“It’s difficult for me to say when I started in natural health because it’s part of who I am,” Stephanie said. “My Mum practised Chinese Medicine, so I learnt about it as I grew up. But I didn’t see my career in it at first.”

After journalism, Stephanie studied a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) at Endeavour College of Natural Health on the Gold Coast. She loved it. “It was such a contrast to my first university. At Endeavour, the classes are intimate, you’re on a first-name basis with your lecturers, and they’re so supportive,” she said. “This translated through to my practice. I started with confidence because I had great instruction in the student clinic. I had learnt the skills to be able to treat from the heart.”

Stephanie also did something that not every student does. In her final years, she asked different practitioners if she could shadow them as they treated patients. She secured a reception/assistant role in a clinic, which helped her understand how to run a business.

When she graduated, Stephanie helped a friend set up his first clinic. By then she was ready to establish her business in Burleigh Heads. Stephanie has deliberately focused her practice on cosmetic acupuncture and women’s health – areas she is passionate about.

“I’ve seen many women, some as young as 20, who use Botox without considering the long-term effects on their health,” Stephanie said. “I want to help women and men understand that they can look good and feel good without introducing toxins to their bodies. Cosmetic acupuncture is a natural alternative.”

“People are excited about pursuing healthier, natural lifestyles by eating well and exercising. They need to apply this logic to ageing,” she said. “Cosmetic acupuncture uses facial needling to treat locally and includes a full body treatment to address the root cause of the issue. It has been used for thousands of years with no negative side effects.”

Stephanie also has a background in modelling and TV. She plans to combine all her skills to advocate for natural health. “The more people that are excited about it, the better!” she said. “There’s so much to look forward to. With acupuncture, I’m always learning and evolving. That’s what makes it so fascinating.”

Natural Health Heroes

Natural Health Heroes celebrates the wellness journeys of our alumni. From where they began to where they are today, we showcase our alumni’s unique stories, experiences and successes.

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