EXPERT INTERVIEW: Jocelyn Petroni

“Meditation keeps me balanced, I actually go into a meditative state while I’m giving facials. I find peaceful moments in my beautiful salon and I try to be mindful by only focusing on my task at hand, without thinking about everything else. This way I am most productive and able to give beautiful treatments.” – Jocelyn Petroni

Jocelyn Petroni is one of Australia’s leading therapists, facialists and the official manicurist for CHANEL Australia.  A beauty artisan working on some of the worlds most famous faces and the owner of a collection of incredibly chic salons, she’s passionate about her craft and the power of touch. Her talents and bespoke facials are unparalleled, but it’s her warmth and spirit that inspires us the most. 

Jocelyn follows a holistic approach to health and beauty, incorporating disciplines such as reiki and meditation into her treatments. The French Beauty Academy was lucky enough to have this beautiful spirit on campus last year and her energy is just as you would expect – warm, calming and like you have had the pleasure of knowing her a hundred years. The French Edit sat down with Jocelyn to talk beauty, building a luxury brand, being different in a highly competitive market and achieving balance. If you too are passionate about a career in beauty, this moving interview is a must-read….

As a young girl did you always dream about a career in beauty? What initial steps did you take to study (and where did you study?)
As a child I loved playing with my sisters long blonde hair and my Mum’s eyeshadow palette. When I decided to become a beauty therapist I approached all the Sydney colleges for a scholarship. Without any on offer I chose to study at the best college at the time, The Strand College of Beauty Therapy and work overtime to pay my tuition. The college enquired with the government and was granted three scholarships, I was lucky enough to be given one.

What was your motivation behind starting the Jocelyn Petroni brand and salons?
I wanted to create a salon experience that was as decadent as it is necessary.

Did you set out to be one of Australia’s top facialists when you began your beauty journey? What has been your work philosophy to get you to this point (we understand the waitlist to see you in months long!)…?
I never wanted to be better than anyone else in the beauty industry, just to be my own best. I continually learn and strive to offer a higher customer experience, which allows my Facials to continually evolve. I love what I do and I think that’s reflected in the level of service we provide.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Connecting with the client on a really personal level – the power of touch is amazing.

What is your most memorable career achievement thus far?
There have been many but being chosen as the official manicurist for Chanel was pretty special as was being taken to Cannes and Paris with French brands Nuxe and Bioderma.

What has been the most challenging aspect in owning your own business?
Time! There never seems to be enough time to do everything I want to do!

How do you differentiate yourself in a highly competitive market?
I offer a bespoke service that takes a holistic approach to beauty. I also like to incorporate meditation and reiki into my facials which makes them a complete wellness ‘experience.’

Why are you so excited to be working in the beauty industry right now?
The beauty industry is becoming accessible and acceptable to an everyday healthy happy lifestyle. I love that beauty maintenance and self giving is widely regarded and working as a beauty therapist, highly respected.

Describe a day in the life of Jocelyn Petroni… How important is exercise and meditation in your busy daily routine? Do you have a daily beauty routine or other daily rituals that you follow?
No two days are the same – my day might be filled with facial appointments, editorial shoots, team meetings etc. I meditate and exercise everyday.

How do you like to spend your spare time & how do you achieve balance in your own life?
Meditation keeps me balanced, I actually go into a meditative state while I’m giving facials. I find peaceful moments in my beautiful salon and I try to be mindful by only focusing on my task at hand, without thinking about everything else. This way I am most productive and able to give beautiful treatments.

At The French we understand and like to educate our students that nutrition plays an integral role in optimal overall health and well-being. Do you have any secret superfoods (or beverages) that you incorporate into your diet?
Green juices and green tea

What’s the best advice you can give to our French students or those interested in pursuing their own freelance career in beauty or to students who may want to own their own clinic or salon?
Be prepared to work hard! I think it’s important to also figure out where your passion lies and never compromise on quality. I think people appreciate integrity.

How do you like to indulge? What’s your own personal favourite beauty treatment?
I love to have facials, I enjoy the whole experience and particularly love a firm facial massage, it’s so relaxing.

My Signature Beauty Go tos…
Scent: Narciso Rodriguez
Lipstick: YSL Rouge Pur Couture 1.
Polish: Chanel Gitane
Book: The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Blog: Gritty Pretty
Best Kept Beauty Secret: Looking good is feeling good
Beauty product splurge: Sodashi’s Samadara Eye Cream
Budget beauty product: Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micellar Cleanser

The French Edit…
City: Paris.
Drink: Red Wine
Song: Currently anything Leon Bridges
Quote: You are what you think. All that you are arises from your thoughts. With your thoughts you make the world. Think good thoughts and happiness will follow. – The Buddha

Credits
Photos: Jocelyn Petroni

Follow Jocelyn Petroni on instagram here.