WA Skin, Spa, Aesthetics & Beauty Awards

More Than an Awards Night

WASSABA is built on the belief that awards should feel earned, transparent and
genuinely reflective of industry excellence.

Its not about hype or hierarchy, it is about honouring the work that moves our industry forward.

Our annual awards event brings together industry leaders for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration.
It’s a chance to honour achievements, share success stories, and celebrate the passion that drives our industry forward.

Why Be Part of WASSABA?
Industry Recognition – Be acknowledged for your expertise and dedication

  • Credibility & Visibility – Stand out in a competitive market

  • Networking Opportunities – Connect with like-minded professionals and leaders

  • Celebrate Your Team – Reward hard work and milestones together

Whether you’re a clinic owner, practitioner, educator, or brand partner, WASSABA offers a platform to be seen, celebrated, and remembered.

Our Philosophy

  • Excellence

    Recognising high standards, integrity and exceptional contribution.

  • Credibility

    Clear criteria, robust processes and respected industry involvement.

  • Community

    Connection, collaboration and collective growth at the heart of everything we do.

Individually Driven. Collectively aligned.

WASSABA is led by three co-founders with years of experience across clinics, distribution, marketing, education and events.

Together, they bring a balance of strategic clarity, operational excellence and creative direction- underpinned by a shared commitment to building something meaningful for the industry.

United by one vision: to create a platform that celebrates excellence thoughtfully and creatively.

Meet the team

A woman with light brown hair, wearing a white sleeveless top with a V-neck, pearl earrings, a silver necklace with a pearl pendant, and a gold watch, standing against a plain light gray background.

Elke Richter

Co-Founder - Head Of Operations

Elke Richter is the Founder of Skin Inspired and Next Level Aesthetics, and a highly respected mentor within the skin and aesthetics industry. An ABIA Director of the Year award recipient, Elke has also been recognised for Best in Clinic Training, reflecting her commitment to excellence in leadership and education. With extensive experience as a clinic owner and distributor, Elke brings deep, practical industry insight and a strong understanding of what it takes to build sustainable, high-performing businesses. She is passionate about elevating professional standards, mentoring clinic owners, and supporting long-term industry growth through practical leadership, consistency, and integrity.

A woman with long wavy blonde hair, blue eyes, wearing earrings and a cream-colored button-up shirt, smiling at the camera against a plain white background.

Laura Smyth

Co-Founder - Head Of Events

Laura is the Founder and Salon Director of Lush Skin & Body in Melbourne and Perth. With nearly 20 years in the beauty industry, she is an entrepreneur, educator, speaker and mother of two, deeply passionate about skin health, education and business growth. Laura opened her first salon in Melbourne in 2011 and expanded to Perth in 2021, where her Mount Hawthorn clinic was named Best Newcomer Salon of the Year at the ABIA Awards. She is also the founder of The Beauty & Aesthetic Network (TBAN) and regularly curates industry events that champion connection, leadership and community.

Rachel Diaz

Co-Founder - Head Of Industry Relations

Rachel is the Founding Director of the multi award-winning LoveBeauty Skin Clinic and a highly respected business mentor within the industry. Under her leadership, LoveBeauty has received multiple InSkin and ABIA Awards, including being named Clinic of the Year Australia in 2025, making them the second Western Australian business in ABIA history to achieve this national recognition. Rachel celebrates excellence in client experience, team culture, and business performance. With 19 years of hands-on clinical experience and a decade in business management, Rachel is known for her people-first leadership style and her ability to build high-performing, values-driven teams. She is committed to recognising and championing the people, businesses, and standards that continue to elevate the industry.

A team committed to elevating the industry

WASSABA was created to celebrate the people, businesses and brands shaping our industry in Western Australia.

Because we believe that WA’s industry deserves a stage of its own.

Be part of the movement

WASSABA is made possible through the support of our industry and there are many ways to get involved.

Together, we raise the standard.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!