We are celebrating International Women’s Day with some of the most inspirational women in our industry. Today’s guest is Lydia Jordane of Lycon.
The theme for International Women’s Day in 2024 is: Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, and when women themselves are inspired to be included, there’s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Therefore, Barneys wish to inspire our industry and female salon owners with stories of success and insights from the biggest salon brands in the market, and today, we are celebrating International Women’s Day with Lydia Jordane.
Get to know Lydia and her story
Lycon has long been a leader in wax both nationally and internationally. Established in Australian in 1968, yet long in the making with Lydia Jordane’s childhood passion. Lydia created her first wax as a teenager, and since has established a trusted wax of choice across top spas and salons in over 90 countries. And today, we get the pleasure to team up with Lydia Jordane from Lycon for a little Q&A on a very important topic, women in our industry, in bringing more awareness to International Women’s Day.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It means a lot to me. Yet, I am also not so happy with how things are for women and should International Women’s Day be obliterated. The reason I say this is because I feel women should already be equal to men and we should not have to remind everyone that women are intelligent, educated, creative, business minded, or homecare minded and that we can be anything we want. However, it does bring awareness to where awareness should be granted.
What or whom has been your inspiration for achieving the career you dreamed of?
I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I left school, but I know and was always told by my mother that it is important for a woman to be self sufficient and productive in anything I choose to do or be. My mother was a fashion designer and a very good seamstress, who became a housewife after she got married in her late 20’s. She always told me that I needed to do something which would allow me to stand on my own 2 feet, as one never knows what is around the corner. Life took me in that self-sufficient direction without actually planning it.
What challenges do you feel women in our industry face and how could we look to push through such challenges?
I think there is still the notion that we play with makeup all day long and there is nothing to worry about or plan for. The beauty industry is a very demanding and rewarding industry. It would be good if we had more recognition starting from the time we attend beauty college, then work for someone, then own our own business and the future that it provides for us all. As LYCON is distributed in over 90 countries, I have had the privilege to train and mentor many therapists in many aspects of beauty therapy, waxing as well as skincare all over the world and I still do. I find the training aspect of my business extremely rewarding, as it is such an amazing way to give back to the industry and create everlasting bonds and support between women in so many different cultures. I would love to see more women supporting each other and cheering each other in all aspects of our individual lives.
What is the best advice you received throughout your career that you can share with our readers?
Do not leave what you can do today for tomorrow.
Tell us about a big achievement that stands out for you, be it personal or career focused.
I am very proud of LYCON’s many global firsts, some of which are: 1980 brought the inclusion of aromatherapy oils in LYCON depilatory waxes, for their calming and skin caring benefits while waxing. Also in 1980, was the introduction of LYCON Pre-Waxing Oil that provides protection and skin conditioning during hot or strip waxing. In 1989, the introduction of LYCON Rosette Hot wax with Titanium Dioxide for extra pliability and skin nurturing. LYCOjet hot wax is a global sensation which I launched in 1991 and then LYCON LYCOdream Hybrid Hot Wax that is a blend of LYCON’s traditional pine resin formula and our LYCOtec film wax. To follow more recently the PINKINI Brazilian Care Range that is reported as the best wax ever. It is difficult to list everything, however I am very proud of the recognition in the way of many global awards LYCON has been awarded over the years for LYCON depilatory waxes and skincare.
What would you like to share with our beauty industry that may inspire or empower?
If you see a glimmer of opportunity, take it, and go for it. It is important to be passionate about what you are doing, honesty is of course important with yourself and others, which means we need to be very clear if something is working and how it is shaping up. If you feel you are on the wrong path, then do not be afraid to pull back and not continue with something that is not working. As being on the wrong track costs time and money and potentially missing out on other opportunities and other paths to take.
