For Carine Wallace, opening Carine Beauty Therapy wasn’t just about creating a beauty clinic — it was about bringing big-city treatments and expertise to the quiet streets of Westport. Over the years, her boutique clinic became a go-to destination for locals wanting advanced skin treatments and a touch of luxury. But as her client list grew, so did the need for a clearer plan. That’s when Carine realised it was time to invest not just in her clients, but in herself.
Like many passionate business owners, Carine eventually found herself in need of more than just skincare serums. She needed a strategy, a plan, and the confidence to elevate both her business and her career. That’s when she turned to Business Mentors New Zealand and was matched with Mike Moore, a volunteer Business Mentor who would help her not just polish her business, but discover her full potential as a leader.
From practitioner to professional leader
Carine wasn’t new to beauty therapy — in fact, with over 14 years of experience and a diploma from the prestigious Elite School of Beauty & Spa, she had mastered her craft. What she hadn’t mastered (yet) was stepping into the CEO role of her own growing business.
“Running a beauty clinic is so much more than performing treatments,” Carine reflects. “It’s managing growth, clients, finances, and somehow still leaving space for family and life.”
What made her journey unique was the scale of what she wanted to achieve — not just adding a few clients, but relocating her business, expanding services, managing new staff, and setting the business up for long-term success. “I wanted to make sure I wasn’t just growing, but that I was growing right”, says Carine.
Making over more than just the business
From their very first meeting, it was clear that Mike’s role would be more than helping Carine draw up a business plan; it was about helping her reshape her mindset. While Carine already had strong business instincts and a well-drafted plan, she was missing the structure and confidence to bring it fully to life. Mike quickly recognised that the real opportunity wasn’t just about shifting buildings but about shifting Carine into the role of a leader.
They worked closely to fine-tune her strategy, tackling everything from budgeting and risk management to planning for growth in a way that felt sustainable, not overwhelming. Mike gently challenged Carine to step back from simply ‘doing’ and start leading, encouraging her to think about the bigger picture. Conversations went beyond spreadsheets; they were about defining what kind of businesswoman Carine wanted to become. Mike’s honest, down-to-earth approach resonated with her, and before long, Carine was approaching decisions with greater confidence and clearer purpose.
Treatments to triumphs: Carine's growth as a business leader
One of the biggest changes? Carine stopped operating purely as a solo therapist and started seeing herself as a businesswoman with a vision.
“Mike helped me realise that I wasn’t just running a clinic,” says Carine. “I was leading a brand, building a team, and shaping the future of beauty services in our region.”
This shift in perspective unlocked a noticeable change in how Carine approached everyday decisions. Where she once felt bogged down in the day-to-day, she started stepping back to ask, "What will move the business forward sustainably?"
Mike encouraged her to take ownership of her leadership role, from managing financials more confidently to setting clear growth milestones. “The confidence I’ve gained has been massive,” Carine says. “It’s like I’ve given myself permission to think bigger.”
From skin deep to deep strategy
With Mike’s support, Carine’s business has already hit important milestones, but more importantly, Carine has transformed. She now operates with a clear strategy, a detailed roadmap for relocating the clinic, and the skills to manage future staff.
One highlight? Being nominated for the Leading Lights Awards. “Even though I didn’t win, the process was priceless,” says Carine. “It forced me to articulate where the business is heading and gave me confidence I hadn’t realised I was missing.”
Through mentoring, Carine has learned the power of refining operations without losing sight of the client experience. She’s also developed a deeper understanding of cash flow management, risk planning, and setting boundaries — all essential skills for any business owner looking to grow sustainably.
A fresh face for the future
Carine’s ambitions now go well beyond offering beautiful treatments. She has her sights set on building a team, expanding her space, and delivering more advanced services to clients across Westport and the wider West Coast.
“I want to grow while staying true to the essence of what I offer — connection, care, and high-quality service,” she says. “I’m also passionate about mentoring future beauty therapists one day. I know how much I’ve gained from having someone like Mike in my corner.”
Smooth moves: Carine's advice for business owners
Reflecting on her experience, Carine is clear about one thing: she wishes she’d found a Mentor earlier!
“The biggest game-changer for me has been learning to work on the business, not just in it,” she says. “I would tell anyone who is hesitating to get a Mentor to just do it. Be open, be ready to be challenged, and you’ll be amazed at how much you grow, not just your business, but yourself as a leader.”
Final touches from Mike
Mike couldn’t be more proud of Carine’s transformation. “She’s done a great job,” he says. “Carine now has the business smarts to match her professional skills, and she’s thinking strategically about how to balance growth with life and family.”
His gentle reminder to all business owners? “It’s not just about growth, it’s about balance. How are you managing the workload and looking after yourself?”
Thanks to the power of mentorship, Carine is ready for whatever comes next — with confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
