Meet the hugely successful businesswoman behind the Australasian College of Health and Wellness, Maureen Houssein-Mustafa OAM
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16 August, 2021
The Australasian College of Health and Wellness (ACHW) is the only training facility in Australia to offer a degree in Clinical Aesthetics, the first course of its kind. There has never been such an important time to look at what training is available in Australia with regards to non-surgical beauty treatment equipment, as the media shines a light on an industry that for too long has been left unregulated and under-educated.
The ACHW’s Clinical Aesthetics Degree is welcomed by the industry, especially as it offers a practical component that gives its students the essential clinical and specific device experience that up to now has been lacking. Basically, it means there are options for those working with all these new technologies flooding our market (lasers, injectables, etc.) to gain the proper training, and therefore increase the safety margins for us, their patients.
I was lucky enough to speak with Maureen Houssein-Mustafa OAM, the founder of the ACHW, to ask her some questions about the woman behind the success. This lady is dynamite!
We read you started your training business with only $1,600, yet in 2014 you were listed as the 29th richest woman by BRW magazine. What motivated or inspired you to get into the beauty training industry?
I was working as the General Manager of a full service beauty salon with over 70 staff. We were open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day and the training just wasn’t at an international level. I felt it was important for me to commit to making a difference and that has continued to be the driving force behind all of my business endeavours.
What has been your biggest or most satisfying career milestone to date?
There’s actually been two, funnily enough in the same year. In 2011 I was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for my work in vocational education and my contribution to community. Later that year I received the Telstra Business Women’s Awards ‘The Commonwealth Bank Business Owner Award’.
With all the media coverage of the non-surgical beauty industry and the push for more industry regulation, training for practitioners and crack-down on dodgy clinics, have you found an increase in popularity and enrolment for your courses?
We have been at the forefront of conversation with industry for tougher regulation. As elders in the industry, we have a responsibility to protect industry and its future. We’re so excited to be working with our graduates; they’re so committed to their chosen career path and we look forward to a journey of lifelong learning with them as the industry grows and prospers.
Why do you think this course is so important for anyone working with lasers or other non-surgical devices?
I believe it’s important for people to really think about why they chose to go into this industry; client care should be at the heart of everything that you do. To really prolong that trusted relationship with your clients, maintain a sustainable business and for your own confidence, it’s vital for practitioners to continue their education to keep up with technology and the rapid evolution in the beauty sciences and product mix.
What would you say to anyone working in the industry without the proper training?
Our number one value is to treat others as you wish to be treated; it is so important to maintain this ethos. Having the necessary skills and knowledge through adequate, accredited training is essential when working on the human body, both from a moral perspective and in regards to potential legal ramifications.
What advice would you have for other business women in the beauty industry?
Make sure your vision is SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Tangible.
Always go back to this when making business decisions.
And never give up; because whatever you vividly imagine, ardently desire and enthusiastically act upon will eventually come to pass.
If you would like more information on the Australasian College of Health and Wellness and their Clinical Aesthetics course see their listing on our website here, or you can phone them directly on 02 8587 8888.
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