‘Home sweet home’: Clinic owner expands business in hometown

Something big is coming to Toowoomba, with a unique hair and beauty collaboration set to transform a post war building full of rich history. Find out all about the exciting project here.

For as long as she can remember, Zoe Dwyer has been immersed in the beauty industry and now after seven years of running her own business, the mother of two is returning home to the Garden City.

The skin specialist moved to Moranbah, a small mining town in Central Queensland, almost one decade ago and started her own home-based clinic Get Gorgeous.

Get Gorgeous co-owner Zoe Dwyer has expanded her business to Toowoomba. Picture: Rhylea Millar

After just two years of operating, she managed to outgrow the humble space and open a clinic in town.

Now the small business owner has returned to her hometown of Toowoomba to expand, while co-owner Courtney Faamita continues to run the Moranbah salon.

Get Gorgeous co-owner Zoe Dwyer at the Moranbah clinic, has expanded her business in Toowoomba. Picture: Contributed

“The beauty industry has been part of my family for a long time because my grandmother was a make-up artist and my mum was a make-up artist and nail technician, but my passion has always been skin,” Ms Dwyer said.

“We called Moranbah home for nine years, but in my heart I knew the time had come for me to return to Toowoomba, where I grew up.”

Offering a variety of skin treatments, the clinic also provides beauty therapy services such as waxing, tinting and make-up application for special events.

The Collectif

Drawn to the historic South Toowoomba building, which is at least 70 years old, Taryn Hunter purchased the shop five years ago and instantly saw its potential.

The building which previously housed a butcher shop and three different hair salons, is starting to transform into Ms Hunter’s vision of The Collectif.

The concept drawings of The Collectif design layout by BHD Designs. Picture: BHD Designs

Designed as a hub for self-employed hair and beauty professionals and featuring four private rooms as well as a shared kitchen space, the owner said the 94 sqm block would offer a one-stop-shop for all beauty needs.

“I could see the hair industry changing and the need for people to have the freedom to work the hours they wanted and maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially around the time of Covid-19,” Ms Hunter said.

“This will be a space where I can see like-minded people running their own businesses, but there's still a real sense of community.”

The renovation, which has taken about 10 months to complete, has transformed the post war building, while preserving the beauty of its history.

While it wasn’t her first build, Ms Hunter said it was the biggest project she had worked on to date after previously renovating her own hair salons and home over the years.

“I love bringing buildings back to life,” Ms Hunter said.

“We’ve tried to be really respectful to the building by keeping its original beams, showcasing the exposed brick and restoring the original Silky Oak windows.”

Get Gorgeous is the first tenant to secure a space, with expressions of interest welcome for the remaining three spaces.

The Collectif is at 157A, South Toowoomba.