Graduate Story - Tahlia Jade Muniz
My main goal for clients is to provide them with a safe space where they can feel completely at ease and cared for. It's been about creating this welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and beautiful.
Say hello to Tahlia Jade Muniz, a Brisbane Frenchie and trailblazing entrepreneur who turned personal adversity into a flourishing beauty business.
At just 16, Tahlia faced challenging skin conditions due to misguided skincare routines influenced by social media. This experience, while difficult, sparked a profound transformation. It led her to develop an effective skincare regimen and seek professional help, eventually regaining her confidence. Her battle with acne inspired a vision: to empower others to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. This resolve drove her to launch Beijo Beauty & Skin, a sanctuary where beauty transcends skin deep.
Through her business, found online at www.beijobeauty.com.au and on Instagram @beijo.beauty, Tahlia doesn’t just offer services; she crafts personalized experiences that promote holistic well-being and self-love. Beijo Beauty & Skin stands as a testament to Tahlia’s commitment to quality, care, and the empowering ethos that beauty is about feeling great in your own skin.
What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in beauty therapy? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you?
At the age of 16, I struggled with acne caused by improper at-home dermaplaning attempts influenced by social media. The struggle with acne deeply impacted me mentally, leaving me feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. However, through perseverance, I discovered effective treatments, developed a tailored skincare regimen, and sought professional facial treatments, which eventually restored my confidence and comfort. This experience ignited my passion to help others facing similar skin challenges, inspiring me to pursue my dream of empowering individuals to feel beautiful and educating them on proper skincare practices.
What was your main motivation to choose to study at The French Beauty Academy? What was it that drew you to study here?
In 2023, I completed my eyelash extensions course at the French Beauty Academy and launched my business “Beijo Beauty”. As I gained experience through practice and welcomed new clients, I began to yearn for greater variety in the services I offered. After reading numerous reviews on the French Beauty Academy, I was reassured that it was the ideal institution for my beauty education. I wanted to ensure that I was in capable hands and receiving top-quality education.
Do you remember your Orientation week? Can you share your experience or how you felt on those first few days/weeks.
I vividly remember my orientation week, filled with nerves and excitement as I embarked on my diploma journey. Despite my fears of potential failure, the educators at the French Beauty Academy immediately put me at ease. Their encouragement and reassurance instilled in me the confidence that success was attainable with the right mindset and determination. Whether entering the diploma program to explore newfound passions or pursuing a clear career path, the thought of a new beginning can bring nerves in anyone.
Reflecting on your time at The French, can you share a standout moment or memory?
A memorable moment from my time at the French Beauty Academy was my first massage session with a client. Guided by Sam, my educator, I initially felt confident but soon found myself struggling to remember the steps and feeling uncertain about my performance. However, at the end of the session, Sam reassured me that improvement comes with practice and time. Determined to refine my skills, I spent the evening practicing on my mother until I felt comfortable with the techniques and pressure. The following week, two clients from that day’s sessions provided me with positive feedback, alongside encouragement from Sam, affirming my progress and boosting my confidence.
What do you miss most about The French?
I will miss the support from both the educators and fellow students at the French Beauty Academy. When I first started, I never imagined forming such deep friendships with such a diverse group of girls, but that aspect made the diploma experience even more meaningful. The atmosphere of support and kindness among everyone was truly special, and it’s something I will always cherish and hold dear in my memories.
Did you have a favourite subject or Educator at The French? Why/What did you love most about it?
I have immense gratitude for all my educators at the French Beauty Academy, but Kelly, Sam, Nas, and Maranda left a profound impact on me. Sam’s thorough teaching techniques laid a strong foundation for me, especially in mastering the basics in facials. Kelly introduced me to the spiritual aspects of massage, providing a deeper and more meaningful perspective on the practice. Nas challenged me to push beyond my limits, particularly during the final stretch of the year, with her honesty and drive motivating me to improve my knowledge and skills in skin health. Maranda went above and beyond, teaching me not only about nails but also the importance of pushing myself and staying true to who I am. And let’s not forget Maranda’s humor, which carried our cohort through until the very last day of term. The impact these educators had on me is something I will never forget, and I will forever be grateful for their guidance and support.
