22 minute read
10 Minutes with Rebecca Miller
10 MINUTES WITH RebeccaMiller
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Rebecca Miller is a multi-award winning clinic owner, skin whisperer, podcast queen and now powerhouse business mentor with Zing Coaching. We get to know the woman behind the brand and find out how her journey brought her to where she is today.
“I founded La Bella Medispa in 2009 in my home town of Parkes with a mission: to provide women in my local regional area with the type of treatments and products they could only experience in the city,” says Rebecca. “I wanted to help the women in my community area feel truly confident to have somewhere to go to escape the real world and be nurtured but also have access to the most advanced technology and experienced therapists.”
With this as her driving force, Rebecca along with her team have grown La Bella from a one-woman show to a business that spans multiple locations and having the opportunity to grow and develop over 25 amazing talented therapists and continue to grow from strength to strength. “We’ve experienced our share of challenges in recent years; from droughts to Covid-19, it hasn’t been an easy journey, but I can say, hand on heart, that it has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life the more I grow and expand as a leader so do my businesses and team.”
In addition to her salons, Rebecca has an online brand (The Skin Whisperer); a 12-week online skin transformation program (SkinFit 90); a podcast (Living Your Best Life); a coaching program (through The Zing Project), a speaking partnership with Kerwin Rae’s K2 Elite program, and a charity (The Ripple of Kindness Project).
“I didn’t set out to be juggling so many hats,” she says, “I just ran with the opportunities to create real change and have a lasting life-changing impact on those I have the privilege of working with.” The result has been a fulfilling and rewarding career spanning over 27 years.
In recent years, Rebecca has found a way to share her knowledge and partner with the powerhouse team at the Zing Project.
“A couple of years ago, I saw Lisa Conway speak at a conference,” Rebecca explains. “I went up to her after the event and said to her… ‘one day I’m going to do what you do!’ And in 2020, I’m proud to say that I signed on with The Zing Project as a Senior ZING Coach. My journey with ZING is just beginning, but I’m so grateful to be aligned with such a powerhouse team, making a real difference to the industry that I love. They say you should surround yourself with people who inspire you to lift your game, and for me, the support and encouragement I’ve received from the team at ZING have inspired me to
make even bigger and bolder moves in 2021. I love ZING because it is a community of amazing coaches whose purpose is to really help the salon owner create their life and salon by design. Still having clinics really gives me the edge because I understand where the salon owners are really at.”
As a busy Mum with three kids, two salons, two online businesses, a podcast, and a coaching brand, it has been vitally important for Rebecca to build a solid team around her and to create systems that work.
“I have created that with my business partners Jess Galvin and Carla Poole and our teams at La Bella Medispa”
“The beauty industry has given so much to me in my 27 years of working with clients and my teams and now it’s my turn to give back. Through ZING, I coach spa, salon, and clinic owners; passing on everything I’ve learned about leadership, building high-performing teams, systems and strategies, marketing planning, and the mindset required to take things to the next level. The transformations of the salon owner are the very thing that lights me up.”
And so, what is the she secret to her success? “Knowing my Why, What, and How, ,y purpose, mission, and values and creating goals and systems around myself. I have taken the time to really inspire my team because with my list of goals, I definitely knew I couldn’t do it on my own.”
“I believe that you should be able to step away from your business for a day, a month, or even a year and have things run like clockwork without you. This I see as the biggest issue for most salon owners who are slaves to the treatment room. And to achieve that, you need a clear vision and a pathway to get there. To evolve continuously as a leader and never stop learning.”
“The very things that enable a leader to get their business off the ground are often the things that can stifle the growth of that business further down the line. I’m talking long hours, 100% of the customer management, doing your own marketing and all those things that are ‘just quicker if I do them myself’. It can be hard to delegate at first – but if you don’t learn how to delegate, you will be stuck on that hamster wheel forever. Delegation is a key element to building a high performing sustainable business but really inspires the team to be working towards something bigger than themselves.
So, how can you set goals for 2021 that will help you take a step back from the day-to-day of your business, empower your team, and create real business growth but also joy and fulfilment?
“Laying the foundations in your business starts with the big three: purpose mission and your core business value,” says Rebecca. “Knowing your break-even and then taking the time to create a kick-arse plan. Think BIG, as we are capable of so much more!” have the systems in place, you’ll find it’s not only easy but incredibly effective and creates high levels of accountability and autonomous behaviour in your teams. We take a full day away from the salon, we look at our achievement, our lessons learned, strengths weaknesses, and trends of our in the marketplace that could affect our business. We work out our strategic issues that if we solved them, what would the business look like? working on the things that will have the greatest impact on our business right now. How will you know where you’re going if you don’t set your GPS in the right direction? Having clear intentions and a strategic plan really help create a can-do culture. Being outcome focuses has such a positive impact on the business and team as a whole.”
