Graduate Story - Kikie (Siriwanna Phiromkit)
From finding comfort in helping others to building her own boutique beauty space, Kikie (Siriwanna Phiromkit) has turned her passion for wellness into a thriving career.
From finding comfort in helping others to building her own boutique beauty space, Kikie (Siriwanna Phiromkit) has turned her passion for wellness into a thriving career. A 2024 Brisbane Frenchie, Kikie is now the proud owner of Diamond Dreams Massage, a sanctuary where clients can relax, recharge, and feel truly cared for. In this interview, she shares her inspiring journey — from overcoming challenges as an international student to creating a business built on compassion, healing, and heart.
OUR FLAGSHIP BEAUTY THERAPY DIPLOMA
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in beauty therapy? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you?
Growing up, I always found comfort and joy in helping people feel relaxed and confident. When I came to Australia, I realised I had a passion for wellness and beauty, especially through massage and facial care. During a hard time in my life, beauty therapy gave me direction, healing, and purpose.
What was your main motivation to choose to study at The French Beauty Academy? What was it that drew you to study here?
I chose The French because of it’s reputation for excellence, elegance, and professionalism. From the first moment I saw the campus and met the educators, I felt inspired. I wanted to learn not only the skills, but how to create a truly luxurious client experience.
Do you remember your Orientation week? Can you share your experience or how you felt on those first few days/weeks.
Yes! I was nervous but so excited. I had no confidence at all in the beginning, but the kindness from everyone really touched me. The staff and students were all so warm, calm, and welcoming — always smiling — and that helped me feel safe and more confident.
I felt like I was part of something special from day one. Even the uniform made me feel like a professional straight away. Orientation Week was the start of a very important journey in my life.
Reflecting on your time at The French, can you share a standout moment or memory?
Graduation day was unforgettable. After everything I had been through, walking across that stage meant so much. It was a symbol of how far I’d come.
What do you miss most about The French?
I miss the supportive environment and the friendships the most. The calming energy of the space made it feel like a real sanctuary — a place to learn, grow, and feel safe.
As someone who isn’t a native English speaker, everything was a bit harder for me. But my friends and teachers supported me every step of the way. Even on the days when I felt exhausted from work and didn’t feel like I could keep going — when I was late or missed class — they never gave up on me. They always gave me another chance, and that’s something I never expected but will always be grateful for.
I truly believe I graduated because of their kindness and belief in me. I still remember and miss everyone. Their support made all the difference.
Did you have a favourite subject or Educator at The French? Why/What did you love most about it?
Facials and massage were definitely my favourite subjects. I loved how hands-on they were and how I could really connect with people through touch — it made me feel like I was truly helping someone feel better, inside and out.
My favourite educator was Kristina Gianneas, who taught us massage. I loved her technique, her flow, and the calm, confident energy she brought into every class. She taught not just with knowledge, but with passion — and that really stayed with me. Her teaching helped shape the way I deliver treatments today.
In what ways did The French help you develop personally and professionally?
It gave me confidence I never had before. I learned how to carry myself professionally, how to communicate better, and how to believe in my own value.
Was there an invaluable lesson or any advice you received from The French that has stuck with you and continues to inspire you?
“Trust the process.” Even when things feel slow or hard, every small step matters. That mindset helped me through both study and business.
How easy was it for you to gain work after graduating? Tell me about your first career ‘break’ in beauty?
I actually found a job in a beauty clinic before I even graduated, which I believe really shows how professional and high-profile The French Beauty Academy is. Employers recognise the quality of the training, and I felt confident stepping into the industry even as a student.
Tell us about your role and working day.
I’m the owner and therapist at Diamond Dreams Massage, so every day is full and rewarding. My role includes hands-on treatments like massage therapy and facials, managing client bookings, handling admin, and ensuring the space always feels warm, welcoming, and professional.
I also manage all of our marketing and social media, which allows me to connect with clients, promote our services, and grow our presence in the community. I’m constantly working on ways to make the salon look better and feel more complete — from little details in the décor to refining our service menu.
One of the things I value most is creating a strong team. I look after my staff like family and personally train them to have the same warm, healing touch that represents our brand. At the heart of it all, my mission is to create a peaceful space where clients feel truly cared for — inside and out.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Seeing someone walk in stressed and leave feeling peaceful, confident, and cared for is the most rewarding part of my job. I love knowing that I’ve helped someone feel better — not just physically, but emotionally too.
I also feel genuinely happy every day just being in the space I created. Diamond Dreams Massage is my dream come true, and being surrounded by something I built with love brings me so much joy and pride.
What excites you about the beauty industry right now?
