Leading Australian Women in Beauty Share What It Means to Be an Industry Expert Today

From innovation to leadership, these trailblazing Australian women in the beauty industry share their insights for International Women’s Day.

The beauty industry has long been shaped by visionary women—scientists, entrepreneurs, and creatives who have redefined standards and paved the way for innovation. On International Women’s Day, we speak with some of the leading Australian women and, industry experts, to explore what it truly means to be a woman in beauty.

Whether it’s formulating groundbreaking skincare, launching sustainable beauty brands, or mentoring the next generation of industry professionals, female experts in beauty are making an impact like never before.

From navigating challenges in a male-dominated field to shaping the future of skincare, cosmetics, and wellness, these women are proving that expertise and passion know no limits.

Tegan Martin is an inspiring figure who embodies her spirit through her life journey in the beauty industry and beyond—demonstrating that success comes from embracing opportunities, even when fear and doubt try to hold you back.

“It’s about moving forward despite fear and pushing through discomfort to unlock growth,” she shares. Whether in business, personal development, or competition, she believes that taking action—even when it feels uncomfortable—is the key to progress.

One of the defining moments in her career was entering the Miss Universe competition for the third time, despite skepticism from others. “Many questioned its value, but that decision changed the trajectory of my life and career. It opened doors I never imagined.”

Maintaining a strong mindset is crucial, and she relies on a combination of daily rituals to stay motivated, even on tough days. “Breathing exercises help me stay calm and focused, and surrounding myself with positive, motivating individuals keeps my energy high.” And when stress builds up, she turns to the ocean. “Taking a dip in the sea shifts my mental state and helps me reset.”

Working in beauty comes with its challenges, but she’s learned that balance comes from setting boundaries. “It’s important to recognise when to say no and prioritise my health. I’ve realised I can’t be everything to everyone, and being selective about the work I take on is crucial for long-term sustainability.”

One challenge she faced early in her career was a lack of support from some women in the industry. “Not all women were supportive, and that was difficult at times. But I’ve learned to focus on surrounding myself with those who have a positive, abundance mindset. There’s enough success for everyone.”

For women looking to make an impact in beauty and beyond, her advice is simple: “Never give up. Say yes to every opportunity, especially early in your career. Treat every project—big or small—with the same level of commitment. Your work ethic and perseverance will open doors.”

She also believes in the power of knowledge-sharing and empowerment. Through her platform, she encourages women to take control of their health by sharing healthy recipes and lifestyle tips, hoping to inspire others to make small but impactful changes for their well-being.

Her most recent milestone? Completing a degree in Health Science. 

“It was a significant achievement for me. I dedicated my weekends to studying, sacrificing personal time to focus on my education.” Her commitment to continuous learning reflects her belief that growth never stops—whether in career, personal wellness, or taking on new challenges.

This International Women’s Day, her story is a powerful reminder that accelerated action begins with one simple choice: saying yes to the opportunities that shape our future.

Quitting a stable, well-established career is never easy. But sometimes, the biggest leaps lead to the greatest rewards. Co-founder of haircare brand Thanks to Nature, Natalie Cassar said her boldest career move was to step away from safety and stability of a corporate career to join her husband Sean in creating and launching Thanks to Nature.

That drive to keep moving forward is what led her to take one of the biggest risks of her career—leaving behind a 20-year corporate job to start her own beauty business with her husband.

“Sean had already found success in launching men’s care brands, but stepping into the female beauty market was an entirely different challenge. It was a leap into the unknown, but I knew our passion and vision could create something special.

Maintaining momentum and consistently pushing forward,” she explains. “I’m naturally action-oriented and quite impatient, so I do most things at speed. The saying ‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today’ really resonates with me in both work and personal life.”

That risk paid off. Today, Thanks to Nature is making waves in the beauty industry. But maintaining that momentum—and staying motivated even on tough days—requires discipline and daily habits.

Running a business—especially in the fast-paced beauty industry—can feel like a never-ending balancing act. So how does she manage? By staying structured and intentional with her time.

“Balancing personal well-being with a demanding career is definitely an ongoing challenge, but as our kids get older, it’s becoming a bit easier. I’ve become very structured and planned in how I manage my time. Sticking to a routine and setting clear boundaries has been essential.”