Make sure your goals are SMART goals says Rebecca, so that they are measurable, specific, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, as Tony Robbins says, “What gets measured, gets managed”. ins with your team in your one on one meeting and team meeting to see if they need support or additional resources to achieve what they set out to achieve at the start of the quarter. We encourage our team to take ownership of the goals they set both personally and professionally then they have true ownership of their success This planning process is a game-changer if you want to take your business to the next level.”
Rebecca is a big believer in having mentors and coaches to help accelerate your business growth and development and says, “It is always something I have adopted and now feel so grateful I can help salon owners create their business and life by design, not by default. Having someone that truly believes in you and sometimes sees the things you do not see, keeps you on track and accountable. If you do not have a coach to support your salon journey I would recommend any business owner get one.
You can contact Rebecca via The Zing Project at www.thezingproject.com.au/team/ rebecca-miller/ or at www.skinwhisperer.com.au
THE HEART & SOUL OF Beauty Therapy!
Julie Botskor is the 2020 ABIA Beauty Therapist of the Year. With almost 4 decades in the industry, Julie followed her intuition to what was initially a self-improvement course hosted at her local Beauty Therapy School, to what turned out to be a lifelong passion and her dream career. For the last 7 years Julie has resided at Bliss Day Spa in Sydney’s Caringbah, under Spa Owner Daniela Boerma, a clinic she calls her “forever home”.
Find out how Julie’s pursuit of self-improvement has lead her to take home our industry’s top gong and the secrets to her successes.
CONGRATS ON YOUR WIN AS 2020 ABIA THERAPIST OF THE YEAR. TELL US ABOUT YOUR WIN & HOW IT FELT TO HEAR YOU NAME CALLED?
It was such an honour to receive my award for The Beauty Therapist of The Year. To be completely honest when I heard my name I was in shock! I did not think I would be announced the winner. There are some incredibly talented Therapists, and to think I am one of them makes me feel very humbled and just a little bit chuffed!
HOW DID IT ALL START FOR YOU IN THE INDUSTRY? TELL US ABOUT HOW YOU FIRST STARTED OUT IN BEAUTY THERAPY, WHAT INSPIRED YOU AND WHAT’S DRIVEN YOUR PASSION?
I am immensely proud to share that I have been a Beauty therapist for 38 years now. It is a long time I know, but I can honestly say I love my career; always have, always will. It is an easy career to love though. It began not long after leaving school. I was disillusioned with the career I had originally chosen, and I happened to see
an ad in the local paper for a 12-week self-improvement course at Diana Nolan School of Beauty Therapy. I loved it! As it was part of the full Beauty Therapy Course, I was able to hear what was involved in the full course. Something happened and my heart told me this was it and I had to do this course. I desperately wanted to be a Beauty Therapist. The course was very thorough, and I loved every minute of it. Her school taught the craft extremely well. I was fortunate enough to work for Diana for 2 years after completing my course at her Kareela and Bexley salons. It was an invaluable time for me. I gained great experience in those years. It wasn’t until working in the salon that I realised what the drive was for me in this wonderful career I had chosen. Without question, for me, it’s my clients. I just love to see my clients walking out the door feeling better about themselves. It can even be after an Eyebrow Wax! It really is quite a special thing we get to do.
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES OR CHALLENGES YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME?
About three years ago I was on holidays in Fiji. I fainted and broke my ankle. That holiday was cut short and two weeks later I slipped in the shower and fractured my back. Fun times! Honestly, looking back it was such a horrible time for me. I was quite depressed and wasn’t interested in anything much. The thing I worried most about was work. Beauty Therapy is part of who I am and if for some reason I couldn’t do what I’ve always done… well I couldn’t even think about that. I was at Bliss then and my beautiful friend (and boss) Daniela was very understanding. I was able to take my time and ease back in. Eventually I got back to doing all my treatments. I was so incredibly grateful.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME INSPIRING PEOPLE YOU’VE COME ACROSS IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR AND WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THEM?
There are so many! Where do I start? Diana Nolan taught me so much more than Beauty Therapy. She was a very hard taskmaster but that’s why I had such a great start in my career. She taught me well. I still find myself thinking of things that she said to me all those years ago that have shaped who I am as a therapist. I am continually in awe of so many people in our business now who are so knowledgeable and driven. The educators who I encounter are so full of knowledge and their enthusiasm is contagious! One person who comes to mind is Will Fennell. He is our Biodroga trainer and I am amazed at both his knowledge and passion of the product, and his love for his profession. He is also one of the most compassionate people I know. I just adore him.
