactly what was supposed to happen. Why? Because it’s happening.
You will look back at this time in 3, 6, 9, 12 months’ time to see that the things that have fallen into place throughout this time are as they are intended to be. Later on we can look back and see as we adjust our perspective to recognize, that through adversity we are becoming bigger and better versions of ourselves.
Sending you love and peace and clarity during this time as we enter into our busiest season of the year.
Clare xo
> FEATURE 10 MINS WITH STEPHANIE SHEPHERD By Clare Lamberth
5 spas and countless awards have set Stephanie Shepard of the Stephanie’s Luxury Spa brand, at the top of the Australian Destination Spa and Wellness industry. We get to know the woman behind the legendary brand and discover how she started an empire that would grow to survive over 25 years in business.
In 1985 Stephanie completed a Diploma in Beauty Therapy at Heather Langton Academy of Beauty Therapy in Adelaide.
From 1985 to 1994 Stephanie commenced work in the industry across a number of salons including her home town of Broken Hill before moving to Queensland in 1988, where she worked for a number of both small and large enterprises, gaining valuable experience in both beauty and business management.
In 1994, Stephanie Shepherd opened her first beauty concept location at Camp Hill, an inner east suburb of Brisbane, called Stephanie’s Natural Beauty. Comprising only two therapy rooms… this is where it all began. Training, education and continued upskilling was always going to be paramount to the success of Stephanie, not only as a therapist but as she embarked on her business journey.
Nothing but positivity, sheer dedication to succeed and armed with the knowledge of creating a spa culture of genuine nurturing and care would be the foundation of what was to soon become the Stephanies Luxury Spa brand.
In the beginning, Stephanies was built from the ground up on passion, service and vision.
Commencing as a salon of two rooms for 3 years in Camp Hill, it was realised shortly after expansion was inevitable. Stephanie’s core values of warmth and integrity set in motion what was to become Stephanie’s vision; to create a holistic business model and develop the guest experience; staying true to her humble beginnings of beauty therapy and to instinctively progress into new treatment and spa ritual offerings including water therapies.
Opening as Stephanies Natural Beauty & Day Spa; this space was the beginning of a 26 year-long journey in the beautiful, leafy 4171 postcode. Five years later, in 2002, with Oxford Street developing and with the business expanding, it was time to move down the road and across the street, to the lovely two-level building at 77 Oxford Street, Bulimba.
In 2007, Stephanies spread its wings once again when the opportunity to expand into a second spa arose… welcoming her first five-star hotel spa on Level Three of Sofitel Brisbane Central. Encompassing the utterly iconic and unforgettable Opal Rasul Steam Temple, Stephanies Spa Retreat was born!
At the same time, Stephanies original Day Spa in Bulimba, the heart of her businesses to this day, was given a little name makeover. Renamed Stephanies Urban Spa – this spa is an institution among locals in the inner eastern suburb of Bulimba.
2010 saw further expansion with a third spa opening its doors! As Stephanies Luxury Spas had become completely synonymous with quality and service, Stephanies Ocean Spa was welcomed by Noosa residents and holidaymakers alike.
Building at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas (formerly the Outrigger Resort) this beautiful location offers the ultimate ocean spa-cation.
Not content to stop there, barely a year later, Stephanies opened a fourth Spa in the growing Brisbane spa empire; with Stephanies Mountain Spa taking bookings from April of 2011.
Based at Clear Mountain Lodge, just half an hour north of the Brisbane CBD, this spa combines the very best of nature and relaxation. Offering stunning sweeping views of Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the D’Aguilar Range, yet another spa destination had come to life.
After acquiring an existing spa in a historic Queenslanders at Cleveland, in Brisbane’s bayside, 2012 welcomed the quaintly beautiful luxe of Stephanies Vintage Spa– completing the journey, so far… of Stephanies Spa locations.
June 2015 brought a massive step in the story which tied the brand together beautifully – the creation of a Head Quarters for Stephanies Luxury Spas. Stephanie felt that “with five luxury locations across South East Queensland, we needed to expand our internal spa infrastructure.” Established within the Metroplex on Gateway, Murarrie, the building contains state of the art training facilities, a dedicated and highly professional Reservations Team, conference suites, break out areas, offices, warehouse and laundry spaces. When asked what she loves most about the ritual of a Spa Experience over a traditional salon treatment, Stephanie shares her and her husband and business, Des Sheperd, love both. “They play an important role in both our business and also the wellbeing of our guests.”
What sets Stephanies apart is not just what we do differently, time honoured beauty treatments was always the core of our business; Stephanies has created a fusion between a traditional salon treatment and the development and formulation of signature spa experiences that has allowed both approaches to work in harmony with each other.
The Signature Spa Experiences and Rituals offered are unique to Stephanies, “our longstanding philosophy of embracing new technologies, respecting ancient rituals, and stepping away from the ordinary to create breathtaking treatments forms the basis of our 360 degree approach to the Stephanies business model.” Stephanie continues.
Stephanies compliment their Spa Menu with visiting specialists who also provide advanced cosmetic services.
TELL US ABOUT SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT?
Being in business for 26 years, it is difficult to say that there is one defining moment that I am most proud of. Waking each and every day knowing that I am supported by my husband, Des, the business partnerships and connections I have made, who are nearest and dearest to me, through to my beautiful team and clients have allowed my vision of the Stephanies Luxury Spa brand to evolve and ultimately be recognised as an award winning industry leader.
HOW MANY TEAM MEMBERS DO YOU HAVE AND WHAT’S ONE GOLDEN NUGGET OF WISDOM YOU CAN SHARE ABOUT MANAGING & RUNNING SUCH A LARGE TEAM OF STAFF?
Stephanies Luxury Spa employs a team of 48 across our luxury spa destinations and business administration including IT, Finance, Marketing and Distribution. “Actions speak louder than words” was instilled into me from a very young age by my father. My commitment to the personal growth and success of the team, has always been at the forefront in retaining loyal therapists and business administration team. Communication and a highly regarded team through which to develop and share best practices, innovation and opportunities together.
WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU HAD TO MAKE TO YOUR BUSINESS DURING RECENT TIMES?
Personal resilience and emotional strength has seen me through many challenges, as we all face in business, especially throughout the past 4 months. Collectively, we took a deep dive into our business model and systems. Our goal was to continue to be at the forefront of our guests’ minds. Being present; connecting with dignity, kindness, honesty, and respect while honouring transparency through our digital marketing messaging. Understanding selfcare and the wellbeing of our guests and team played an integral part of our strategy throughout this period. Improvements made in accessibility, integrated communication through Microsoft Teams platform kept our team connected and engaged whilst deploying a “new” approach to our business. Navigating the changes in Government legislation and increased marketing presence was critical and supported by a team working across states. The demonstrated skills and knowledge of our key people and their ability to adapt to change has been remarkable.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM?
At Stephanies we are always evolving. The strategies and innovation brought about in the last 4 months will continue. New product and treatment developments, expansions in Stephanies la Vie brand and changes to our IT infrastructure, including a new integrated website are just a few of the exciting changes to come this year.