One of her biggest motivations for leaving the corporate world was to be more present with her family. And through discipline and planning, she’s been able to make that a reality. Taking bold action, staying consistent, and prioritising well-being—these are the principles that have helped her build a successful business while staying true to her values.

“Throughout my corporate career, I spent most of my time in Sales and strategy development roles, which were predominantly male-dominated. On top of that, I was juggling a young family, which added another layer of complexity. This experience taught me to work smarter, not harder. I had to be strategic in my approach, finding innovative solutions and leveraging my strengths to stand out. Balancing the demands of both my career and family required flexibility, discipline, and a lot of multitasking”.

This experience taught me to work smarter, not harder,” she reflects. “I had to be strategic in my approach, finding innovative solutions and leveraging my strengths to stand out. Balancing the demands of both my career and family required flexibility, discipline, and a lot of multitasking.”

Rather than letting these challenges hold her back, she used them as motivation, learning to navigate the business world on her own terms.

Success isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about taking bold steps that drive real impact.

For the Managing Director of Chemcorp International, the creators of 1000HOUR, accelerated action means making strategic decisions quickly and leading with agility to stay ahead in a competitive market. But beyond business, it’s also about personal growth, continuously evolving, and pushing past comfort zones to reach new heights.

“Leading with agility, making strategic decisions quickly, and ensuring we stay ahead in a competitive industry. Personally, it’s about constantly evolving, learning, and pushing myself outside my comfort zone to achieve new goals,” Jodie explains.

Success doesn’t happen by chance—it’s built through intentional habits and a commitment to progress, even on tough days, “Starting the day with a clear plan helps me stay focused. I also make time to check in with my team, as collaboration and problem-solving together bring renewed energy. On particularly tough days, I remind myself of the bigger picture and the progress we’re making. Momentum is key, even if it’s just one step at a time”.

Defining moments in any career often come from taking bold action. Stepping into a leadership role during a period of industry shifts required confidence, resilience, and a willingness to embrace change, “Balancing these demands while raising a young family wasn’t easy, but the experience reinforced the importance of decisive leadership. The ability to pivot and adapt not only strengthened the company’s market position but also deepened personal confidence in navigating challenges”, she says.

Balancing career ambition with personal wellbeing can be challenging. Managing a high-level career in the beauty industry comes with its challenges, but maintaining personal well-being is a priority.

“Setting boundaries, making time to recharge, and having a strong support system in place are key strategies for finding balance. A dedicated team and clear priorities ensure that both career and personal life can be managed effectively. Leaning on family and friends for support provides the perspective needed to tackle challenges at work without feeling overwhelmed”, Jodie explains.

Like many women in leadership, challenges such as being underestimated or having to prove oneself in male-dominated spaces are familiar obstacles. “The key to overcoming these barriers lies in confidence, delivering results, and fostering a leadership style that values collaboration, innovation, and integrity. Building a strong network of mentors and peers has also been instrumental in navigating these challenges and pushing forward with resilience”, she says.

“For women looking to make an impact in the beauty industry and beyond, the advice is simple: be fearless. Trust in your abilities, seek opportunities, and take up space with confidence. Building strong relationships, asking questions, and staying adaptable in an ever-evolving industry are crucial elements of success. Most importantly, authenticity is powerful—embracing what makes you unique will always lead to the greatest impact”.

Empowering women in business is a key focus, whether through mentorship, fostering a positive team culture, or advocating for opportunities that allow diverse voices to be heard. Encouraging more women to step into leadership roles helps create an industry where collaboration and innovation thrive. Supporting and uplifting others is a vital part of making a lasting impact.

“One of the most significant goals at the moment is driving the growth of Chemcorp’s portfolio, particularly with the relaunch of 1000HOUR, a brand with deep family roots. Founded over 30 years ago by the Managing Director’s late father, ensuring its continued success is both a personal and professional mission. Staying ahead of industry trends, strengthening partnerships, and evolving strategies to meet the changing needs of consumers are key steps in making at-home beauty solutions more accessible to Australians nationwide”.

