Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to help people. And my ‘Aha moment’ came when I realized that ‘Beauty’ was my tool to being of service.
ROCKY START
I once asked my Mum if she remembered what I wanted to do when I grew up? She couldn't remember, nor could I...I guess it never seemed very precise.
By my early teens I was pretty sure Beauty Therapy was on the list, something I was quite interested in and one thing that I thought 'I should be able to do that'.
It seemed to come naturally to me, the practical side was always my forte and, actually, in every subsequent bodywork training I have done, I've found I have had a natural affinity. I completed my Diploma of Esthetique et Cosmetologie in France in 1999.
Despite enjoying the industry and the work its self, for a long time, I didn't have much respect for Beauty Therapy as a career choice. It seemed so much less than that which my peers were all aspiring to and I was never very proud of my title.
So I did what most people with a belief blockage do - I kept feeding it, by fighting my natural talents and pursuing a long list of other trial and error jobs in finding the best version of me and the right title.
It was a wonderful distraction, I gained a University degree, I travelled extensively, I gained some amazing work experiences across many different sectors from day spas to private aviation. And I found some inspirational mentors along the way.
But...never quite the right fit.
Then I had a terrible thought - I had never stuck at anything…I was always fighting something from within.
Until I realized something… through all the study, travel and job changes, beauty remained constant. It was always a fill in, a bit on the side, a safety net, a comfort and ultimately a lifeline.
YOU CAN'T STRAY TOO FAR FROM YOUR PATH
After a tough first year with our second child, I could feel the post –natal depression start to manifest and I said to my extremely supportive husband, that I needed help and that for me the best medicine would be going back to work.
I needed a lifeline and beauty was there!
My husband cut back from his five days a week job to three, so I could pick up two days plus Saturdays. So between us we were working six days a week and each spending lots of time with our children.
I worked as a beauty/dermal therapist in a medical cosmetic clinic. I had lovely colleagues and it wasn’t long before I was inspired by certain clients, to incorporate my relaxation and energy healing techniques into my treatments.
MY REAL 'AHA' MOMENT
Two years later I took a couple of weeks off work to go to Bali for my first intensive Yoga Teacher Training. It was there that I had my 'Aha' moment - the realization that beauty was MY tool to helping others.
It was something I had worked on perfecting for almost 20 years...ha! I actually had stuck at something! It is my profession and my calling.
I believed I could create my own space, a kind and holistic approach to beauty that supported people, not only physically but emotionally and mentally too.
Three months later we opened the doors of Ame Free.
This is where my focus is; using beauty, relaxation and energetic treatments, to help restore balance and vitality to the body and mind in a safe and nurturing environment which facilitates self-healing and reflection.
As for respect and titles: I've found my 'tribe'. I love my work and the wonderful clients I meet. I am proud of what I do. As for my title, I feel it's really not important now, but if someone asks, I'm a Holistic Esthetician.
My therapies include Ayurvedic Facial Rejuvenation, Intuitive Energy Balancing, Organic Facials, Make Up Artist and Raindrop Practitioner.
Welcome!