Humble beginnings: How country kid started her own beauty empire
The owner of a new Toowoomba business said hard work, drive and her country upbringing are the ingredients to success as she prepares to open her second store. Take a look inside here.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
When Josie Weller was a child she spent many days giving her cousins facials in a room of her grandmother’s house with pink walls.
Little did she know this pastime would lead her to create her own beauty empire.
“We called it the pink room,” Ms Weller said.
“Looking back I really do think that’s where my love for beauty started.”
Growing up in the small North Burnett town of Mundubbera, Ms Weller said she was always inspired by the hard work ethic of country folk including her own parents.
At the young age of 19, Ms Weller opened her own business Beauty in the Woods in her hometown, before moving the store to Rockhampton four years later.
After eight years of running the successful beauty business, the now 27-year-old has relocated to Toowoomba and is set to open her second store in the Garden City.
“I grew up on a small cattle property, so having a rural upbringing has really influenced my drive to expand my business,” Ms Weller said.
“My parents have been so supportive and even though I was only 19 when I opened my first store, they always believed in me.”
Offering a traditional and expansive service list of beauty treatments, the business specialises in facials, peels, lashes, brows, nails, make-up, tanning and waxing.
The Toowoomba store which is set to open on May 10, showcases a modern and trendy fit-out with the pink and green colour scheme creating a whimsical oasis, reminiscent of her grandmother’s home.
Previously a doctor’s surgery, the Bridge St site took just 10 weeks to renovate with a fresh paint job and carpet removal.
“Regional cities like Toowoomba are great because the community really love to support businesses,” Ms Weller said.
“I’m so passionate about creating a beautiful space to work in to deliver a memorable experience for clients.”
Paying homage to her country roots, Ms Weller said the salon name reminded her of the bush landscape.
Joining the team of four based in Rockhampton, the business owner said she has already employed one staff member for the new store and is looking to hire two more.
Beauty in the Woods is at 82 Bridge St, East Toowoomba and will be open from Wednesday to Saturday.
Loved ones of missing mum make urgent plea after vanishing
Friends and family of a Queensland woman are urging anyone with information to come forward “no matter how big or small,” after the mother was last seen travelling on a southwest highway.
Servos, car owners robbed at knifepoint
Toowoomba police have made an arrest after a number of community members were threatened at knifepoint at the weekend while a young man allegedly went on a crime spree across the city.
‘Just insane’: People of Ingham on living their worst nightmare
We’ve all seen the photos and jaw-dropping footage. But the people of Ingham watched the harrowing scenes unfold first-hand as an “insane” torrent of water swept through their homes and town. These are their stories.
The Sunday Quiz: What is the tallest waterfall in the world?
Peter Dutton became Opposition Leader in what year? Which car firm makes the Camaro model? Put your knowledge of trivia to the test with The Sunday Quiz.
Visual timeline unpacks week of hell for flood-ravaged tiny town
In the dead of night, as most of Ingham slept, a torrent descended. Nothing will ever be the same again. This is the untold story of how the North Qld spirit conquered unimaginable tragedy and heartbreak.
Unmatched family law firm opens in Toowoomba
A leading Queensland family lawyer has launched a firm on the Darling Downs, providing the Toowoomba region with access to high-quality expertise, specialised experience, and fierce support.