Success in the beauty industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about action. For Kim Evans, founder of Lux By Kim Evans (brows and lashes), taking bold steps, staying resilient, and embracing self-confidence have been the driving forces behind her career.

Taking decisive steps toward progress in both my career and personal life—not waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment. It’s about consistency and impact, rather than hesitation or fear of failure.”

For Kim. this mindset has allowed her to push forward, even when faced with unexpected challenges. And for her, movement is key.

“Exercise is non-negotiable. It keeps my energy high, clears my mind, and helps me stay focused. I also make time for beauty rituals—when I feel good, I show up stronger. Not every day is easy, but I always refocus on why I started and the impact I want to make.” Staying committed to self-care and a positive mindset ensures she can tackle whatever comes her way.

One of the defining moments in Kim’s career came during the COVID-19 pandemic when her service-based business came to a halt.

“I suddenly had no business and no income. I had to change my mindset, think outside of my comfort zone, and pivot. I researched, developed, and launched my Lux By Kim Evans brow and lash makeup line. Failure wasn’t an option—I had to dig deep and create something my clientele truly wanted.”

Her ability to adapt and take action in the face of adversity was a game-changer.

Working in the beauty industry means keeping up with an ever-evolving, fast-paced environment. But Kim has learned that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s also about sustaining her energy.

“I’ve burned out before, and that doesn’t serve anyone—not my clients, my business, or my health. Balance isn’t about perfection, it’s about sustainability. Surrounding myself with like-minded, driven women keeps me motivated, and prioritizing self-care is non-negotiable. Daily exercise and self-care aren’t luxuries; they’re my fuel for survival.”

Like many women in business, Kim has faced moments where she hesitated to speak up.

“The fear of seeming too confident or too demanding held me back. But I’ve realized that advocating for myself isn’t arrogance—it’s self-respect. Now, I approach situations with confidence and clarity, knowing that my skills, experience, and voice are valuable.”

With major beauty brands dominating the industry, it can feel overwhelming to carve out a space. But Kim’s advice? Don’t compete—own your expertise. “The industry is tough, and big brands have huge budgets, but I’ve learned not to compete. Instead, I trust my knowledge and skills, speak with confidence, and focus on being innovative rather than imitating others. Build connections, form relationships, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.”

“I see my platform as more than just a business tool. I stay true to myself, and through my work, I want to inspire women to embrace their self-confidence and self-worth. Beauty shouldn’t feel like pressure—it should be about enhancing natural features in a way that feels authentic.

“My goal is to empower women through beauty and business so they can own their confidence and make their mark. Together, we rise.”

For Kim, International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect—to celebrate how far she’s come and to remind herself, I am worthy. And through her work, she’s making sure other women feel the same way.

For Lisa Walker, founder of Eir Women, taking accelerated action has been key to both her personal growth and professional success. From navigating grief to launching a brand that champions women’s health, her story is a testament to embracing imperfection, trusting intuition, and prioritising what truly matters.

While she is an action-oriented person, decision-making doesn’t always come quickly.

“I tend to sit on things for a while, then suddenly want them done right now—which I know can drive people crazy! But in our company, Eir Women, we’re small and agile. I’m the only red tape. We focus on quick, informed decisions, always testing (and sometimes failing). We’ve perfected the art of embracing imperfect action. It’s the small risks that can elevate and accelerate a company quickly.”

That same approach applies to her personal life. As a sole parent, she doesn’t have time for procrastination—prioritisation is everything. “Our health, our interactions, and ensuring my boys are growing beyond school and friends—that’s what matters most. I might forget every school date, but I’ve taught them to take ownership. I’d rather be planning our next adventure than stressing over the small things.”

Solo parenting, running a business, and navigating grief have all come with challenges, but establishing a strong daily routine has been a game-changer.

“My husband passed away three years ago, and raising two teenage boys while going through my own hormonal shifts hasn’t been easy. I also spend a lot of time alone, working from home, so my wellness habits have become non-negotiable.”

Her morning ritual is sacred, “I wake up an hour before my boys, make an espresso, take my Show Up supplements, journal, and meditate. This ritual grounds my nervous system, and if I skip it, I feel the shift in my day.”

