Key Takeaways:
- The owner of a Newcastle beauty therapy business, Madeline Fakhoury, has denied allegations of putting clients at risk due to unhygienic practices and inexperienced staff performing high-risk treatments.
- Former employees and customers have come forward with claims of unsanitary conditions, unqualified staff, and false promises of investments and training.
- An investigation by SafeWork NSW is ongoing, and the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has taken regulatory action against providers who undermine the integrity of the vocational education and training sector.
- The allegations highlight the need for increased regulation and standards in the cosmetic industry to protect clients and ensure their safety.
Introduction to the Controversy
The owner of a Newcastle beauty therapy business, Skin Gym, has strongly denied allegations of putting clients at risk due to unhygienic practices and inexperienced staff performing high-risk treatments. Madeline Fakhoury, the owner of Skin Gym, claims that she has been in the industry long enough to know what is right and wrong and that everyone is safe with her. However, former employees, customers, and even her own son have come forward with allegations that contradict her claims.
Claims of Unhygienic Practices
Former employee Jasmine claims that she was given only one day’s training on the machines and was then expected to perform treatments on paying clients. She also alleges that the laser equipment and IPL machine were not properly cleaned, with staff simply wiping them down with a hand towel. Furthermore, Jasmine claims that needles were reused on clients after being soaked in alcohol or stored in plastic bags with the client’s name on them. These allegations are disturbing and raise serious concerns about the safety and hygiene practices at Skin Gym.
Allegations of False Promises
Charlene, a former customer, claims that she invested $3000 in Skin Gym and was promised a return on her investment, but has only received $1000. She also alleges that Madeline asked her for further loans and investments, which she claims were used for various purposes, including refurbishments and the development of a skincare line. Charlene’s story is not an isolated incident, as other customers and employees have come forward with similar allegations of false promises and unfulfilled expectations.
Investigation and Regulatory Action
SafeWork NSW is aware of the allegations and has commenced an investigation into the concerns raised. The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has also taken regulatory action against providers who undermine the integrity of the vocational education and training sector. The ASQA spokesperson emphasized the importance of ensuring the integrity of national qualifications and protecting the public from non-genuine and bad-faith operators.
Personal Consequences
The allegations have had personal consequences for those involved, including Madeline’s son Copahl, who claims that his partner was left with scarring after receiving treatments at Skin Gym. Copahl alleges that his mother failed to take the scarring seriously and told them to "trust the process." He also claims that he has been threatened with legal action and has received intimidating voice messages from one of Madeline’s associates.
Industry Regulation
The allegations highlight the need for increased regulation and standards in the cosmetic industry to protect clients and ensure their safety. The president of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. David Morgan, advises that regulators should err on the side of raising standards rather than lowering them to improve the safety and confidence of the industry. The cosmetic industry has grown significantly, and it is essential that regulators keep pace with this growth to ensure that clients receive safe and effective treatments.
Conclusion
The allegations against Skin Gym and its owner, Madeline Fakhoury, are serious and raise concerns about the safety and hygiene practices in the cosmetic industry. The investigation by SafeWork NSW and the regulatory action taken by ASQA are steps in the right direction towards ensuring that clients receive safe and effective treatments. It is essential that the industry prioritizes client safety and well-being, and that regulators continue to monitor and enforce standards to prevent such allegations from arising in the future.
