Australian Beauty Founders Named ALIBI Awards Finalists
Several Australian beauty founders have been named as finalists in the 2026 Australian Ladies in Business Initiative (ALIBI) Awards. The awards recognize entrepreneurs across various sectors, including skincare, cosmetics, salons, and hair.
In the Handmade Heroine category, she joins April Dumbleton of Rubywood Laundry Booster, Megan Patterson of Magical Megs, and Sandy Naidoo of Durbalicious Pickles & Spices.
Blossom ’n’ Bloom focuses on natural beauty and sustainable self-care, offering handmade soaps made with botanical oils, butters, and essential oils. The brand emphasizes small-batch production and carefully selected ingredients.
Other beauty industry entrepreneurs recognized include Deb Frost of Mooie Makeup, a finalist for Product-Based Business of the Year. Frost, a professional makeup artist with over 30 years of experience, founded Mooie Makeup in 2012, focusing on personalized and refillable beauty products.
Beauty services and professional hair also shine
Michal Gabriel of MG Beauty & Brow is a finalist in two categories: Aspiring Leader of the Year and Enduring Brilliance. Her Penrith-based business offers services like brows, skin treatments, lashes, hair removal, makeup, and spa services.
Rose Zahrooni of Roses Hair Studio is recognized in the Creative Service of the Year and Lady Tradie categories, representing the professional hair sector.
The 2026 ALIBI Awards, now in their fifth year, feature 28 categories celebrating Australian women in various business sectors. The Awards Night will take place in Orange, NSW, on October 24, 2026.
This recognition highlights the diversity and strength of Australia’s independent beauty sector, from handmade skincare to professional services. It showcases the resilience and innovation of these female founders in a challenging business environment. With several finalists securing multiple nominations, these awards demonstrate the notable impact of these entrepreneurs on the industry.
The event’s move to a regional location for the first time adds a unique dimension to the celebration, bringing attention to businesses outside major cities. As the awards approach, the spotlight on these beauty founders may inspire further growth and recognition within the sector, potentially drawing more investment and support for independent brands.
