When Olga King settled in Auckland just over five years ago, she came with one clear plan, to make her passion her career. Editor Trudi Brewer shares King’s business evolution from Moscow to Eden Terrace in a business she calls The Beauty Project.
Olga King and her talented team at The Beauty Project.
Few of us understand the struggle and commitment it takes to embrace a new culture and language. Let alone start a business away from your country of birth. Olga King explains how she has taken the best from her Russian heritage and is sharing it with New Zealand women. For King every client she meets is a living beauty project.
How did you get into the beauty industry?
I have always loved the beauty industry, so when I moved to New Zealand five and a half years ago from Moscow, I wanted a new life, and a new career, but it needed to be working with people. So I decided to do a nail course. My English wasn’t great, and I couldn’t understand the Kiwi accent back then so it was a struggle. However, I finished the course, top of the class, but had no money to rent a room, so I started a mobile manicure business, two months later I was fully booked. I rented a corner in a place in Auckland's Herne Bay, and I remember the rent was $150 a week, and I made $100 on my first week - it was very stressful. Fast forward, and now I own a 170sqm gorgeous salon in Auckland's Eden Terrace with a team of five, it has been quite a journey.
Why did you call your business 'The Beauty Project'?
My husband came up with this name, which perfectly describes my business. Every client for me is a beauty project. There are many things we as a team here can do to make our clients look and feel good. I also have an online store, and I have developed a training academy to share my skills with other beauty professionals.
What's a typical working day for you?
I work every day, and I love it. When I am not hands-on with my clients, I am working on the business; there is always something to do. My favourite time of the day is the morning, before work when I drink my coffee, generate ideas, and reconnect with the world through social media.
What do you love about working in the beauty industry?
The opportunity to create something beautiful from the skills we have as a team and offer visible results. The freedom of running a business and the connections you make. And of course, having my seriously gorgeous, talented Russian women in my team, who are all unique. I always joke that if I close the salon, I'll open a model agency.
What has business taught you about how women feel about beauty?
I have learnt that no matter what is going on in any women's life, she always wants to look good and have quality beauty services.
What services do you offer?
Gel manicures and cosmetic tattooing (permanent makeup), which I also teach, for brows, eyeliner, lips. It's a massive industry in Russia (in fact, the beauty industry and trends in Russia are phenomenal ). I'm happy that I can bring this quality service to New Zealand. I usually go to Russia twice a year (not since COVID unfortunately) for training and sourcing products, then I bring my knowledge back to New Zealand. We also offer lash lifts and brow lamination and brow shaping. Our Russian-style manicures and pedicures are what we are famous for, and they are unique. I often say once you see the finish on your nails, you will never book anywhere else. I recently took on a partner, (who is also a friend) a cosmetic nurse who offers Botox, fillers and face sculpting, and we have launched @auckland_injectables, we are both very excited about the future.
Why do you prefer powder brows as a semi-permanent brow treatment?
There two main options for brows tattoo - microblading and powder brows. Microblading is hugely traumatic for the skin. The procedure uses a blade, creating a series of cuts that leave scars in the eyebrows forever. Those scars, cause pigment migration, discolouration, and sometimes brow hair loss. Powder brows are made using a tiny single needle, no cutting or blood, no pain, no scars, and the result is a soft ombre makeup look. It's gentle and safe. I offer laser removal for brows tattoo, and I see bad-looking brow tattooing every day, most are from microbladed brows. One hundred per cent of my clients regret having micro-blading vs powder brows. They all say: "I wish I knew this before." My mission is to educate women on the difference, and the results speak for themselves.
Powder brows before and after
Why do you use Osmosis vs other brands?
I am an Osmosis fan. When I moved to New Zealand, I suffered from horrific acne, and nothing I tried worked. Nicky Watkins from My Beauty Room introduced me to Osmosis and gave me two products to use at home the Clarify and Hormonal Relief Elixir, and within two weeks, my skin had cleared, and the acne had gone. We were both amazed! I'm thrilled we stock Osmosis skincare and the Osmosis + Colour makeup collection in the salon, (which is also the only makeup I now use), so our clients can have access to the best products.
How do you stay competitive in this industry?
I think everyone knows that Russian women are obsessed with beauty, so we treat our clients the same way we expect to be treated in a salon. We never stop learning; you need to up-skill regularly to stay up-to-date with trends and services. Half of my focus is still in Russia; I see this as a unique selling point. I'm able to share my experience and views on beauty with New Zealand women.
What has been your career high to date?
It was taking that giant leap of faith in business, signing a three-year lease for The Beauty Project, in Auckland's Eden Terrace. Then we went into the first COVID lockdown. However, I knew everything would be okay. We finally opened on June 1st, 2020, and I could not be happier.
Your new space is beautiful, describe in a few words?
Feminine with character, tropical, light, and cosy - the Balinese style inspired it.
What's the one beauty product you would never be without?
That is difficult, Osmosis Enzyme cleanser or one of the Osmosis Serums.
What's your advice for someone wanting a career in beauty?
Invest in good education - it will save you time and money. Then practise, so you are competent and skilled. Then work like crazy. Do more than others do, and you'll get more than others have, and always have an open mind so that you won't miss opportunities.
The Beauty Project salon located on 22 Exmouth St, Eden Terrace, Auckland. Follow them on @the_beauty_project_nz