In what ways did The French help you develop personally and professionally?
At the beginning of my diploma journey, I lacked insight into the demands of being a beauty therapist, both mentally and physically. However, the French Beauty Academy played a huge role in nurturing my confidence, particularly in communication with clients and in delivering treatments and recommendations with assurance.
Was there an invaluable lesson or any advice you received from The French that has stuck with you and continues to inspire you?
Never underestimate your creativity; trust in your own beliefs and instincts rather than solely relying on the opinions of others when it comes to treatments.
With innovations and trends constantly evolving, what aspect of working in the beauty industry excites you the most right now?
What excites me the most about working in the beauty industry right now is the constant evolution of innovations and trends. The opportunity to stay at the forefront of these developments, whether it’s embracing new trends, exploring sustainable practices, or uncovering fresh creative approaches, is truly thrilling.
For prospective students considering studying at The French Beauty Academy, what aspect of the program do you think sets a solid foundation for success in the industry?
For students contemplating enrollment at The French Beauty Academy, one aspect of the program that I believe sets a solid foundation for success in the industry is the comprehensive and hands-on approach to learning. From mastering techniques to gaining practical experience in real-world settings, the French Beauty Academy equips students with the essential skills and confidence needed to excel in the beauty industry. The personalised guidance and support from experienced educators foster a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and development, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the industry upon completion of the program.
Looking ahead, what personal or professional goals are you aiming to achieve in the next few years? Is there a dream role or achievement you're working towards?
As a beauty business owner, my goals for the next few years are centered around both personal and professional growth. Professionally, I aim to expand my business by introducing new services, reaching a broader clientele, and establishing a strong presence in the industry. I aspire to enhance my skills through continuous education and training, staying updated on the latest trends and techniques to offer the highest quality services to my clients.
On a personal level, I am committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for my future team, promoting their professional development and well-being.
As for my dream role or achievement, I envision becoming a recognised leader in the beauty industry, known for innovation, excellence, and dedication to empowering individuals to look and feel their best. Whether it’s through expanding my business, collaborating with industry influencers, or advocating for diversity and inclusivity, I am driven to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy in the beauty world.
The Future of Beauty
“I envision becoming a recognised leader in the beauty industry, known for innovation, excellence, and dedication to empowering individuals to look and feel their best. Whether it's through expanding my business, collaborating with industry influencers, or advocating for diversity and inclusivity, I am driven to make a meaningful impact and leave a lasting legacy in the beauty world.
”
- Tahlia Jade Muniz
Can you please tell us a bit about your business?
Beijo Beauty & Skin is a culmination of my passion for skincare and beauty, combined with the knowledge and skills I acquired during my time at the French Beauty Academy.
Beijo Beauty and Skin is more than just a beauty brand; it’s a belief that beauty is about more than just external appearances—it’s about feeling confident and empowered in your own skin. The mission at Beijo Beauty and Skin is to provide high-quality skincare and beauty products that not only enhance natural beauty but also nourish and care for the skin.
My focus is on delivering exceptional results while ensuring clients feel pampered and rejuvenated. With a commitment to authenticity, mindfulness, and a personalised approach, Beijo Beauty & Skin is dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best, inside and out.
My goal with this business is to inspire confidence and self-love by promoting a holistic approach to beauty that celebrates individuality and embraces the unique beauty of every person.
Why did you decide to start your own business? Can you tell us a bit about your journey?
I decided to start my own business because I had a passion for helping people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin. I wanted to create a space where people could take a break from the hustle and bustle of life to relax and appreciate their bodies and skin. My main goal for clients is to provide them with a safe space where they can feel completely at ease and cared for. It’s been about creating this welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and beautiful.
The journey has been incredibly rewarding, from our humble beginnings to just celebrating our first anniversary and expanding to a new location at Salon Lane in West End. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of my clients through Beijo Beauty & Skin.
What were the first few steps you took to set up the business?
