Our distinguished judging panels!
We are very honoured to have a number of our industry leaders, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to our panels. They all come from different industry sectors, yet they all share the same vision of promoting best practices.
Our judging panel for the BeautyNZ Association Awards 2019 includes:
Carol BeechNZ Cosmetic Tattooist of the Year
In 1980 Carol trained in the New Zealand College of Beauty Therapy. She has been practising Micro-pigmentation since 1986, and in 1995 Carol began teaching Micro-pigmentation to Beauty Therapists in New Zealand. Carol is the New Zealand direct distributor of Amiea machines, cartridges, and pigments from Germany. She first joined the New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Professionals Inc. in 1980.
Over the years Carol has witnessed many changes in the Micro-pigmentation industry - "From the use of a simple bamboo rod in 1986, to the digital machines we use for treatments today. Pigments have become safer, and retained in the skin for longer, and the pigment colour ranges more extensive. Styles of brows have also changed over the years – from a minimalistic powder mist brow, to the more dominant hairstroke brow. The technique of microblading (cosmetic tattooing of the brow using a hand tool) has become hugely popular in the last couple of years, and now new needles have been developed for ‘digital blading’."
Cosmetic tattooing of the eye-line and lips has become more and more popular over the years.
I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to be a judge for the 2019 Beauty NZ Association Awards, and to help recognize and celebrate the exceptional talent within the NZ Beauty Industry.
Cheryl Cooke NZ Nail Technician of the Year
Cheryl has been living and loving this industry for over 20 years.
As a UK trained Nail Technician & Beauty Therapist, Cheryl has gained knowledge and expertise over the years from experience with beauty salons, health spas, cruise ships and to her own nail salon before emigrating to NZ in 2006.
Cheryl has been OPI products born and bred, so the obvious next step was to be an OPI Educator and Ambassador. She has been involved for many years in the OPI rep scene across NZ and now predominantly Auckland.
Cheryl is currently the National Education & Area Manager for Nails which includes OPI Technical Support, Training, Events and Promoter for the official OPI distributor in NZ - CS&Co based in Auckland.
Christa DicksonNZ Student of the Year
NZ Therapist of the Year
"Over 30 years ago I was fortunate enough to train as a beauty therapist, a decision I have never regretted."
With a passion and dedication to professional development and research, Christa has been driven to provide education within our industry that ensures our practitioners and therapists are attaining optimal results through best practice.
"Education is the key to understanding and of the utmost importance when providing safe and effective treatments. As a Clinical Educator and Account Manager for Advanced Skin Technology, New Zealand's leading supplier of medical skincare, I work alongside many clinicians changing lives and building confidence through skin health. Long may that continue."
Debbie TaylorNZ Nail Technician of the Year
Debbie Taylor has been in the nail industy for the past 20+ years and holds more than 50 international certificates.
In 2001 Debbie was invited to become part of the Education team for EzFlow Nail Systems NZ and traveled to Australia to attend an intense 5-day education seminar, which she is proud to say she passed with flying colours. Debbie's educating knowledge and skills were further proven when in 2004 she won "Educator of the Year Award".
In 2006 Debbie decided to branch out on her own and that is when NZ Nail Academy was born.
Debbie credits her career growth to having had some amazing mentors - training with the world's most Elite Nail Artist's and Educators like Tom Holcomb, Tom Bachik, Alisha Rimando-Botero, Sarah Elmaz,.
Debbie's focus is to provide superior service and ongoing support with products and education of an unparalleled standard. Debbie is always striving to do better and believes that knowledge is power. She is continually updating her skills so she can pass that knowledge onto her education team who can then provide the NZ nail technician with the most up to date techniques learnt from the very best in our industry. Debbie loves to see others achieve from their hard work and it makes her proud to have past students end up in a new career that they can enjoy and be passionate about as much as she is.
I believe that we create our own reality, dream big and big things happen...
Donna HayesNZ Nail Technician of the Year
Donna trained in 1985 in Christchurch in Beauty Therapy and Nail Technology. After working in the industry for 5 years she opened her first beauty therapy business BodyWorx, in Rangiora. For 10 years she specialised in acrylic nails and electrolysis, with two staff covering all aspects of beauty therapy. Whilst there Donna trained as an OPI Educator and trained many girls in the art of acrylic nails and manicures and pedicures. After selling the business Donna opened Xclusively U in Christchurch, specialising in nails and all aspects of beauty therapy. From there Donna Hayes Beauty Therapy in Styx Mill is where she found herself for the last 8 years in Christchurch. Before heading to Auckland in 2014 and completing further training in IPL, nails and facials. In 2015 I opened a salon on Waiheke Island, L’accent Beaute on Oceanview, Although Donna is not so much hands on now her new salon is a full beauty therapy clinic with a huge emphasis on nails with gel, powder dip and lacquer pedicures and manicures. "We cater for people from all over the world."