I’m really excited about how the beauty industry is becoming more focused on self-care, natural treatments, and overall wellness. People are now looking for real, hands-on experiences that help them relax, feel good, and take care of their skin in a more mindful way — and that’s exactly what I love to do.
I’ve just partnered with Payot Australia, which means I’ll be offering more advanced facial treatments and luxury skincare products in my salon. I’m also planning to train my team to be even more professional and confident in facial techniques. It’s exciting to grow in this direction, and I can’t wait to give my clients more options to look and feel their best.
Our Flagship Course: The Future of Beauty
Next generation training for Beauty Therapists & Entrepreneurs
Can you please tell us a bit about your business?
Diamond Dreams Massage is a boutique massage and beauty space based in Brisbane. We offer luxurious facials, foot spa, and massage services using premium products like Payot. My goal is to create a space where people feel at home, relaxed, and completely cared for — both physically and emotionally.
Our massage treatments are especially loved by our clients because we don’t just follow a routine or do step-by-step techniques. We take the time to truly understand what each person needs — from the pressure they prefer to the areas they carry the most stress. Every treatment is personalised with care, intention, and heart.
Why did you decide to start your own business? Can you tell us a bit about your journey?
While working in the clinic, I realised that although it was a great opportunity, it didn’t align with what I truly love. The work was mostly machine-based and fast-paced, and I missed the peaceful, hands-on connection that comes with massage and facial therapy — the kind of care that helps people truly feel good inside and out.
That’s when my best friend asked me, “Why don’t we open a massage and spa together?” That moment sparked something in me. I felt this strong ambition and knew I had to follow it now, while I still had the energy and passion to build something meaningful.
So I made the decision to start my business right away. It hasn’t been easy — I’ve worked incredibly hard — but it’s been worth every step. I now get to do what I truly love every day, and create a peaceful, healing space for my clients.
What were the first few steps you took to set up the business?
The very first step was finding the right shop. I discovered an empty space that used to be a massage place, and I really liked it. After deciding it was the perfect location, I registered my business and signed the lease contract with the agent.
Once the shop was secured, I renovated the entire space to create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. The renovation took almost half a year, during which I designed every detail to make Diamond Dreams Massage feel warm and inviting. After that, I set up my booking system and started with a few core services, slowly building my business from there.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was finding clients in the beginning and managing everything by myself. I also had no experience running a business or managing staff — it was all new to me. Learning how to lead a team and build a professional space was a big step outside my comfort zone.
But I stayed consistent, kept offering great service, and focused on giving every client a positive experience. Slowly, word-of-mouth grew, and so did my confidence. It wasn’t easy, but I learned and improved every day.
What is a decision or perhaps a mistake you've made that has lead to a very valuable lesson in running or starting a business?
Trying to do everything alone—now I ask for help when needed, especially with accounting and marketing!
What did you learn during your time at The French that helped prepare you when starting your business or during the course of your business journey?
The French taught me so much more than just massage techniques. They showed me how to be truly professional — how to present myself with clean grooming, how to communicate confidently and respectfully with clients, and how to create a polished, welcoming environment.
Before The French, I knew how to do massage, but I didn’t fully understand what it meant to be professional. Learning these skills helped me deliver exceptional service and build strong trust with my clients, which is key to running a successful business.
What are your plans for the future of your business, do you have an ultimate business goal?
In the future, I’d love to expand into a bigger space to accommodate more services and create a truly complete luxury spa experience. My goal is to offer wellness packages and body treatments that require facilities like baths and showers, which means I’ll need a larger location.
I want to build a professional, warm, and talented team who share my values and deliver exceptional service. Most importantly, I believe Diamond Dreams Massage should be a welcoming space for everyone—people of all ages, genders, religions, and even children—because everyone deserves the opportunity to treat themselves with care and kindness.
Ultimately, I hope to grow Diamond Dreams Massage into a well-known spa where regular clients feel at home and cared for.
If you had just 1 piece of advice for our Frenchies who are wanting to start their own business, what would it be?
Start small, stay consistent, and believe in your unique touch. You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to start. Do everything from your heart and follow your ambition. If it means something to you, that passion will carry you through the hard days and inspire others along the way.
“ During a hard time in my life, beauty therapy gave me direction, healing, and purpose.
... ”
- Kikie (Siriwanna Phiromkit)
My Signature Beauty Go tos...
Scent: Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel
Lipstick: Hourglass I’m Addicted
Podcast/Blog: “The Glow Up” (Podcast)
Best Kept Beauty Secret: A facial gua sha night routine!
The French Edit...
City: Paris
Beauty Muse: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Drink: Iced matcha latte
Song: “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
Quote to Live By: ““Be the reason someone feels seen, heard, and loved.”
WANT A CAREER LIKE KIKIE'S?
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