There are many treatments I enjoy doing, but the Omnilux LED treatment would have to be one of my favourites. It treats so many skin concerns and if administered properly with the right protocol, the results are nothing short of outstanding. It is also a treatment that has no downtime so is suitable for almost every skin. I also have to mention Electrolysis. It is still the only form of permanent hair removal and to be able to help clients who have sometimes battled with this problem for years is a privilege.
YOU’RE CURRENTLY AT BLISS DAY SPA. TELL US ABOUT JOINING THE TEAM AND HOW YOUR PRACTISE & APPROACH TO CLIENTS HAS CHANGED SINCE JOINING THEM?
Daniela and I have been friends for many years. I worked for her when she had her first salon in Cronulla. Throughout our friendship over the years we both swore we would work together again. She bought Bliss Day Spa in 2013 and we finally both got our wish. I was there the day we opened and there I shall remain until I’m unable to get up the stairs to the treatment rooms! Working for Daniela is easy. She inspires me each and every day. She is everything a therapist should be. She is driven and knowledgeable. She leads by example and for that reason we at Bliss are constantly learning and keeping up to date with products and treatments. At Bliss we are never idle. We support each other and I am so blessed to work with such beautiful girls. I love them all dearly. I guess I know I’ve always been good at what I do (I’m uncomfortable actually saying that) but at Bliss we are given every opportunity to perfect our craft. Which is pretty special.
THE ABIA’S ARE BACK IN 2021 (HOPEFULLY IN PERSON). WHAT ADVICE WOULD GIVE THERAPISTS WANTING TO ENTER?
we’re not keen on talking about ourselves. I remember thinking that I’m not good enough to win, I’m too old, not knowledgeable enough. I thought of every excuse not to do it, but Daniela and the girls encouraged me, and as I was writing my application, I realised something. I am good enough; I’ve had a vast amount of experience and it will make you realise that you’re good enough too.
HOW DID YOU FIND THE ABIA AWARDS PROCESS & DID ENTERING CHANGE OR MAKE YOU TWEAK ANY ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
It was a funny year last year wasn’t it? It of course would have been wonderful to have our big night, however it wasn’t meant to be. Under the circumstances I think Mocha publishing did a wonderful job. We still got together to enjoy the night and celebrate, and we all had a ball! I think the process of entering is very well done. It’s an involved process but I thoroughly enjoyed it. By entering it encourages you to keep moving forward in your career and enjoy every day of it.
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL AND WORK IN ANY SPA OR CLINIC ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD WHERE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
This one is easy. I would love to go to Baden Baden. I have worked with Biodroga products for most of my career. I have always loved the product and the company and to actually see where the product is made would be wonderful, but to work in a Biodroga salon in Germany would be a dream!
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU IN 2021?
If there is one thing for certain in this business, you cannot rest on your laurels. But that’s also the wonderful part of this business. It is ever changing, ever evolving. There is always something to learn but we can also keep perfecting what we already know. It’s just the most interesting, fulfilling and fun career to be in. That’s my plan for this year, to keep learning and to keep getting the best results I possibly can for my beautiful clients! After all at the end of the day that’s who this is all about.
AN INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG GUN Madison Taubman By Clare Lamberth
Gold Coast based Madison Taubman is a formidable young woman, mother, business owner and therapist who’s been through a lot, but knew exactly what she wanted straight out of high school.
Stuck between a rock and hard place, having freshly graduating Dermal Therapies with a new baby, Madison found herself unable to find work, even though she was an experienced Therapist of 8 years. True to form though Madison turned this set back into an opportunity and dived into launching her own business, House of Skin & Beauty.
Madison shares with us her story and how she’s become a pro at overcoming hurdles
HOW DID YOU FIRST START OUT IN THE INDUSTRY?
I’ve always loved interacting with others. I thought I may want to be a Teacher or Nurse as a career choice. I’d always loved anything to do with beauty, so I decided to study my Diploma of Beauty Therapy while at school in Year 10 to Year 12. I knew that with a qualification under my belt straight out of school, if I wanted to go on to study at uni after school, then I’d have a good paying job to support me while at uni. I graduated Year 12 as a fully qualified Beauty Therapist and began working in the Beauty Industry just 2 months later. I wanted to give myself a break from study and not rush straight into Uni after school. I wanted to focus on getting experience in the industry first, but my true passion took over and now 10 years on I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I did go back to study further, 2 years ago in Dermal Therapies, to keep up with the constant changes in the industry and to keep up with current treatment trends.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST EVER TREATMENT YOU PERFORMED?
Believe it or not, it was a Brazilian. I had practiced these plenty of times with friends, but that never prepares you for your very first time you have to do it on an actual paying client. It was such a confronting treatment for a young 17-year-old (me) to do!
HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK IN BEAUTY THERAPY?
