Our Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2026 winners series sees us chatting to our trophy recipients about their career and business, and what it takes to thrive in the industry.
Dr Ninnette De Klerk won Aesthetic Practitioner of the Year, sponsored by Dermapenworld Ireland, and she took the time to answer our questions.
Tell us about your career journey to date?
My journey began in South Africa, where I qualified as a medical doctor before completing my internship and community service. I initially worked in emergency medicine alongside general practice, which gave me an incredible foundation in patient care, and taught me to think critically and work calmly under pressure.
After having my children, I gradually shifted away from emergency medicine and focused more on general practice. During that time, I became involved in a doctor-led medical weight management programme because of my own struggles. Soon after, I opened my own practice. It was there that something unexpected happened – patients who were successfully losing weight began asking me about changes in their skin and facial ageing. That sparked my interest in aesthetic medicine.
I started by completing a few introductory courses, but it quickly became clear that I wanted to pursue it properly, so I enrolled in a two-year advanced diploma in aesthetic medicine. Looking back, I often say that aesthetics found me, rather than the other way around. My aesthetic journey started with weight loss and lifestyle and that is still a big part of my practice.
We moved to Ireland in 2021. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working in two leading aesthetic clinics, while continuing to develop my skills, including completing a professional diploma in dermatology. Skin health has become one of my greatest passions, and I love combining dermatology with aesthetic medicine to help patients look and feel their best.
Today, I’m incredibly proud to have come full circle and to once again own my own clinic. Alongside treating patients, I do some training and speaking engagements, serve on the board of the Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine, and remain committed to continually learning, teaching and raising standards within our profession.
What have been the highlights/moments you are most proud of?
There have been a number of milestones throughout my career that I’m incredibly proud of, but they all represent much more than professional achievements. Opening my first clinic in South Africa was a huge moment for me – it was the first time I realised that I could build something that reflected my own values and approach to patient care.
Completing my advanced diploma in aesthetic medicine while running a full-time clinic and raising three young children is another achievement I’ll always be proud of. It wasn’t easy, but it reinforced my belief that you’re never too busy to keep learning and investing in yourself.
Perhaps the biggest leap of faith was moving my entire family from South Africa to Ireland in 2021. Starting over in a new country was exciting, but also incredibly daunting. Looking back now, I’m so proud of how well we’ve settled, both personally and professionally. Building a career from the ground up again, becoming part of the Irish aesthetic community, and now opening my own clinic once more feels like coming full circle.
While those are significant milestones, the moments that mean the most to me happen every day in clinic. Building long-term relationships with my patients, earning their trust and seeing the confidence they gain through treatment is what makes me love what I do. Those quiet moments of connection and knowing you’ve genuinely made a positive difference in someone’s life are, without question, my greatest achievements.
Building long-term relationships with my patients, earning their trust and seeing the confidence they gain through treatment is what makes me love what I do
What do you love most about the industry?
What I love most about aesthetic medicine is that it combines science, medicine, artistry and psychology. Every patient is unique, and every consultation is an opportunity not only to improve someone’s appearance, but also to boost their confidence and overall wellbeing. I also love that our industry is constantly evolving. New research, technologies and treatment approaches mean we’re always learning, which keeps the work exciting and continually challenges me to grow as a practitioner.
One of the greatest privileges has been becoming part of such a supportive professional community. I’ve built wonderful friendships and working relationships with colleagues who inspire me, challenge me and generously share their knowledge and experience. Having the opportunity to work and learn alongside other passionate practitioners is something I genuinely value, and I believe collaboration is one of the reasons our profession continues to progress.
Most of all, I treasure the relationships I build with my patients. Many stay with me for years, allowing me to support them through different stages of life. Seeing someone leave the clinic feeling more confident, happier and more comfortable in their own skin never gets old, and it’s the reason I love coming to work every day.
Are there challenges in the industry and how can they be overcome do you think?
Like many rapidly growing industries, aesthetics faces challenges around misinformation, unrealistic expectations and varying standards of training. I believe education is the key to overcoming these challenges, both for practitioners and for patients. Practitioners should commit to ongoing education, evidence-based practice and knowing their limitations.
Patients should feel empowered to ask about qualifications, training and experience before undergoing treatment. As medical professionals, we also have a responsibility to prioritise patient safety above commercial interests. Ethical practice, honest communication and putting patients first will always strengthen our profession.
What traits do you think are most important in order to thrive in the industry?
Curiosity and humility are essential. Medicine never stands still, so you have to remain willing to learn, adapt and continually improve. Empathy is equally important. Technical skill matters enormously, but understanding a patient’s concerns, managing expectations and building trust are what create truly exceptional outcomes.
Finally, integrity is everything. Sometimes the best treatment is no treatment at all, and having the confidence to say ‘no’ when it’s in a patient’s best interests is one of the most important qualities any practitioner can have.
Receiving recognition from experienced judges and respected colleagues made the award particularly meaningful – it felt like validation of the years spent studying, refining my skills and always striving to provide the highest standard of patient care
Were you surprised to win a Beauty, Hair & Spa Award, and what does winning mean to you?
Absolutely, I was genuinely surprised. The standard of finalists was incredibly high, so simply being shortlisted felt like an achievement. Winning was something I never took for granted. Receiving recognition from experienced judges and respected colleagues made the award particularly meaningful – it felt like validation of the years spent studying, refining my skills and always striving to provide the highest standard of patient care. It’s also a reminder that success isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of consistency, continuous learning, hard work and genuinely caring about every patient who walks through the door.
What advice would you give anyone who is thinking about entering next year’s Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards?
Go for it! Don’t wait until you think your career is ‘perfect’. The application process itself is incredibly valuable because it encourages you to reflect on your achievements, your growth and the impact you’ve had on your patients or clients. Be authentic. Tell your own story rather than trying to write what you think the judges want to hear. Share your passion, your commitment to learning and the difference you make every day.
Finally, don’t underestimate yourself. Many outstanding professionals never enter because they doubt whether they’re good enough. If you’re passionate about what you do and committed to excellence, you already have a story worth telling.
Are you thinking about entering the Beauty, Hair & Spa Awards 2027? If so, you can register your interest here.
