Nurturing Confidence, Culture and Care: Inside The Beauty Base

By Louise May

From a single salon born out of a love for beauty therapy to a thriving multi-location brand known for its results-driven skin focus and unwavering commitment to team culture, The Beauty Base has grown into something truly special. At the heart of that journey is founder Carrin Treacy, whose grounded leadership, people-first approach, and deep belief in connection have shaped not only the client experience but the loyal team that stands behind it.

Now with four bustling locations and a longstanding partnership with INSKIN COSMEDICS (O COSMEDICS), The Beauty Base continues to evolve while staying anchored in the values that have defined it from day one: care, consistency, and community.

In this chat with Mocha Beauty Editor Louise May, Carrin Treacy shares the story behind the brand’s growth, how she fosters therapist loyalty in an ever-challenging industry, and what’s next for this purpose-led business.

Let’s start at the beginning. Tell us a little about you how did The Beauty Base first come to life, and what was your vision when opening the very first location?

When I first began this journey, it was simply about doing what I lovebeing a beauty therapist and helping people feel confident in their own skin. I never set out with a big vision or grand plan, it’s all grown so organically and for that, I’m truly grateful.

The most rewarding part has been the genuine connections I’ve made - both with our beautiful guests and the incredible team I’m lucky to work alongside every day. I’m surrounded by people who go above and beyond and supported by a community that’s cheered us on from the very beginning, including our amazing centre management and neighbouring businesses.

You’ve recently expanded into your fourth location under The Beauty Base brand congratulations! What has driven your growth, and how have you maintained consistency across each space?

Thank you! I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of the Narellan community since the centre first opened. Being in such a rapidly growing area has certainly played a role in our journey.

That said, growth hasn’t always been smooth - it’s come with its fair share of highs and lows.

What’s kept us grounded is staying true to our core values and genuinely caring for every guest and team member who walks through our doors.

I’m always open to learning, listening to those with more experience and staying ahead in this ever-evolving beauty industry.

Building and retaining a high-performing team is one of the biggest challenges in our industry. What’s been your approach to creating such strong therapist loyalty?

It all comes down to care and communication. When you truly care for your team, they care in return and that ripple effect creates a really special dynamic. I’ve always wanted my salons to be a safe space. Somewhere my team can leave their worries at the door, feel supported and know they’re part of something bigger. We’ve grown together over the years, many of them I’ve seen start their careers, start families and now I get to watch their journeys continue.

They’re truly like family to me.

You’re known for having a vibrant and positive team culture. What values or practices help keep that strong, especially as you grow?

I think it’s about leading with honesty, humility and consistency. We don’t believe in hierarchy here. Whether you’re in upper management or just starting out, we’re all equal and we all support each other. We show up for one another and that’s what makes our culture feel so genuine.

In an industry where burnout is common, what makes your team want to stay and grow with The Beauty Base?

I’d say it comes down to the human side of business loyalty, respect, empathy and trust.

We offer opportunities for our team to evolve into roles they’re passionate about and I love helping them chase their dreams. Their goals become my goals, and I’ll do everything I can to support them.

What does leadership mean to you personally, and how has your style evolved as your business has grown?

For me, leadership means leading by example. I’m not about telling people what to do, I’d rather show them.

It’s about walking alongside my team, not ahead of them. I try to lead with care, stay open-minded and treat everyone with respect. That’s helped shape the culture we’ve built today.

You’ve chosen to partner with INSKIN COSMEDICS (O COSMEDICS). Why was this the right fit, and what initially drew you to the brand?

At The Beauty Base, we’re all about delivering real results and building true skin confidence. When I discovered O COSMEDICS and the INSKIN COSMEDICS brand, it felt like finding the perfect fit for our salons and my passion in skincare. The INSKIN brands are scientific, clean and created by people who truly understand our industry.

Their formulations are powerful yet thoughtful and the partnership just felt right. Their support has been incredible from day one and they’ve played such a meaningful role in our journey.

What do you and your team love most about working with the INSKIN Cosmedics brands?

The education and support they provide is second to none. My team feels empowered to confidently prescribe skincare and help our guests achieve real, visible results.

The INSKIN team is always just a phone call away and that level of support means the world to me and my girls. My staff genuinely love working with their brands it makes a big difference.

With four locations, how do you ensure every guest still receives the signature Beauty Base experience?

We invest a lot in communication and training, and I always try to explain the “why” behind what we do. When the team understands the purpose, they’re more connected to the vision and the guest experience becomes second nature.

Looking ahead, what’s next for The Beauty Base? Are there any exciting plans on the horizon?

Right now, we’re focused on nurturing what we’ve built. Like many businesses, we’re feeling the current economic pressures, so our priority is to pour our energy into our four locations continuing to care for and educate our team, refining what we do best and delivering the most memorable experiences for our guests. We’ll use this time to grow stronger from the inside out.