Circadia Elevate: Day of Education
Circadia Elevate 2025: My Time is Now
On Saturday, 16th August, the iconic Grand Ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park was filled with energy, passion, and purpose as skincare professionals from across Australia gathered for Circadia Elevate 2025.
With this year’s theme, “My Time is Now,” the event was more than a conference, it was a call to action. A reminder for every skin therapist, clinic owner, and industry leader in the room that growth, success, and opportunity aren’t somewhere in the future - they’re happening right now.
A Celebration of Education and Connection
Circadia has always been about empowering professionals, and 2025 took it to new heights. Building on the legacy of Circadia Connect, Elevate brought together the industry’s brightest minds for a full day of education, strategy, and inspiration.
Passionate Australian clinic owners and skin therapists stepped away from their treatment rooms and immersed themselves in transformative sessions covering advanced skin science, ingredient innovation, leadership, branding, and client care strategies. Beyond the knowledge, it was a chance to connect with peers who share the same dedication to growth and excellence.
A Lineup Like No Other
This year’s speakers set the stage for an unforgettable day:
Joanne Berry & Christine Clinton: are recognised leaders in oncology esthetics, massage, and touch therapy education. Christine, with over 35 years in the spa and wellness industry, is a licensed massage and skincare therapist, educator, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Clinton Cancer Care & Wellness for Life, chairs the Wellness for Children initiative with the Global Wellness Institute, and has been honoured for her pioneering work in mental health and spa programming. Joanne, a UK native with over 30 years of experience, has worked globally in luxury spas and wellness facilities, later founding the Wellness Education Hub in San Diego to deliver specialised training worldwide. Awarded for their contributions to oncology education and wellness, both share a vision of creating a global cancer care program. Their partnership with Circadia reflects a shared commitment to quality, with confidence that clients will benefit from the specialised protocols they have developed.
Gay Wardle: ABIA Hall of Fame Inductee and one of Australia’s most loved skin educators, spoke on skin integrity first, the Foundation for Safe, Sustainable Results in Device-Based Treatments. Healthy skin is the foundation for safe, effective, and long-lasting results in device-based treatments. While technology can enhance outcomes, it cannot replace the importance of skin health. Treating compromised skin increases the risk of sensitivity, inflammation, poor healing, uneven energy absorption, prolonged downtime, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while internal imbalances make results unpredictable. By focusing on preparation, through barrier repair, hydration, and supporting internal balance, clinicians can create the ideal environment for treatments to deliver their full potential, ensuring safer, more consistent, and sustainable results.
Dr Bryan K. Williams: We were privileged to host Dr. Bryan K. Williams for an exclusive digital appearance at Circadia Elevate, where his words resonated on a deeply personal level with every individual in the room. A globally recognised authority on service excellence and leadership, Dr. Williams brought warmth, energy, and inspiration that transcended the screen, leaving attendees not only motivated but personally touched by his message. To make the experience even more memorable, each guest was gifted one of his acclaimed novels, a lasting reminder of his wisdom and the powerful impact he left behind.
Kris Astroff: our powerhouse licensed esthetician and global educator for Circadia, brought her expertise to “Pigmentation in Practice: Translating Skin Science into Clinical Aesthetic Results.” Her session explored the intricacies of the melanocyte and melanogenesis pathway, the differences between eumelanin and pheomelanin, and the underlying causes of stubborn pigmentation. She highlighted effective homecare “glow-to” products alongside professional treatment strategies that deliver real results. Honoured as Dermascope’s 2025 Best Brand Educator, Kris blends science, heart, and humor in her teaching, while inspiring skin professionals worldwide.
Savannah Grizzaffe: Global Educator for Circadia and founder of Southern Beauty Skin, delivered an inspiring mixology session at Circadia Elevate, sharing her journey of building a business rooted in confidence healing, skin health, and holistic energy work. With nearly seven years in the industry, Savannah has transformed her personal passion for helping others feel good into a thriving practice that spans two states and a global educator role. She calls herself a “confidence healer,” focusing on progressive, results-driven treatments, personalized facials, and Brazilian waxing, while also mentoring other estheticians in skin analysis and holistic business approaches. Through resilience, authenticity, and dedication, Savannah has cultivated meaningful client relationships, stayed true to her brand, and been recognised as Circadia Educator of the Year, all while inspiring others to align their business with purpose and passion.
Rachael Stevens: CEO of Circadia Australia, shared her vision and mentorship for industry growth. At Circadia Elevate, Rachael opened the event discussing the profound effects of blue light on circadian rhythms and overall health. Blue light, which causes more skin damage than UVA and UVB combined, disrupts sleep, hormones, metabolism, and immunity. Circadia’s skincare harnesses science-backed ingredients to repair blue light damage, while treatments and advice are designed to protect skin during the day and support repair during sleep. By focusing on the body’s natural circadian rhythms, Circadia helps clients achieve optimal skin health and overall wellbeing, combining the best of science and nature.
Melissa Hodgkinson: Circadia Australia’s National Sales & Training Manager, inspired with powerful sessions on personal growth at Circadia Elevate. Originally from New Zealand and living in Australia for 18 years, Melissa brings 20 years of hair and beauty experience, 10 years in business development working with over 300 small business owners, and a Diploma in Life & Leadership Coaching. A former small business owner herself, and now a mum and soon-to-be wife, Melissa is passionate about helping others clarify their goals and take purposeful action. At the event, she shared her expertise using the GROW coaching model, guiding attendees to define what they HAVE (their goals), who they need to BE (stepping into the identity of someone who already achieves those goals), and what they need to DO to turn dreams into reality, emphasizing that consistent action is the key to success.
The Spirit of Elevate
Each session was bold, practical, and deeply motivating, giving attendees tools they could implement immediately in their businesses and careers. The power of Circadia Elevate lies not only in the content but in the connections. The room buzzed with collaboration, laughter, and the shared belief that the professional skincare industry in Australia is stronger when we rise together.
From the keynote moments to breakout discussions, every attendee left with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and the reminder that their time truly is now.
Looking Ahead
Circadia Elevate 2025 marked another milestone in our journey of education, empowerment, and industry leadership. We are so proud of this growing community of professionals who continue to show up, elevate their knowledge, and champion excellence in skincare.
Here’s to carrying the momentum forward, because your time is now... be sure to join us at the next one!
