ALEX Montford is upfront about her relationship with her skin and beauty, and encourages others to be the same.
The 23-year-old has just launched her first business, The Beauty Bar, in Darby Street, Cooks Hill.
From embracing her acne to using lip fillers, Ms Montford says her approach to beauty is "realistic".
"Everyone has a different opinion of their definition of beauty and what they can and cannot do. I am honest about what I do, I don't try to hide anything and I don't want my clients to think I have trade secrets - if I don't think something will work, I'll tell you," she says.
"I am open about acne because I have had it for a really long time and it's turned into management of it, it's not about getting rid of it. Realistically you can't guarantee you can clear someone's problems, and if you do you are being unrealistic and giving them false hope."
Ms Montford aims to improve her clients' skin while being realistic with their goals - and embracing their choices, irrespective of what others may think.
"People say, 'Do what is good for your soul!' So you do that, then they say, 'She got lip filler!' or whatever. If you own it, people are more inclined to like what you do. I like owning who I am. It's ok to want to improve your face."
Ms Montford left school in Year 10 to pursue a dance career in Melbourne. There, without her mum to assist her with makeup, she learnt to do her own. Eventually quitting dance, she completed a Certificate 3 and diploma in beauty at TAFE.
She worked at local salons before launching The Beauty Bar, a name that stems from her love for her industry and having a cocktail with friends, and a desire to create a community space: "Everyone is welcome to come in - even if it's for a chat."
The Beauty Bar offers classic beauty services (waxing, tinting, tans), skin treatments and makeup artistry. Having dreamt of owning a business since a teen, Ms Montford is nervous and excited.
"Once you commit, you commit to owning it [but] it feels natural, a bit like home."
The Beauty Bar will host an open day on February 22.
