Mala McAlpin You may have heard us mention lately (more than a few times!) that we are very exciting to be hosting our very first B2B aesthetics industry event. Leading industry titles SPA+CLINIC and Professional Beauty have joined forces to present BEAUTY & SPA Insiders on May 27th – a unique summit for spa, salon and clinic practitioners and business owners alike.
Early Bird registrations are available until midnight Friday April 5th, and now that we have announced our stellar line-up of industry speakers in its entirety, we thought we’d give you the chance to get to know them a little better before the big day.
Katie Lowndes, from Beauty Sale Mate, will be speaking on the topic E-Commerce VS Retail – What Works For You?
Katie founded Beauty Mill, her Spa consulting business, in January 2011 and then BEAUTY SALE MATE in February 2017 and finally Katies Beauty Kitchen in October 2017. BEAUTY SALE MATE is an online training platform for Spas, Salons and Clinics that offers quick, effective and affordable training. The inaugural course being ‘Consultations and Recommendations’, which is the most requested training she has seen over the years.
Katie has been in the industry for over 17 years, she has an HND in Beauty and Related Sciences and is a qualified Teacher, DISC Trainer and Wellness Coach. Her roles have included Training, Business Development, General Management, TV Guest Presenter, Marketing and Sales and she was also Board Director and Chair of the Australasian Spa Association 2012 – 2015.
Tell us why you’re looking forward to speaking at BEAUTY & SPA Insiders
What a better platform to meet like-minded folk, help and inspire! Even though we have so many different ways of speaking to people these days I just love being face to face and engaging on that level. I don’t know if that’s old fashioned of me but I have always been that way. For me it’s also an opportunity to learn from others too, we can always grow and learn from others’ experiences so I can’t wait to grow myself too.
What is your daily routine in a nutshell?
I get up around half six, I would love to say I am part of the 5am club but I am simply not and probably never will be. I know myself now and know what works for me! I tend to have a lemon and water or Jasmine tea and I write in my journal. I am currently doing the Artists way so this includes writing three pages. It is highly effective at releasing your creativity. I shower, then take the dog for a walk before hitting the laptop and starting my early morning calls with the US. I work from home so have the luxury of being there but this means you have to be quite disciplined with your time. I do a class at my local gym at 12.15 for half an hour before having lunch and then hitting the afternoon with more work. Part of my business is cooking and creating great recipes, which I love to do at lunch and dinner. Dinner is especially a good time for me as cooking really helps me unwind from the day and takes me away from the desk. I do have a stand up desk but it’s nice to break the day up with different tasks. After dinner I may have some calls with the UK otherwise I take the dog for a walk, listen to a good podcast, maybe have a bath and do my skincare routine and relax before bed. I also squeeze some Netflix in there too – sometimes a great documentary like the Magic Pill or sometimes a good old cheesy movie.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
I really struggled to answer this question as it started to sound like a bad Oscar speech. I am truly inspired by mentors who have shown me the way, family and friends and seeing their successes and also looking at brands and businesses and thinking WOW what a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that? Sometimes it is seeing something come to life that I once may have thought of in my head – it inspires me to take my ideas and make them happen.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
I like inspiring people, I get a thrill of making life easier for someone or helping them when they are stuck. I love a good challenge and overcoming obstacles – it really makes me tick. I especially love making people laugh and a little happier in life.
What’s your favourite quote?
I have so many but at the moment:
‘ Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony’ Mahatma Gandhi
If you were a shoe, what kind would you be and why?
I would be a platform heel – love the heels for glamour but love a bit of comfort too!!
What’s your favourite beauty or skincare product right now?
I discovered this deodorant balm at my local market in Fitzroy! It contains no aluminium and it works! It’s all natural with no nasties and I have never tried anything like it and thought it would be impossible to find!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I think I will be doing what I love now but it will be bigger and of course better. I love to evolve and grow with the times. It will be interesting to see where I will be as a person as I feel that in your late 30s and early 40s you really get to know yourself well and I love that.
Tell us about a particularly life-changing moment throughout your career
There have been a few if I am honest, but embarking on cruise ships really was the start of an extraordinary journey through our industry.
How do you separate business from pleasure?
Well I do love my work so sometimes there is a slight crossover, however I am strict with things like putting my phone out of the bedroom, I try to avoid work on the weekends and do things I love outside of the industry.
Any hobbies outside of work?
I love yoga, salsa dancing, reading, I’m a big foodie so restaurant finding is a huge pleasure especially when travelling. I have just started tennis again, which is something I used to love when I was in my teens, I encourage you to try those little things that you think of in your head as they seem scary but once you have a go you love it!