Donna's passion for the industry never diminishes, she love the results that are achieved and driving her staff to be the best they can is exceptionally important to her. "Watching young people progress their skills is particularly rewarding."
Juliette MillerNZ Cosmetic Tattooist of the Year
Juliette is a qualified Beauty Therapist, Make up Artist & Micro-pigmentation Technician with 22 years experience in the Beauty Industry. She trained at Beauty Base London, the School of fashion and celebrity make up and is BABTAC and SPCP certified.
In 2008 Juliette was the Business Development Manager for the United Kingdom's leading Micro Pigmentation Academy, Natural Enhancement, based in Chiswick, London. This is where she also trained to be a Micro Pigmentation technician.
Juliette attended distributor MTDerm conferences in Berlin, Germany with Natural Enhancement's director, Tracey Simpson during her tenure with the company and gained knowledge and relationships within the European Micro-pigmentation Industry. She was also responsible for holding regular workshop seminar days in London to keep all technicians up to date in the most recent and advanced techniques and equipment on the market.
Juliette moved back to Auckland in 2010 with a wealth of experience and started up Perfection Enhanced with a view of bringing her skill, knowledge and passion for Permanent Make up to the women and men of New Zealand.
Juliette was personally trained by Tracey Simpson, managing director of Natural Enhancement, U.K’s leading training academy in micro pigmentation www.naturalenhancement.co.uk.
Tracey Simpson is internationally recognized as a global innovator in the field of micro pigmentation and suppliers to Harrods, Harvey Nicholls, leading Plastic Surgeons and N.H.S. and BUPA.
Juliette has brought this experience to New Zealand and is currently training aspiring micro pigmentation technicians.
Kim RyanNZ Most Promising Therapist
Kim has been in the professional beauty industry for 25+ years and has enjoyed seeing the evolution of beauty products and technologies over this time. She joined the Executive Committee to give back to the industry and provide guidance and support to students and new graduates - ensuring they are working to the highest standards from the beginning of their career.
As President, Kim is enjoying working with a team of like-minded individuals, bringing the best to the industry through positive education and guidance.
“We have a lot to achieve to maintain the industry standards, improve the gaps that are there and to work with the colleges and distributors to make those changes possible. I am looking forward to a positive year of change” Kim Ryan
Kristina QuintalNZ Clinic of the Year
NZ Student of the Year
"31 yrs in the industry eeekkk!"
Kristina started her career at a beautiful clinic in Parnell and then went on to teach at the Joyce Blok Institute for 13yrs with Judy West.
From there she went on to be the trainer and Business Performance Manager for the About Face group, overseeing 7 clinics and up to 60 plus staff for nearly 10 years.
For the last 4 years she has grown her own clinic, Skin Boutique, starting from scratch and now has an amazing team of 6 members.
Leanne WinsorNZ Most Promising Therapist
Leanne brings an international flair to teaching, training and upskilling the best hands in the business. Hailing from New Zealand, she utilized her professional skills in the UK as a qualified Skin Therapist and Trainer, and in Canada as National Education Manager, and the USA as International Education Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean before eventually returning home to New Zealand.
During her time overseas, Leanne also appeared on television and in print in Canada and the U.S.A. numerous times as an unbiased authority on skin care.
For the past 7 years, Leanne has been based with Skin Health Experts, the New Zealand distributors for Dermalogica. She currently heads up Sales & Education and has an extensive amount of experience, particularly with Dermalogica, and a demonstrated history of working in the skin care industry around the globe. She is skilled in cosmetics, retail, salons, spa and skin care which has positioned her as the go-to person to assist the professional skin care market wherever she is based.
Leanne is a graduate of Champneys International College of Health and Beauty in the United Kingdom, she holds international certification from CIDESCO and CIBTAC and she is internationally certified in Aromatherapy and Reflexology. Her extensive knowledge and global experience in the industry has led her to work with the U.S.A., United Kingdom and Canada IDI international locations worldwide.
Louise GrayNZ Clinic of the Year
Louise is a therapist and owner of the award winning clinic Louise Gray Skin Care in Mission Bay, Auckland. Prior to her 23 years in the beauty industry, Louise was a Registered Nurse working in intensive care. In addition, Louise has also been an educator and distributor.
Louise has developed relationships with many therapists, employers and distributors over this time, and has taken on her role with the Executive Committee to represent them and help lift standards in the beauty industry.
“My love and passion for the industry is still strong after two decades. I believe in giving back to the community we work in, and I regularly support local businesses, schools, and projects. I have been an active member of the NZARBP inc. for many years, and I have previously served on the Executive Committee”. Louise Gray
Melissa RikirangiNZ Most Promising Therapist
NZ Student of the Year
Melissa has been in the Beauty Education sector for the past 14 years and is currently the Campus Manager of one of New Zealand's largest providers of Beauty and Spa Therapy training.
