From studying at ACHW to building a clinic of their own, twin sisters Samantha and Melissa have walked a successful path in the world of skincare. Together, their journey is an example of what determination and passion can achieve.  

We’re so proud to spotlight Samantha (Sam) and Melissa (Mel), who are both highly skilled and driven by a love for skin that extends far beyond the treatment room. Through their business, they’ve created a space that nurtures both skin health and self-confidence and with their established industry experience, they are now in the early stages of exploring how they can support the next generation of dermal clinicians.  

We got in touch with Sam and Mel recently to learn more about their personal journey.

Skincare Before Study

Sam and Mel started out working in the cosmetics industry through different paths. Sam was already a registered nurse working full time within the cosmetic injectable space. However, she found there was a disconnect in this approach to treating skin and thus wanted to pursue a deeper clinical understanding.

“I wanted to develop a more holistic approach to treating skin”, she mentioned. “Clients were often coming in for cosmetic treatments without truly understanding the condition or health of their skin underneath”.

By bridging that knowledge gap, she would be able to enhance her clients’ appearance while also improving their long-term skin health. This realisation sparked her passion for skin treatments that are health-focused and based on empirical evidence.

Studying at ACHW

In 2021, Sam and Mel began studying the Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Clinical Aesthetics) at ACHW. They were motivated to gain the holistic approach they were missing, achieving real results from understanding the skin as part of a larger, interconnected system.

ACHW stood out to them and was their chosen education provider because it offered flexibility and balance. While working full-time and having other personal commitments, Sam didn’t want her learning to be compromised by quality and studying at ACHW gave her just that.

She described the theory content of the degree as “well-structured, easy to navigate, and relevant to real-world applications”, and translating this knowledge to practice, “made studying both manageable and rewarding”. This experience gave her the opportunity to refine her clinical techniques and really solidify her confidence as a clinician.

Creating Skin Solutions Canberra

Their passions sparked something within them, that when pursued can grow into something greater for everyone. By combining scientific grounding from their studies and their clinical experiences, they created their own clinic called Skin Solutions Canberra.

They were driven by the desire to offer clients a space that prioritises honesty, integrity, and science-backed results, a space where clients can feel that they are truly cared for. At the core of their values was education. They focus on providing clients information backed up with knowledge and reasoning. In their own words, “we believe in long-term, not quick fixes, and building trust through authenticity.”

Three years in, and their journey has been full of learning, growth, and resilience. Sam and Mel complement each other’s strengths, which has become essential to their success. Mel is full of creativity and excels at understanding complex skin conditions. She mainly focuses on advanced skin science and treatment planning where she develops tailored solutions for each client. On the other hand, Sam’s background in nursing and medical aesthetics provides a more clinical perspective to the business, covering the medical aspects, safety protocols, and treatment integration.

In 2024, Skin Solutions Canberra was recognised in the Local Business Awards for Outstanding Beauty Services. This achievement is proof that their partnership helped them flourish, growing their clinic built on mutual respect and shared vision.

They have now entered a phase of their business where growth and new opportunities drive their focus. With hopes of expanding their team, opening a second clinic, and reaching a broader client base, they remain committed to the intimate, client-focused care they are known for.

Recently, their urge to mentor upcoming dermal clinicians have sparked discussions about creating a space where education, collaboration, and patient care thrive side by side. The goal is to help the next generation to develop their skills in a supportive and ethical environment.

The Next Step: Mentoring

Having once been new dermal clinicians themselves, they understand the isolation and uncertainty that the career path can bring. It was not until they found a network of supportive mentors that they truly began to thrive.  

“That experience inspired us to pay it forward. We hope to guide students through both the clinical and emotional aspects of this industry helping them build confidence, resilience, and professional identity.”

They believe that while theoretical knowledge is essential, there is no substitute for real-world learning. Far beyond performing treatments, they want students to understand the dynamics of the clinic experience, such as managing client expectations, navigating workplace dynamics, dealing with complications, and continuing professional development. Between education and practice, bridging this gap can give students a realistic view of what a career in the dermal therapy industry will look like.  

“By mentoring students, we have the opportunity to elevate the overall standards of the dermal and cosmetic industry, ensuring that ethical, evidence-based practice becomes the norm.”  

Their aim is for students to enter the industry not only with technical skills but also with the confidence and professional maturity to succeed in their chosen field.

A Bright Future in Skincare

Sam and Mel’s journey is an inspiration to us all. By continually educating themselves, their team, and extending that knowledge to clients, it distinguishes them as true leaders of the industry. We are so grateful to connect with our ACHW alumni and watch their passions come to life.  

We look forward to seeing their future achievements, both in their clinic and mentoring endeavours.