Movement is another essential piece of her routine, “I must move every day—whether it’s yoga, walking, pole dancing, or weights. It keeps me mentally strong and helps me release the extra energy I hold inside.”

One of the most defining moments in her career came after the loss of her husband.

“I was trying to balance a full-time job, being a mum, launching Eir Women, and handling the endless paperwork that comes with losing a spouse. I kept pushing, but one day, I knew I was broken. I couldn’t do it all anymore.”

That moment of exhaustion became a turning point, “In my heart, I knew Eir would be the one thing to save me. So, I quit my job that day and focused on getting Eir to market. Our brand is anchored in joy and living a beautiful life—and in the end, it saved me too.”

As the founder of a wellness brand, she understands that true well-being isn’t about achieving perfect balance—it’s about flexibility and sustainability, “I’ve been in high-stress corporate roles and watched so many women, including myself, try to ‘have it all.’ But we’re seeing now that we can’t. Health is often the first thing to give, especially during perimenopause.”

While she doesn’t claim to have a perfect work-life balance, she has found a system that works for her.

“I work in a business I love, and helping other women feel great is incredibly rewarding. I take time for myself when my boys are at school and often work through weekends when my house is full of their friends. Flexibility is key, and I’m fortunate I can make that work.”

One of the biggest challenges she’s faced in business is the constant push and pull between work and motherhood.

“The guilt of not doing anything as well as I could is real. There’s so much complexity beyond just leaving work early for school pick-ups. When my boys were 8 months old, I had no choice but to put them in daycare, and it broke my heart.”

Despite the difficulties, she’s been fortunate to work in environments that trust her to manage her time, “But it takes more than that. I wish I had the perfect answer—but I don’t.” Eir Women is more than just a business—it’s a mission.

“Our entire brand is focused on helping women over 40 feel like themselves again, through supplements, education, and community. We believe in the power of joy and good health to redefine the next stage of life.” Beyond the brand, she also shares her own experiences—speaking on midlife health, movement, and mindset, as well as the challenges of navigating a partner’s addiction.

With Eir Women growing rapidly, she has big plans for the future. “We’re expanding—new products, new distribution in Australia, and entering the US market. There are long to-do lists, lots of post-it notes, and a growing team making it happen.” On a personal level, she’s embracing her passion for movement.

“I’ve reached the pre-advanced level in pole dancing, and I’m determined to master a few more tricks next term. Getting my flexibility back at 50? Not easy, but I’m making it happen.”

For many, success is about waiting for the right opportunity. But for Frances, founder of Airyday, it’s about taking action—fast and fearlessly.

“Accelerated action means taking bold, decisive steps instead of waiting for the perfect moment,” Frances explains. This philosophy led her to disrupt one of the most saturated markets in skincare—sunscreen. “People saw SPF as a chore, and usage rates were low. I knew I had to change that.”

Instead of waiting for a gap in the market, she created one—developing a product that made sun protection effortless. “Progress doesn’t come from standing still. Small actions, taken daily, create real impact.”

Frances thrives on structure. “I keep my schedule compartmentalised—it gives me control in a fast-paced environment.” Instead of chasing the elusive work-life balance, she focuses on integration. “Some days, work takes the lead; other days, it’s my kids. Balance isn’t fixed—it’s fluid.”

When things get overwhelming, she resets with movement—whether it’s a workout or simply stepping outside. “Not every day is perfect, but progress matters more than perfection.”

Just two months before Airyday’s launch, a major supplier delay nearly derailed everything. “We were about to miss the summer season—potentially launching in winter, which would have been a disaster.”

After exhausting all official channels, Frances bypassed traditional protocols, tracked down decision-makers in the U.S., and sent 30 direct messages overnight. By morning, she had replies—and solutions. “That moment defined everything for me as a founder. No one will fight for your business the way you do.”

France’s leadership philosophy challenges outdated stereotypes. “Confidence and decisiveness in men are called leadership, but in women, it’s often seen as being ‘difficult’.” Instead of conforming, she focuses on results and empowering her team. “Great businesses aren’t built on old-school perceptions—they’re built on vision and execution.”