In the beginning, I focused on laying the foundation for success by investing in quality training and products so that I could provide the level of expertise and professionalism that I wanted. This process has been gradual and I have continued to expanded my range of products and services. Securing the necessary licenses was also crucial to ensure business compliance. Once I had a vision for my beauty business, I mapped out a bit of business plan outlining my goals and some strategies for success in what is quite a competitive market. I then invested in establishing a strong and professional brand identity that aligned with the type of clientele that I wanted to attract. Now, as Beijo Beauty & Skin enters a growth phase with the opening of our new West End salon, I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead. The business has evolved rapidly over the past year, and I’m confident that we’ll continue to adapt and thrive as we listen to our clients and respond to market demands. I’m excited for the journey ahead and the future success of Beijo Beauty & Skin
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business, and how did you overcome them?
Navigating the competitive beauty market and introducing Beijo Beauty & Skin amongst many established competitors was hard, and striving for perfection and worrying about how your business is perceived only added to the challenge. Building a loyal client base from scratch was tough too. Leveraging social media and word-of-mouth referrals helped raise awareness, but for me it was crucial to focus on delivering exceptional service and nurturing strong client relationships to build trust and loyalty. Additionally, being the face of the business felt strange! It’s like, am I doing this right? But embracing authenticity and transparency helped foster genuine connections with clients and build credibility in the industry.
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?
One of the biggest hurdles I encountered when starting my business was the challenge of attracting clients. Despite creating a cozy and inviting space in my own home, I initially struggled to draw in a substantial clientele. My expectations of clients flocking in for lash extensions after obtaining my certificate were quickly met with the reality of needing to actively market my services and build brand awareness. To tackle this, I embarked on a multifaceted approach, including social media promotion, networking within my community, and offering special promotions to entice new clients. Additionally, I focused on delivering exceptional service to each client, hoping to cultivate positive word-of-mouth referrals. Through perseverance and adaptability, I gradually overcome this hurdle and established a solid client base for my business.
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?
During my time at The French Beauty Academy, I learned the importance of service excellence and maintaining motivation, especially during tough times. One key takeaway was from a TED Talk that emphasized resilience, reminding me that setbacks are temporary and don’t define the overall trajectory of my business. This mindset shift has been invaluable in navigating challenges and staying focused on long-term success.
What are your plans for the future of your business, do you have an ultimate business goal?
My plans for the future of Beijo Beauty & Skin involve continued expansion and growth, with a focus on offering more advanced skin services and additional treatments to meet the evolving needs of my clientele. In the long term, my primary goal for my business is to establish a full-service salon, complemented by the addition of an injectable nurse to expand our range of services. Beyond just growth, I aim to cultivate a warm, supportive, and inclusive environment for both clients and staff. By creating a space that prioritises not only quality services but also a sense of community, I envision building a salon that becomes a trusted destination for beauty and wellness.
Ultimately, I aim to establish multiple successful beauty salons, each providing consistent, exceptional service and welcoming, nurturing environments where clients can truly relax and rejuvenate. My ultimate business goal is to become a leading destination for skincare and beauty services, known for our commitment to excellence and dedication to embracing and enhancing natural beauty, inside and out.
If you had just 1 piece of advice for our Frenchies who are wanting to start their own business, what would it be?
My advice would be to embrace the journey and be open to learning from every experience. Starting a business is challenging but rewarding, and it’s important to stay resilient. Starting a business requires courage and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. Trust in your abilities and adapt and evolve as you navigate the entrepreneurial journey. The path to success is rarely linear, and it’s important to be adaptable and able to pivot when necessary. I’d also recommend to continuously seek out opportunities for learning and growth, whether it’s through formal education, mentorship, or hands-on experience. And, most importantly, surround yourself with a supportive network. Having a strong support system can provide invaluable guidance, encouragement and perspective as you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
My Signature Beauty Go tos...
Scent: Gucci Flora
Lipstick: Nars in shade Anna
Book: Money & Mindfulness Living in abundance by Lisa Messenger
Book: Beauty, Business and Beyond
Best Kept Secret: Consistency! Daily skincare routines, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, regular professional treatments & leading a healthy lifestyle can work wonders for your skin & overall appearance. But the key is consistency.
THE FRENCH EDIT...
City: Monte Carlo
Business Inspo’: Kendall Jenner as she has been super open about her journey & struggles with acne!
Drink: Iced Latte
Song: Anything By Beyonce!
Song: “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each-other on.” – Serena Williams.
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