We reckon Amber has created something truely special at Platform Six, a beauty therapy and wellness haven in Bungendore.
What began as a side gig doing nails at home has grown into a well-loved local business, offering everything from traditional beauty services to cutting-edge treatments.
We met up with Amber to hear about her journey, her love for the Bungendore community, and what makes Platform Six such a hit.
1 // Hey there Amber. Can you tell us about how you came to live in Bungendore?
Well, I grew up in a Navy family, so we moved around a lot.
We ended up in Queanbeyan when I was about 12 years old. Later, I met my husband, who’s from the area, and we moved to Canberra for a while.
We lived in Gungahlin, but we really missed having the space, so we decided to make the move to Bungendore and we’ve never looked back.
It’s a great place to live, and our kids love it too!
2 // And how did you get into beauty therapy?
After high school, I wasn’t completely sure about what I wanted to do, but beauty therapy caught my interest, so I decided to go to beauty school and earned my diploma.
I spent about five years working in the beauty industry, but then I switched things up and took a job in the public service while I was raising my kids.
Even though I enjoyed the public service role, I really missed the beauty industry and knew I wanted to get back to it. When we moved to Bungendore, I realised there were no nail salons around, which sparked the idea to start offering nail services at home.
3 // And is that what led you to open Platform Six?
Yep, that’s right! I started doing nails at home as a bit of a side income. It wasn’t long before I realised there was a bigger demand than I could handle on my own. Within about a year and a half, I rented a studio in an emerging beauty salon here in Bungendore.
Two years later, the original owner sold the business to me, and that’s when I made it my own. It’s been a whirlwind since then, but so rewarding.
4 // What are some of the services you offer at Platform Six?
We’ve got everything from traditional beauty therapy like facials and massages to more advanced treatments like IPL skin rejuvenation and microneedling.
We also offer services like waxing, tinting, eyelash curling, manicures, pedicures, and even an infrared sauna, plus more.
We’ve got a pretty amazing range of treatments here and we’re proud of them!
5 // Fill us in on some of your newest additions to the salon?
One of the newest treatments we offer is microneedling with Electroporation. It’s an advanced technique that uses tiny medical-grade needles to create microchannels in the skin, stimulating collagen production. Electroporation technology allows us to infuse deeper products into the skin for even faster results.
We also have our Ultra Luxe machine which offers IPL [Intense Pulsed Light] treatments for both skin rejuvenation and hair removal. It also provides radiofrequency skin tightening and body contouring and has been quite popular already.
6 // Tell us about the team at Platform Six?
I’m lucky to work alongside the wonderful Karen. We make a great duo!
We also have Theresa from Navigating Calm, Steph from Wellness with Steph Lang, and a few other local professionals who rent our rooms.
They offer services like holistic therapies, cosmetic dentistry, and cosmetic tattooing. I love supporting other beauty professionals who might not be ready to own their own salon yet, we’re all about collaboration and helping each other grow.
7 // How would you describe the experience at Platform Six?
I’d say it’s all about creating a space where people feel at ease. It’s not just about getting a treatment; it’s about coming in for a friendly chat and a personal experience.
We call it “The Ultimate Experience” because we really focus on making everyone feel welcome and relaxed.
It’s a place where people don’t just come to check off a beauty treatment, they come to feel good, both inside and out.
8 // What’s next for Platform Six?
We’re always looking for ways to grow and bring in more advanced treatments.
Bungendore is changing, and we want to grow with it. We’re committed to offering the best possible service right here in town so that people don’t have to go elsewhere for the treatments they want and the locals really back us I think.
9 // How has being a business owner in Bungendore been for you?
The support from the local community has been amazing. It feels less like a job and more like being part of something bigger. I’m really proud of what we’ve built here, and I love that the town is so supportive. I’m excited to see where the future takes us.
10 // What do you enjoy most about life in Bungendore?
Again it’s that sense of community. It’s the kind of town where a quick trip to the IGA turns into a half-hour catch-up. My kids are thriving at school, and we make the most of our time together. I love relaxing by my pool or heading off on a caravan trip with my family. There’s a real ease to life here, and that’s something I really appreciate.
Incredible!
Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Amber.
Now… shall we get our nails done, maybe a facial, or how about some IPL therapy? Actually, let’s just have one of everything, thanks!
If you’re ready to treat yourself, head online to book your appointment with Platform Six and explore all their incredible services.
Or drop by Gibraltar Street in Bungendore, say hello, and let Amber and the team take care of the rest!