"Providing education for students to gain a formal qualification and employment in the Beauty Industry is always highly rewarding. Their foundation training is the most integral part of their future, and to be at the forefront of this is a great privilege. A highlight of my job is definitely seeing the students at graduation. Realising their journey of knowledge, growth and confidence, as they enter the big wide world of Beauty. I am always extremely proud of the impact we have made on their on their future."
Michelle ChannonNZ Therapist of the Year
A self-confessed “skin geek”, Michelle is well recognised in the Beauty industry as a specialist skincare educator. Internationally qualified, with over 30 years’ experience, Michelle continues to update her knowledge, learning from industry pioneers and innovators. Michelle combines her skin knowledge with her functional nutrition qualification to help unlock the mysteries of skin conditions.
With a desire for everyone to have the healthiest, best looking skin they can and empowering people to make more informed choices, Michelle is passionate about the Beauty Industry continuing to self assess and measure markers of improvement and success so the consumer gets the very best advice and treatment.
Nicole CarterNZ Best New Clinic of the Year
NZ Therapist of the Year
Nicole is the owner of Beauty and Beyond in Invercargill. Nicole was just 17 years old when she embraced the industry, and 34 years on she has seen beauty therapy grow tremendously.
Nicole has been the Southland Rep on and off for 18 years and sits on the Beauty Therapy advisory committee at the Southern Institute of Technology and the Association’s Executive Committee
Pauline De ThierryNZ Cosmetic Tattooist of the Year
Pauline De Thierry began her journey in the beauty industry in 2005 and has since trained in a range of traditional Permanent Makeup techniques. Her journey began with the Australian Cosmetic Tattoo College and most recently gaining a vast range of PhiBrow certifications, including recognition as a PhiRoyal Artist.
She has also been active in industry training and events, encouraging and strengthening the network between artists that is truly valuable for our industry development and advancement.
Pauline is an industry advocate for both personal and professional development, empowering others to nurture our industry culture and strive for excellence.
You will find Pauline in the small coastal town of Thames where she has built an award winning salon, Pamper Me MediSpa. A multi award winning business recognised by HITO Industry Awards, Beauty Industry Award Finalists, DMK Skin and Business Awards, and Regional Business Award winners.
Pauline is honoured to have been asked to further support her industry with judging this category and is thrilled to have this opportunity to support emerging artists.
Rachael DÁguiarNZ Clinic of the Year
NZ Best New Clinic of the Year
Rachael D’Aguiar's entrepreneurial career began as a beauty therapist working in a home salon and quickly grew to a large hair, skin and nails salon in Auckland City which she ran for 10 years. During these 10 years she also began, with her husband and business partner, Chris Sanders, the NZ Worldwide Salon Marketing franchise and the 2 of them championed over 400 hair and beauty salons in NZ.
It was also during this time (a busy period, yes!) that Rachael developed The Salon Staff Coach Program, seeing a need to train business owners and/or managers to be leaders within their businesses. The program is so successful because it is specific, achievable and gets real results. Rachael speaks the language of the Beauty and Hair industry and she inspires those who have the pleasure of working with her.
Rachael has also trained for Wella, Sebastian, ProBeauty and Worldwide Salon Marketing Australia.
Her company, Chase Life Extension Foundation Ltd (CLEF) procured the rights to a world first molecule called TAM-818 which is the world’s most effective Telomerase Inducer. She created the Scientific Skincare brand, One Truth 818 and commissioned the most comprehensive clinical testing ever demonstrated on topical telomerase induction pioneering this field of anti-ageing.
Rachael headed and created a start up company that in it’s first 3 years increased in turnover from $0 - $1 million pa. She did this ethically and sustainably with a tremendous ‘give back’ to humanity donating over $320,000 to scientific research to help find cures for age-related diseases such as alzheimhers and cancer. Rachael is a philanthropist in the field of anti-ageing science and research. It is no surprise that in 2016 Rachael was a finalist in the Pandora Next Woman of the Year Awards and was invited to speak at the 2016 & 2017 RAAD Fest Life Extension Summits in San Diego.
You can now find Rachael working closely with ProBeauty, the distributors of her One Truth 818 range, as a Business Development Executive, helping grow skincare businesses in the Auckland region.
Susan NichollsNZ Best New Clinic of the Year
Susan completed her Beauty Therapy training in 1990, graduating from “The College of Camille” in Auckland.
In 1991 she purchased SkinSense Beauty Therapy Clinic in Devonport (after working in the industry for 2 years), in 2004, renovated the clinic to double its size and incorporated x4 extra treatment rooms along with a Vichy Spa room.
This coming November she will be celebrating 29 years at SkinSense.
Susan has continued to work in her spa part time and has a strong passion for anti-ageing treatments, in particular Micro-Needling, IPL and 2 years ago completed her Plasma Skin Tightening training in Germany.
Susan has been a member of the Beauty Therapy Association since the early days and spent 4 years working on the beauty association committee. "It is an honour and privilege to help with the judging process of best clinic for 2019 and I wish all entries the best of luck!"
