Tammy Wakely: The face behind Skin + Wax Clinic’s national triumph

WHEN Tammy Wakely reflects on her career in the beauty industry, it feels like the culmination of a lifetime’s passion.

Starting as a teenager in hairdressing, she was driven by a personal battle with skin issues. That challenge sparked an obsession with understanding skin, setting her on a path spanning more than two decades.

“I’ve been in beauty and skin for about twenty three years. I never looked back, I absolutely love it,” Tammy said.

Over those years, Tammy has witnessed a dramatic shift in how people approach self care. What was once indulgence has become essential.

“Clients today are so much more invested in looking after themselves. They often walk in already knowing what they want, thanks to the wealth of information out there. Our job is to design a plan that really works for them.”

At Skin + Wax Clinic, that demand is tangible.

Each week, more than one hundred and fifty clients pass through the doors.

Treatments range from advanced facials and microdermabrasion to brows, laser therapy, and injectables. Yet the biggest trend, Tammy says, is the return to a natural aesthetic.

“People want glowing, healthy skin that looks like skin. Treatments for skin health have absolutely taken off. Clients aren’t chasing a heavily made up look anymore, they want radiance.”

For Tammy and her team, the work goes beyond surface results.

“People come here not just for a treatment, but to relax, breathe, and feel good about themselves.”

“We hear so many stories; sometimes we are therapists in more ways than one. Seeing someone leave happier than when they walked in, that’s the best part.”

Her clientele has grown alongside her.

“A lot of my clients have been with me thirteen years, so we have journeyed together through life stages like menopause.”

Recognising women’s unique challenges, she is developing a dedicated Menopause Skin Academy.

Another major step is the clinic’s oncology training, ensuring cancer patients receive safe, specialist skin support.

“A lot of clinics don’t know how to treat oncology patients. We want people to feel truly understood and cared for.”

That commitment has not gone unnoticed.

In August, Skin + Wax Clinic was named Queensland Clinic of the Year at the ANZ Beauty Industry Awards (ABIAs), the most prestigious awards in the field, often called the ‘Oscars of Beauty.’

The ceremony, held at The Star in Sydney, drew brand leaders, dermal experts, and industry icons from across Australia and New Zealand.

The award is a landmark achievement for Tammy and her team, who have entered the national competition for years, often reaching finalist status.

“When they announced Skin + Wax Clinic, I was beside myself,” she recalls.

“I just burst into tears. It’s the highest accolade we could win, and it felt like I had achieved exactly what I set out to do. It’s recognition not just for me, but for the whole team.”

ABIAs founder Linda Woodhead praised winners like Tammy as proof of the industry’s strength.

“These awards don’t just recognise talent; they spotlight the resilience, innovation, and community spirit that make the Skin + Wax Clinic team so extraordinary.”

The clinic has also secured major honours from Cavie, the global skincare brand it partners with.

These included Australian Clinic of the Year, Queensland Clinic of the Year, and the Blue Diamond Award, recognising success across sales, education, social media, and client care.

The prizes included an all expenses paid trip to Spain for Tammy and her team.
Tammy emphasises it isn’t just the business being celebrated; individual staff shine too.

Senior dermal therapist Jess recently won a global 10-week transformation challenge for acne treatment, placing first in the world and securing a trip to Las Vegas.

“She absolutely smashed it. To have a team member recognised on that level is unbelievable.”