We recently caught up with the truly lovely Alicia Taylor, owner and founder of Highlands Laser & Beauty, and what a fun chat it was. Calmly confident, kind to the core, and deeply fulfilled by the work she does, Alicia is exactly the kind of person you want looking after your skin and self-care.
Her beautiful salon, tucked away in Mittagong, is designed for comfort, calm and the ultimate care. The space is warm, welcoming, and full of thoughtful touches (yes, there are doonas and fluffy throws on the treatment beds).
We asked Alicia to share more about her journey, the services that set her apart, and what keeps her inspired every day.
So Alicia, let’s go back to the beginning. What first sparked your interest in beauty therapy?
I’ve been obsessed with beauty for as long as I can remember. I was always the friend people turned to for advice, and I knew early on that this was the path I was meant for. I studied Beauty Therapy while working at Napoleon Perdis… a dream role for any beauty lover!
Over the past 20 years working in salons and day spas across Sydney, I’ve had the opportunity to continually refine my skills and deepen my understanding of results-driven treatments. Along the way, I discovered the importance of personalising each experience and how much trust clients place in you when it comes to their skin and wellbeing. This strong foundation shapes everything I do today.
Beauty’s clearly in your DNA! How did this journey lead to Highlands Laser & Beauty?
Yes, it sure is! Beauty has always been part of my story, even when life took me in other directions. But I always found my way back. One of the most rewarding chapters was working as a mobile therapist, visiting people in their homes for waxing, massage, makeup and nails. But as demand grew, I realised I couldn’t do it all on the road, so I shifted into a salon setting.
In 2012, I opened my first brick-and-mortar salon, Wollondilly Laser & Beauty, and that’s when things really began to grow. It gave me the experience, confidence and loyal client base I needed to take the next step.
I’m a qualified massage therapist, nail technician and makeup artist, with a Diploma in Dermal Therapy, and all of that comes together in how I now approach skin health and self-care.
After moving to the Southern Highlands in 2024, I knew I wanted to build something closer to home, a space that felt calm, luxurious and welcoming. That’s how Highlands Laser & Beauty was born!
We’re so glad you’re here! Tell us about the lovely team you’ve built around you. It sounds like an awesome crew.
These ladies really are the dream team! I feel so lucky to work alongside Christina and Carrie-Anne, who’ve been with me for years, and Sasha, who brings a fresh perspective and her own beautiful energy to the space. Each of us brings something different to the table, and together, we create a balanced, skilled team focused on delivering expert, personalised care every time.
Your services feel really considered. How did you develop them?
I’ve always been a hands-on therapist. I love working out what someone’s skin actually needs and creating a treatment that suits them perfectly. One of my favourite offerings is what I call a non-surgical facelift. It’s something I’ve developed over the years, combining things like skin needling, LED and peptides to get great results without the downtime.
That’s the part I really enjoy. Sitting down, having a proper chat, and figuring out what someone actually wants (and doesn’t want!). Then we can tailor something that works for them, not just a one-size-fits-all approach.
My background in Dermal Therapy really shapes the way I work. I love focusing on skin health, that’s where I light up. Treatments like micro-needling, peels, and advanced dermal therapies are my passion. We also offer laser and IPL for hair reduction and to treat various skin concerns. Those treatments can make such a huge difference to someone’s confidence.
We also offer all the beauty essentials like waxing, tinting, lash lifts, massage, spray tans, and special occasion makeup… the whole works. Whatever someone’s coming in for, our focus is always on making sure they feel comfortable, cared for, and confident when they walk out the door.
You’re the first in the Highlands to offer an authentic Japanese Head Spa, and everyone’s super excited about it. How did that come about?
Honestly? A trip to Bali. I realised we offered everything except scalp treatments. So when I got home, the team and I dove into training, tested out different methods, and eventually crafted our own 20-step experience.
It’s such a dreamy experience. There’s just one chair, so it’s super calm and personal with no rushing, no noise, just full focus on you. We tailor the treatment to each person and make sure every step feels special. People walk in a bit curious and walk out floating.
Fold Tip: This luxurious, one-of-a-kind treatment is already the talk of the town. If you’ve been curious to give it a go, trust us… it’s every bit as good as it sounds. Especially when it ends with a pot of tea and cake!
And is there anything new on the horizon for Highlands Laser & Beauty?
Actually, we’re about to launch Japanese facials to complement our head spa, incorporating authentic skincare, lifting tools and rice masks. It’s a beautiful extension of what we already do, and I’m genuinely excited to share it with our clients.
Ohh, we’re excited for this!! Now, we’ve gotta ask, outside the salon, what brings you joy?
I’ve always had a creative side! I love gardening and art, especially charcoal drawing. I have a real soft spot for birds, too. We keep chickens at home, and I actually breed peacocks. They’re beautiful creatures with so much personality.
Food is a big part of my life as well. I love cooking, discovering new local places to eat, and sharing meals with friends and family. The sense of community here in the Highlands is something I value deeply. It’s warm and welcoming, which is exactly how I want my salon to feel.
(You’ll spot some of Alicia’s gorgeous charcoal life drawings scattered around on the salon walls.)
And finally – what’s one thing you wish more people knew about beauty and skin care?
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Please wear sunscreen!
I wish someone had told me that earlier. The effects don’t show up straight away, but they do show up! Pigmentation, age spots, sun damage all catches up with you eventually. I see it every day when I’m treating skin, and honestly, so much of it could’ve been prevented with just that one step. It’s the easiest, most important thing you can do for your skin, no matter your age.
(You heard Alicia… slip, slop, slop, slop, slop and slap people – then slop some more!)
It’s clear that Highlands Laser & Beauty offers so much more than just treatments. There’s a genuine sense of connection and care that stands out in every visit. Clients often walk out not just looking their best, but feeling lighter and more confident. And it’s a difference that doesn’t go unnoticed.
That’s likely why so many people hear about Alicia and her team through word of mouth. It’s the kind of place people can’t help but recommend to friends, knowing they’ll be looked after and really listened to.
When you’re ready to feel your best, booking in is easy. Alicia and the team will take care of the rest!
Not sure about you but we will be booking in for a japanese head spa very soon!
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