In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, below we recognise women who are doing amazing things in the spa, health, beauty and wellness space.
Our list continues to expand with each year as we give a shout out to women we appreciate and admire in the spa wellness industry in recognition of International Women’s Day.
These women are improving the lives of others, providing education and inspiration, offering incredible experiences, and running businesses that allow the industry to grow and prosper in Australia and beyond.
Some of these nine women you may recognise, others work tirelessly behind the scenes, and some are up and coming stars.
Thank you ladies for the passion you bring to what you do and offer to us, the consumers, as we navigate the industry to discover what works best for our own health and wellbeing.
Claire Gemes & Jade Ogilvie (above)
Co-Founder (Claire) & Spa Manager (Jade), Lon Retreat & Spa
Claire is the co-founder of Lon Retreat, a farm and former family home transformed into a luxurious coastal escape on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. Jade, a qualified naturopath, is the Spa Manager of Lon Spa which offers transformative experiences that promote holistic well-being.
Together they are part of a leadership team that has created the unique charm and serenity that Lon Retreat and Spa offer. It’s a sanctuary where guests can slow down and reconnect with nature, escaping the busyness of life and immersing themselves in relaxation and rejuvenation.
In recognition of its exceptional offerings, Lon Retreat & Spa was awarded as ‘The Best Spa in Australasia‘ at the 2024 Spa&Wellness Awards, and Jade was recognised as runner-up in “Rising Star” category.
Kristen Laing-Herbert
COO & Co-Owner, LaGaia Unedited
LaGaia Unedited is a prestigious skincare and wellness brand, providing top-tier beauty treatments in 5-star resorts, luxury hotels, and spas. Recognised globally for her expertise, Kristen, often referred to as the “Unedited Beauty Crusader,” won International “Best Educator & Spa Trainer” at the 2024 Spa&Wellness Awards. Collaborating with her mother, Dr. Laing, the brand’s founder, her deep passion for cosmetic chemistry is evident in the LUE product line, which emphasises professional skincare, holistic wellness, and eco-conscious beauty practices. As a thought leader in the unedited beauty movement, Kristen advocates for natural beauty in an industry obsessed with unrealistic beauty standards.
Sam Gowing
Chef Samantha Gowing is a trailblazing culinary visionary with a unique journey in the world of gastronomy and wellness. With her extensive background in health science and gastronomic tourism, Chef Sam has been a pioneer in promoting the fusion of delicious, nutritious cuisine long before it became a popular trend. In 1999, she founded Gowings Food Health Wealth, a global wellness enterprise headquartered in the serene Byron Bay. This innovative company specialises in crafting bespoke culinary programs for luxury hotels, spas, and health retreats around the world.
Mel James
General Manager, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat is a multi-award winning one-of-a-kind eco retreat where you can rediscover serenity and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more balanced life. With over 18 years of experience as a General Manager and Regional Operations leader in the international luxury hotel, spa, and wellness industry, Mel has a deep passion for creating exceptional wellness experiences. She is dedicated to enhancing guest experiences at Gwinganna while driving operations performance and maintaining the retreats commitment to wellness excellence. Gwinganna was awarded “Best Eco Retreat “at the 2024 Spa&Wellness Awards, as well as runner up in “Best Wellness Retreat” and “Integrated Wellness Retreat”.
Madonna Melrose
Founder, Melrose International
Madonna has been involved with the Spa, Wellness and Beauty industry since the mid 80’s. Seen as an industry leader and expert in the beauty industry initially as a makeup artist,, she then held numerous magazine editorial roles. Today her focus is Melrose International which is helping businesses to grow via government funding. She is dedicated to assisting Australian businesses, particularly in the spa and wellness industries, to not only access but clearly understand the grant landscape. Her creative approach and wealth of business experience offers opportunities for these businesses to expand their reach and be recognised as global leaders.
DISCOVER MELROSE INTERNATIONAL
Lisa Rush
Founder, Lisa Rush Skin Clinic
Lisa is a Registered Nurse in Aesthetic Medicine and has spent the last 16 years developing her skills and experience working for some of the most renowned cosmetic clinics and plastic surgeons in Australia. Founder of Lisa Rush Skin Clinic, a nurse and doctor led medispa service in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, they offer advanced skin treatments, aesthetic medical treatments, body contouring, medi-facials and skin services. Lisa is passionate about producing natural-looking results that leave her clients with renewed self-love and confidence, whilst recognising the importance of facial balance and skill. Lisa was awarded “Industry Champion” (Runner up) at the 2024 Spa&Wellness Awards for her skill, experience and complex understanding of facial balance and anatomy, along with her ability to combine both an aesthetic eye for detail and excellent skill in treatment delivery.
DISCOVER LISA RUSH SKIN CLINIC
Montana Hardwick
Skin Therapist, Como Shambala, The Treasury
Montana was awarded “Rising Star” at the 2024 Spa&Wellness Awards. She is a skin therapist at the multi-award winning COMO Shambala at The Treasury in Perth. The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape is a wellness centre where hands-on holistic treatments that combine both Eastern and Western healing traditions are delivered in a calming, restful environment. Montana is excelling as a skin therapist, already receiving accolades amongst her peers, and a woman to watch as she carves her way into the spa industry.
Kirsty Ludbrook
Brand Strategist & Founder, Ludbrook Agency
Kirsty Ludbrook is an award-winning brand designer and strategist with 30 years extensive expertise across lifestyle, hospitality and wellness. Her passion is to create and execute compelling narratives that connect companies with customers. Named one of Australia’s Top 10 creatives by the Bulletin magazine and nominated Young Business Woman of the Year, her approach uses critical thinking, problem-solving and AI innovation to drive highly creative solutions. Ludbrook Agency is helping to build brands that are relevant, engaging, and purposeful. Just some of the beauty and wellness brands she has worked with include In Essence, Opty.nc, Le Tan and Karma Spas.
