A Hair & Beauty Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Owner, Leader or Principal is a business leader who operates an accredited training provider, delivering nationally recognised qualifications and skill-based courses in hairdressing, beauty therapy, makeup artistry, and dermal science. They oversee the strategic, financial, and operational aspects of the business, ensuring compliance with government regulations, industry standards, and training frameworks. With a strong foundation in education, business management, and industry expertise, they play a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled beauty and hair professionals.
MICHELLE JESSEN
Principal, The French Beauty Academy, Adelaide Campus
INDUSTRY ICON
Michelle Jessen is the Principal of The French Beauty Academy’s Adelaide campus, bringing with her a unique blend of academic expertise, creative flair, and deep industry experience in beauty therapy and education. With an early passion for helping others sparked by childhood memories of at-home spa treatments, Michelle’s journey into beauty was guided by both her nurturing spirit and a strong commitment to professional growth.
Her pathway into the industry began unconventionally—first completing a degree in Performing Arts, followed by a teaching degree specialising in dance. While her academic pursuits initially took her away from beauty therapy, Michelle returned to her true calling, completing her formal training in beauty and combining it with her education qualifications to become a leading figure in vocational training.
Michelle is a dedicated educational leader known for her warm, people-focused approach and her ability to inspire students and educators alike. She is passionate about developing the next generation of beauty professionals—not only in technical excellence but in personal growth, professionalism, and resilience. Her leadership at The French Beauty Academy is marked by a strong focus on consistency, high standards, and industry relevance, working closely with partners to ensure graduates are career-ready and confident.
One of her proudest achievements is witnessing her students cross the graduation stage—moments that reflect their transformation and the bright future ahead of them. Michelle's legacy is found in the many lives she has touched, often hearing from graduates years later who still remember her guidance and wisdom..
Details
What Does a Hair and Beauty RTO Do?
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Key Responsibilities:
- Establish and manage a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in compliance with ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority) or state-based regulatory bodies.
- Develop and oversee accredited courses, including:
- Certificate III & IV in Hairdressing (SHB30416 & SHB40216)
- Diploma of Beauty Therapy (SHB50121)
- Certificate III in Nail Technology (SHB30321)
- Certificate III in Makeup (SHB30221)
- Graduate Diploma in Dermal Science
- Hire, train, and support qualified trainers and assessors (TAE-certified educators).
- Ensure compliance with RTO standards (Standards for RTOs 2015), funding contracts, and reporting requirements.
- Manage student enrolments, course delivery, and academic progress.
- Develop industry partnerships with salons, spas, and cosmetic clinics to provide workplace training.
- Oversee marketing, student recruitment, and business development strategies.
- Implement quality assurance and continuous improvement processes to maintain training excellence.
- Ensure financial sustainability by managing course pricing, funding applications, and operational expenses.
Work Environments:
RTO Owners operate in different educational settings, such as:
Private Hair & Beauty Academies
Running specialised training facilities.
Online & Blended Learning Institutions
Offering digital beauty courses and remote training.
Industry & Salon-Based Training Centers
Providing workplace-based education.
Corporate & Franchise RTOs
Expanding into multi-location training businesses.
Skills & Qualifications
Skills required:
Business & Financial Management Skills:
Running a sustainable education business.
Leadership & Team Management:
Overseeing trainers, assessors, and admin teams.
RTO Compliance & Accreditation Knowledge:
Understanding ASQA, AQF, and government funding requirements.
Industry Knowledge & Education Expertise:
Strong background in hairdressing, beauty therapy, or dermal science.
Marketing & Student Engagement:
Attracting and retaining students through effective branding and communication.
Stakeholder & Industry Engagement:
Building partnerships with salons, beauty brands, and corporate clients.
Qualifications required:
To operate an RTO in hair and beauty, the following qualifications and registrations are necessary:
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122)
Required for training delivery.
Diploma of Salon Management (SHB50216)
Beneficial for managing training operations.
Certificate III or IV in Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, or Makeup
Relevant to the training scope.
Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Education
Enhances leadership and compliance management.
RTO Registration with ASQA or State Authorities
Required to deliver accredited courses.
Career Growth & Opportunities
RTO Owners can expand into:
Multi-Campus or Franchise Training Institutions
Scaling training operations across multiple locations.
Corporate Beauty Training & Brand Education
Providing professional development for beauty brands.
Government-Funded Training & Apprenticeship Programs
Securing contracts for subsidised education.
International Beauty Education & Student Recruitment
Offering training to overseas students.
Higher Education & Dermal Science Training
Expanding into advanced cosmetic and aesthetic training programmes.