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Elaine Yau

Frederique Deleage,  founder & managing  director of a holistic health and beauty group
Young Post: When did you set up the Frederique Group?
Deleage: I became a beauty therapist when I was 19.  Before I came to Hong Kong in 1977, I worked in the beauty and health industry in France.
The beauty industry in Hong Kong back then was  made up of Chinese parlours.  Beauty therapists didn't wear uniforms. The establishments looked cheap and unprofessional.
I wanted to set up a school to raise the standard of the beauty industry. In 1977, I set up my company, Institut de Beaute,  in my  apartment.  It specialised in the provision of health and beauty services and training beauty professionals.
In 1993, the Frederique Holistic Health & Beauty Spa was formed, comprising spa centres, an internationally accredited academy, a wholesale products division and a spa consultancy.
YP: What are your job duties?
Deleage:  As a founder of the group, I develop business strategies.
At the beginning of a training programme, I  give a talk to students,  explaining their prospects  in the industry and  motivating them to strive towards their goals.
I also  deal with the press, write articles for magazines and  speak at conferences and seminars.
YP: You started as a beauty therapist. Now you  head a prestigious beauty group. You were also the recipient of Hong Kong's 1996 Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Your career story is incredible. How did you do it?
Deleage: I came to Hong Kong from Paris on a one-way plane ticket in 1977.
When I first started my business, I didn't have much money and I lived and worked at the same place.
Over the years, the company has been growing at an incredible pace.  We have trained more than 2,500 graduates over the past three decades.
As an entrepreneur, I believe in planning and work delegation. You have to have a vision and stick to it no matter what obstacles life throws at you.
Delegating work is also very important. You can't do everything on your own. You have to delegate your work to talented people and have trust in them. I also am willing to keep learning throughout my life.
YP: Why is lifelong learning so important?
Deleage: New things always come out in the industry. There are myriad beauty disciplines including skin rejuvenation, reflexology, aromatherapy, body massage and manicure. I am always on the cutting edge.
I travel around the world to learn new training methods and keep myself  up-to-date on all the latest beauty and health trends.
YP: Why did you choose  to set up your business in Hong Kong?
Deleage: I fell in love with the city when I first came here. Hong Kong is vibrant and exotic.
Being French is  an asset here.  People associate France with prestige, fashion and style. They also love my accent. Being French is  seen as being elegant.
YP:   Do you pamper yourself   in your  free time?
Deleage: I go to my spas once  a month to get anti-ageing and facial treatments and a body massage. I also strive to have a balanced and happy life.  I've been doing yoga since I was 25, and I love  hiking and swimming.
A happy and healthy person radiates youth and beauty. So, it's important to take care of yourself and enjoy your life as much as possible.
Career file
Resume
1977 Came to Hong Kong and set up Institut de Beaute
1986 The training academy was renamed Frederique's The French Beauty School
1980 Hosted a beauty programme called Body Talk on ATV
1993 Frederique Holistic Health & Beauty Spa was formed
Getting started
Course Frederique Aromatherapy Massage Certificate
School Frederique Academy
Duration Six three-hour lessons
Characteristics The course includes both theoretical and practical training in aromatherapy. Students learn to incorporate scent into daily life and professional skills in applying aromatherapy.
Enquiries www.frederiqueacademy.com.hk
Course Personal Makeup Skills
School ReJeune Meridian & Cosmetology Institute
Duration Four two-hour lessons
Characteristics Students learn different ways of applying makeup and how to use different makeup styles to bring out facial features. Cosmetics and makeup tools are provided by the  academy.
Enquiries www.rejeune.com.hk/institute/about_school.html
Career prospects
Graduates can find work in beauty parlours and health centres. A wide range of positions,  such as spa therapists, makeup artists and masseuses, are available in the beauty industry.
Once you build up a sizeable clientele, you can set up your own business and tap into the huge demand for beauty services in Hong Kong.
Those interested in teaching can conduct courses or work as education consultants at beauty training academies.



Live a beautiful life