Q&A with Jo Thomas, Radiance Skin & Day Spa

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into the industry?
At 17, I began my beauty therapy journey at the Southern Institute of Technology in Invercargill, where I developed a strong foundation in skincare and wellness. After graduating, I gained invaluable experience working in an award-winning spa in Christchurch, honing my skills and deepening my passion for the industry. Today, I’m proud to be living out my dream as the owner of Radiance Skin and Day Spa in Cromwell—a space dedicated to helping others feel confident and cared for in their own skin.

Jo Thomas, Business Owner and Trainer

What is your favourite thing about the beauty industry?
What I love most about the beauty industry is the opportunity to help people feel confident and comfortable within themselves—not just in how they look, but in how they carry themselves, how they feel inside, and how they show up in the world. It’s incredibly rewarding to play a small part in helping someone feel seen, supported, and truly good about who they are.

What do you enjoy most about training apprentices?
I have a real passion for training apprentices and supporting the next generation of beauty therapists. I love being able to share my knowledge and experience, giving them not only the practical skills they need to succeed, but also the confidence to grow and thrive in this industry. It’s the little details—those extra touches that make a treatment truly special—that I enjoy passing on the most. Watching an apprentice grow in both skill and self-belief, seeing their pride in their work develop over time, and knowing I’ve played a part in shaping their journey is incredibly fulfilling and one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

Why is being 100% Qualified important to you?
Being fully qualified in beauty therapy is incredibly important, not just for the credibility it brings, but for ensuring safe, effective, and professional practices at all times. A proper qualification provides a strong foundation of knowledge in anatomy, skin health, hygiene standards, and the correct use of tools and products—essential elements that protect both the client and the therapist. It also builds a deeper understanding of how to tailor treatments to each individual’s needs, while maintaining high standards of care. In an industry that works so closely with people’s wellbeing, having the right training ensures we can provide results with confidence, professionalism, and integrity.

Why did you choose to start taking on apprentices?
I chose to offer apprenticeships because I love the idea of training people right from the beginning. I have a particular way I like to approach beauty therapy—focused on care, detail, and high standards—and when you teach that from day one, it becomes second nature. It’s a great way to build confident, skilled therapists who align with the values and quality I believe in.

What attributes do you look for in potential apprentices?
When hiring apprentices, I look for qualities like kindness, gentleness, and a caring nature—someone with a warm, calm presence who makes others feel at ease. Skill can always be taught, but attitude, empathy, and the way a person connects with others are what truly make a great beauty therapist.

How has taking on an apprentice improved your business?
Taking on apprentices has allowed us to build solid, tiered pricing systems, making our services more accessible to a wider range of people. This approach ensures that we can cater to different budgets while still providing high-quality treatments, and it also creates valuable learning opportunities for our apprentices as they grow in the industry.

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