The owner of Seymour business Skin By Sar took off to Sydney to attend Circadia Elevate, an educational event for skincare professionals run by beauty product supplier Circadia Australia on Friday, August 14.
“Over two days, we were taught by world-renowned educators who broke down the real complexities of skin, the science behind every concern, and how to actually treat it,” Ms Thompson said.
“I also had the honour of meeting Circadia chief executive Michael Pugliese, grandson of the brand’s founder, the legendary Peter Pugliese.
“I walked away more equipped than ever to help my clients achieve real, lasting results.”
Ms Thompson returned to Seymour not only with a newfound understanding of the industry, but also with nationwide recognition from the event’s awards gala.
She achieved second place in the National Skin Transformations, Sensitive Category, runner-up Sole Trader of the Year across Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia, and gold stockist recognition.
Ms Thompson said it was surreal to have her name called out three times.
“The National Skin Transformation challenge was full of incredible client journeys and transformations, so to place second for my own skin was a real full-circle moment. I don’t just prescribe these treatments; I live the results myself,” Ms Thompson said.
“Winning runner-up Sole Trader of the Year across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania was a complete shock. I never imagined I’d be there this year.
“What made it even more special was that my friend in the industry, Lindsay from Cosmetic Glow in Mildura, took out the win. Standing on that stage together, both of us celebrating, is something I’ll never forget.
“And, being awarded gold stockist recognises my performance across all national stockists over the past year. To be noticed and celebrated for the work I’ve poured into this as a sole trader means everything.”
The local business owner has also been chosen as a Circadia ambassador for 2026/27, being one of just two Victorians, and 13 across Australia, chosen for this role.
“Being a Circadia ambassador means I represent the brand nationally,” Ms Thompson said.
“We help lead training, education and events, and we also undertake rigorous advanced education under Gay Wardle, Circadia Australia’s head of education and a true icon in the skin industry, with monthly training across everything skin.
“To be chosen to represent a company that has genuinely changed my life is an honour I’ll forever be grateful for.”
Ms Thompson said she “never imagined” getting to this point after starting Skin By Sar in October 2024, but it was thanks to a long list of people supporting her, including every one of her clients, that she had achieved so much.
“(Thanks) to my mum, Pam, for always being my biggest supporter and voice of reason,” she said.
“To my mother, father and sister-in-law Tracey, Mark and Ebony Pointon for constantly recommending me and championing my business to everyone they know.
“But honestly, none of this would have been possible without my incredible partner, Brodey. A year ago, he gave me the security to quit my job and take the leap ... I’ll forever be grateful I took that leap with someone beside me who believed in me enough to take it.”
While there are no more awards on the cards for Ms Thompson this year, she’s excited to announce that she will officially be partnering with the Australian Dermal and Laser Institute to bring “world-class IPL treatments to Seymour”.
She will also be introducing a leading skin analysis scanner and Larimedical peels to the business.
She said her quick success was also thanks to the incredible community surrounding Skin By Sar.
“I’ll forever be in awe of the Seymour community and my beautiful clients for backing me and helping me turn my dream into a reality,” she said.
“I’m so excited to keep growing, and for Skin By Sar to become the skin clinic Seymour has been waiting for.”