Not exactly. I knew I wanted to work with people, and I’ve always had a nurturing side that really loved helping others. I just wasn’t sure how that would manifest as a career pathway. After I started working in the industry though, it became clear this is what I loved and wanted to do.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
I love interacting with my clients. I get to meet people from all walks of life. I love learning from them. Learning to really “listen” has been one of the most valuable lessons my clients have taught me. It’s been a valuable tool to have in my work as well.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND HOW YOU STARTED OUT?
For some time, I have been running my business working within a hair salon, focusing on Advanced Skin Treatments, but I do offer other services as well. Following a rather abrupt decision from the hair salon owner to change direction, I found myself having to look at my next adventure and am excited to say that I am currently in middle of moving locations to my very own salon. A leap of faith and one I am so ready for! Early on in my career, and for 3 years, I used to commute to Brisbane from the Gold Coast and worked in a place that did mostly waxing. I wanted to focus more on ‘skin’ and advance treatments so I could help my clients achieve better results. It was then that I began studying Dermal Therapy. I was pregnant with our first child whilst studying, a baby son with my partner certainly came sooner than expected but I graduated and had our little bundle of joy two months later. I didn’t want to be out of the industry for too long as it’s always changing, and I wanted a chance to use my new skill set. I tried for Beauty Therapy jobs on the Gold Coast as a new mum, to be closer to home and get more experience in the advance side of beauty, but no one wanted to hire a Mum, as Mums, they said, weren’t as flexible as people without kids. That’s when I decided to open up my sole operated business as it had always been a dream of mine and I could get the flexibility I needed for my son also.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TREATMENT AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU?
Anything to do with skin! Having dedicated so much of my career to learn as much as I can. I really love sharing this with my clients. I love Skin Needling, Peels, Micros, Facials, LED the most. The results I can help a client achieve with these is so rewarding! Although I specialise in advanced skin treatments, I do offer waxing, tanning and tinting also but I find working with skin is my favourite as it’s so rewarding. I believe as a business owner, I need to have a point of difference which is absolutely by passion and care factor. Money doesn’t drive me. For me it’s helping my clients and making them feel the very best versions of themselves. I also like to get to know every single client in every aspect to work together with them to give them that service they deserve.
“CONSISTENCY IS KEY WITH EVERYTHING. CLIENTS, MARKETING, TREATMENTS, SKINCARE, EVERYTHING!” CAN YOU SHARE WITH US YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A YOUNG BUSINESS OWNER? IF YOU COULD GO BACK & TELL YOUR
Stressful but rewarding. People said I was crazy 5-YEAR YOUNGER SELF ANYTHING to just had given birth to my son and start a WHAT WOULD IT BE? new business. I copped a lot of flack from other You’re more capable then you know.... you can mothers about going back to work sooner than do anything you set your mind too don’t forget they thought I should’ve (6.5 months). I really that. struggled for a while with letting what others thought get me down. I did get over that with WHAT’S YOUR GRAND VISION FOR help from my incredibly supportive partner and family, and pushed forward because why can’t we women have it all?! I’m young, I have the time and energy. Why not give it a go?! Worst that can happen is that it doesn’t work out. My business is still in its early YOUR BUSINESS? My goal is to build a greater name and brand for myself. Eventually I see myself having team of passionate people working for me that love skin and love helping people just as much as I do. stages but I’m as passionate as ever. I love being a Mum, but I also love being a Dermal / Beauty WHAT DOES 2021 HOLD FOR YOU? Therapist too. Sometimes in order to be happy Bigger and better things. Lots of change and we have to put ourselves first. That’s what I did getting myself out of my comfort zone. and I’m a better partner, mother, therapist and 2020 start with a bump, as my landlord gave me person for it. 2 days’ notice to vacate my sublet space. It was a a big shock and not how I had planned to start WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY BEAUTY THERAPIST WANTING the New Year with my business still in its infancy. Luckily, I’ve now secured a beautiful new space of my very own, with room to expand in Surfers TO MAKE THE TRANSITION TO Paradise and have so much to look forward to. BUSINESS OWNER? It was probably a blessing in disguise, and I Back yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself can’t wait to continue along my chosen path of then who will?! With bigger risk comes greater passion. reward. Push yourself out of your comfort zone to go for your dreams. House of Skin & Beauty Surround yourself with positive people who 46 Watson Esplanade. Surfers Paradise. Qld. believe in you and have your back no matter what.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR TOP 3 GOLDEN NUGGETS OF LEARNING IN BUSINESS SO FAR?
get your name out there and attract new business. 2. Consistency is key with everything.
Clients, marketing, treatments, skincare,
EVERYTHING! 3. Be patient.. (Rome wasn’t built in a day)
