At 15 years old, Lisa’s life took a remarkable turn, setting the stage for a lifelong journey in the beauty industry. She was a high school student in Sea Point, Cape Town, when a chance encounter with a French boy from the Congo introduced her to a world she had no idea would soon become her passion. That boy’s mother, a beauty salon owner, became Lisa’s first mentor and sparked a passion that would later define her life. Lisa recalls, “He mentioned that his mom’s got a beauty salon, so I said to him, ‘Oh, well if your mommy needs help…’ The next day, he came to school and said, ‘My mom wants to see you.’ I mean, I was 15 years old!” She started working at the beauty salon three days a week, learning essential skills like phone etiquette, nail painting, and facial treatments. “She taught me how to mix creams and how to give massages,” Lisa remembers fondly. These lessons were the foundation of a career that would be built on not just beauty, but the human connection that lies beneath it.
Building a Career from the Ground Up
Lisa’s journey in the beauty industry was not without challenges. After studying beauty therapy and completing various courses, she started working in a Sea Point salon. As a junior, she had to start at the bottom, often taking on tasks like cleaning or serving clients with simpler treatments. But rather than seeing this as a setback, Lisa embraced the learning experience. “It’s very important because it teaches you a lot,” she says. “Not being scared to do the basics is part and parcel of giving to your clients and making sure everything is neat, tidy, and ready for them. There’s nothing worse than lying on a salon bed and smelling old oil on the towels.”
Her resilience and dedication soon paid off. Working with high-end clients, predominantly Jewish women, Lisa built a reputation for herself. “Everybody always booked me to do their nails. I didn’t get to do many facials back then because the more mature therapists took those, but I worked hard and learned as much as I could.”
The Personal Side of Beauty
For Lisa, the beauty industry isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about connecting with people on a deeper level. “I think if I stopped doing beauty therapy, I’d have a little bit of FOMO (fear of missing out), because I’m so used to being with people and touching people,” she reflects. “You cry with people, you laugh with people.”
Working in a salon, Lisa realized that her clients came not just for treatments but emotional support. “I always have tissues in the salon because I cry with my clients. You have to feel for them. It’s not just about making money; it’s about the passion behind it, and that’s what you need to work with people.”
Lisa’s personal touch goes beyond her beauty treatments. She makes it a point to remember important details about her clients’ lives. “I will always remember little things they’re going through,” she says.
Learning from Legends
One of Lisa’s many career highlights was meeting renowned makeup artist Bobby Brown, who came to South Africa with her team. “Meeting her was just amazing,” Lisa shares. “She housed us for three days, taught us about the latest makeup trends, and emphasized clean eating and self-care.”
During this experience, Lisa was awarded for her sales consistency, proving her passion and hard work were recognized. However, for Lisa, it wasn’t just about the award, it was about the opportunity to learn from someone she admired deeply. “Bobby Brown is an amazing lady, and being part of that experience was one of the best in my life.”
Advice for Women Entering the Beauty Industry
After decades in the beauty industry, Lisa has a wealth of experience. Her advice for young women looking to follow in the beauty industry, “You need to have a passion for people. If people irritate you, you’re in the wrong field. People can pick up on your energy; if it’s not genuine, they won’t trust you.”
She also emphasizes the importance of having a personal connection with clients. “You have to make people feel better about themselves, and that’s something that can’t be taught, it has to be in you.”
Lisa’s advice is clear for those who want to thrive in this industry: “Be organized, be diligent, and be respectful of your clients’ time and emotions. If you’re going to work for yourself, you have to be 100% on top of things because if you drop the ball, your business and your family will suffer.”
Above all, Lisa believes that success in the beauty industry comes from the heart. “…it’s about giving of yourself and building real connections. When you do that, people will always come back.”
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