As for well-being, structure is key. Her 5 a.m. gym sessions are non-negotiable, and working with a nutritionist helped refine her approach to health. “Well-being isn’t just physical—it’s about making intentional choices that allow me to perform at my best.”

“Trends come and go, but purpose lasts,” she says. Whether in beauty or beyond, Michelle urges women to build something that truly matters. “If you believe in what you’re doing, success will follow.”

Now, her next challenge is taking Airyday global. “Like everything else, it’s about making every action count. And with the incredible women on my team, I know we’ll make it happen.”

As a formulation scientist and founder of pH Factor, Rita Sellars has dedicated her career to pushing the boundaries of cosmetic innovation, blending science with sustainability to create products that benefit not just brands and consumers, but the planet. Her company supports indie beauty brands and chemists in bringing formulations to life—faster, smarter, and with integrity.

But for her, accelerated action extends beyond the lab. Whether it’s volunteering for local sports clubs, mentoring young scientists, or even tackling a new banana bread recipe, she believes in taking bold steps forward, even in the face of uncertainty.

“Science, business & family all come with challenges, but I stay motivated by focusing on progress, not perfection. Each morning, I set three non-negotiable priorities around the pillars, “GIVE – MOVE – LEARN”, so whether for my business, my formulations, or my personal growth, I action 1 task in each pillar; do something that Gives, Move and Learn. I also lean on continuous learning, whether reading the latest cosmetic science research or engaging in conversations with industry peers or chatting to my sisters (we have group WhatsApp chats).

Most importantly, I make space for small wins, because every successful formulation, every brand I help, every student I mentor and every math problem I help my Year 9 son do, is a step forward”.

Balancing a career in science, business, and family life comes with challenges, but she stays motivated by focusing on progress, not perfection. Every day, she follows a personal mantra: GIVE – MOVE – LEARN—taking at least one action in each category to ensure she’s always growing, contributing, and staying active.

From helping her son with his Year 9 math homework to mentoring aspiring chemists, she believes in celebrating the small wins, because each one adds up to something bigger.

Fifteen years ago, she made one of her boldest career moves: launching pH Factor in an industry dominated by major corporations. At a time when independent brands had little access to scientific expertise, she saw an opportunity to change the game—helping entrepreneurs create scientifically sound, compliant beauty products.

“One of my boldest career moves was almost 15 years ago when I launched pH Factor, a Formulation, Education and Consultancy Service Company, challenging the idea that cosmetic formulations and product development was just for Multi-Nationals!  I saw a gap, I could see that independent people wanted to create beauty products and formulas and they needed real scientific guidance, compliance expertise and someone who believed in them and their idea.

Many thought I was crazy BUT taking this leap not only shaped my career but also helped bring more scientifically sound, innovative products to market and help open the door to so many more Indie Beauty Brands, Formulation Chemists and confidence to young women in STEM”.

Now, she’s committed to paying it forward—mentoring young scientists, hiring mothers who struggle to find flexible jobs, and hosting formulation workshops for women overcoming domestic violence. Through her blog, Comments by a Chemist, she shares industry insights to combat misinformation and empower people to make informed beauty choices.

Her advice for the next generation of women in beauty and beyond:

• Lead with knowledge – Keep learning and mastering your field.
• Challenge the norms – Don’t just follow trends; create real solutions.
• Find your voice – Speak up, take up space, and don’t wait for permission.
• Support other women – The more we uplift each other, the stronger we all become.
• Stay persistent – Every career has setbacks, but res

“Through pH Factor, I’ve created a space where women in science, formulation, and business can learn, grow, and thrive. Whether it’s mentoring young chemists, offering real-world insights through my blog Comments by a Chemist, hiring mums who find challenges in getting a job that supports their family life, or hosting formulation workshops to women suffering from domestic violence, I believe that knowledge should be shared, not gatekept.

I also advocate for science-backed beauty, helping brands and consumers navigate an industry flooded with misinformation, so they can make informed, confident choices. What is one goal you are currently working towards, and how are you taking action to make it happen?

Right now, I have a goal to complete a 1Km Ocean Swim in 2026! Swimming has been a huge challenge for me and I started a Learn To Swim program a few years ago (I’m almost 50!) and I have been scheduling swims”.