Flourishing Women:

April Jorgensen

What is your story?

I’m the CEO of the Australasian Academy of Cosmetic Dermal Science (AACDS) in Perth, WA. AACDS is a Registered Training Organisation specialising in nationally accredited training in field of cosmetic medicine and dermal therapies.

In 2003, I wrote the curriculum for the Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science, a qualification first of its kind in Australia.  The first intake in 2004, took only 20 students, though now the college enrols approximately 300 students per year. The college has also increased its scope of training by developing other innovative courses for nurses and doctors. 

I’m a dedicated business women and mother and in 2009, I won the WA Telstra Business Women’s Award in the Nokia Business Innovation Category and was a finalist in the Commonwealth Bank Business Owners Award, the Marie Claire Young Business Women’s Award and the 2010 WA Training Awards, as Trainer of the Year.

I’m continuing to expand the business through the development of new courses, interstate licensees and a new recruitment division for course graduates.

My ultimate goal however is to work on the charitable organisation we’ve established for women and girls in remote regions in Pakistan.

What inspired you to pursue your business and dream?

In addition to having a passion for this field, I also felt there was a need to lift the standards of dermal therapy services in Australia.  Many readers will be surprised to know that dermal therapies is an unregulated field, basically anyone can open a skin clinic and operate a laser, intense pulsed light or microdermabrasion machine. A formal qualification allows learners to safely and effectively provide dermal therapy services. Therefore protecting consumers, operators and the industry as a whole.

My inspiration to support educational opportunities for oppressed women and girls was from a woman named Mukhtar Mai. Mukhtar Mai is a courageous woman who challenged many of the human rights abuses directed at women in some of the rural areas of the Punjab region in Pakistan.  She established one the first girls schools in her village and has gone on to be one of the leading voices internationally on women’s rights. I had the pleasure of meeting Mukhtar Mai in Lahore, Pakistan in 2010.

Was there a perfect time to start your business or did a set of circumstances help you to make the decision?

I believe that there’s never a perfect time to implement decisions. Life can get so busy that if you wait for the perfect time, ideas and challenges often get put aside.  However, sometimes you encounter a set of circumstances, which help inspire and motivate you to initiate a goal or make a decision.   

What obstacles did you overcome?

The main obstacle I’ve had to overcome was something entirely self-imposed being lack of confidence in my abilities. I started my business when I was 24-years-old and I found when dealing with more mature personnel my confidence diminished. Looking back, I think this was more of a perceived issue than a reality!

How did your family, spouse and friends react? Did they support or obstruct you?

I’m pleased to say that most people around me are a great inspiration and support. My husband Jayson in particular has assisted me in many ways.  Our businesses are actually co-joined and feed off each other, so we often share ideas and work towards the same goals.  Support within the home is also important and Jayson participates in the home and with our son equally (mostly!)

What is the biggest challenge that you face?

The biggest challenge I currently face is time management. With so many projects on the go, a young child, a husband and the biological clock telling me “it's time to have another baby”, I sometimes feel like my head is spinning! I try to be as organised as possible, though I readily admit I often forget appointments and lose things. Unfortunately my husband is worse than me, so he’s no help.  A personal assistant would be ideal!

How do you keep you mind and body fit?

Maintaining your health and fitness is essential to achieving all of life’s goals. I’m not a gym junky, though I do try do two classes per week and walk to work rather than take the car when possible. I’m also a competitive sailor racing weekly out of South of Perth Yacht Club.  Sailing has always been a big part of my father’s life, so I’m pleased to be able to share this passion with him.

What are the future plans for you and your business?

The future plans for myself and my business encompasses the completion of a Graduate Certificate in Human Rights at Curtin University, which I’m currently studying and spending more time working on the charitable organisation. We also hope to have another child in the very near future.

What top 3 tips would you give someone if they were looking to make a significant change in their life?

1. Don’t wait for the perfect time to start implementing an idea or a goal. You may never find the perfect time, so as Richard Branson says, “Screw it, let’s do it!”
2. Open your mind to as many cultures, ideologies and new concepts as possible. Your life will be so much richer and rewarding!
3. Think twice about how you spend your money. Life is about experiences, NOT material possessions! 

For more information about April visit www.aacds.com.au.