You Beauty Qld
You Beauty Qld Shines as Rising Star at 2024 Northern Outback Business Awards
Mount Isa’s own You Beauty Qld has been recognised as one of the city’s standout businesses, earning a finalist position in the Rising Star of the Year category at the 2024 Northern Outback Business Awards.
Behind the salon’s success is owner Liana Saunders, whose vision of creating a business built on genuine care for clients has struck a chord with the local community.
With more than 16 years of experience in beauty therapy, Liana opened You Beauty in 2021. What began as a one-woman operation quickly flourished.
“Within 12 months of opening, I needed to put an apprentice on. Six months later, I brought another team member on board, and within two years we had already outgrown the original space,” Liana said.
“After moving into our new salon, growth has continued to exceed expectations.”
Today, You Beauty Qld specialises in advanced skin and beauty services including brow and lash treatments, waxing, advanced facials (including clinical and laser facials), injectables, and laser hair and tattoo removal.
Liana’s passion lies in skin health and advanced technologies – something particularly relevant in Mount Isa’s harsh climate.
“My commitment is to provide the best solutions for my clients’ skin concerns,” she explained.
Asked what she attributes the salon’s awards recognition to, Liana credits the team’s genuine care for their clients.
“It is a business, but at the end of the day, these are real people in real situations. Within my capabilities, I’ll always do what I can to help,” she said.
“I think that authentic connection and genuine care is what elevates the customer service we provide.”
Beyond client care, You Beauty Qld is deeply invested in the community. The salon helps fund Mount Isa Wildlife Rescue, a volunteer-run organisation dedicated to saving sick, injured, and orphaned native wildlife.
Like many small business owners, Liana’s biggest challenge has been navigating the fast-paced, ever-changing world of social media.
When she previously ran a salon in Melbourne, social media wasn’t the driving force it is today, and most bookings were still made with pen and paper. The digital age of online engagement and marketing demanded a completely new approach.
“In 2023, I joined a mentoring program tailored to the beauty industry. It gave me the tools to adapt to the social media era and strengthen every aspect of running a modern salon. That was a real turning point,” she said.
Her biggest takeaway? Always remain open to learning and growth.
“To be successful, you have to be willing to adapt and expand your knowledge,” she said.
For other local business owners, her advice is simple: “Engage with the community and connect with other business owners – even outside your own industry. Networking and genuine community engagement come back to you tenfold.”