Local beautician and androgynous model Dylan Peck said entering the female-dominated beauty industry as a non-binary person who was assigned male at birth was “quite intimidating”.
The Clyde resident has worked in the beauty industry for over 10 years, and recently opened a beauty studio in Berwick.
“I do feel like sometimes I need to prove myself more in this space because I’m not a female,” they said.
“I’ve had clientele not necessarily want services from me because I am [biologically] a male and they feel uncomfortable.”
But Mr Peck said it was their passion for “wanting to help people feel beautiful and bring out their inner confidence” that pushed them to continue down the beauty career path.
Now, they are the proud owner of Euphoria Beauty studio in Berwick, providing makeup and beauty services in a safe and confident space.
“I wanted to make a space that was inviting for people from all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ people and allies,” they said.
Mr Peck’s talent in the beauty sphere has led them to work with celebrity clients including Sophie Monk and Cherry Dipietrantonio & Anjali Rao of Real Housewives of Melbourne fame.
But they said a large part of their passion lies in providing for “everyday” clients.
“Being raised by a single mum, whenever I noticed she was down I’d end up doing her hair and makeup to lift her spirits and bring out her confidence again,” they said.
“I want to be able to do the same for other people in the community, and give them the skills they need to do their own makeup without having to do a TAFE course or complete a certificate.”
Makeup lessons are a large part of Mr Peck’s vision for Euphoria Beauty Studio, offering lessons for teens, dance mums and mature age clients.
Growing up in the South-East and attending local schools in Pakenham and Cranbourne, Mr Peck said finding their identity wasn’t easy.
“Being a southeast suburban boy growing up with a an older brother and being around that more masculine energy I’ve definitely weaved and ducked a bit, but I got through and was able to find my inner self and that is just naturally more feminine.”
They said they hope other LGBTQIA+ youth who live in suburban areas can be also be inspired to follow their passions.
“I definitely want to inspire people coming from any sort of background to know there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Peck said.
“Regardless of who you are or where you come from, you are entitled to feel beautiful and to receive beauty treatments if that’s what makes you feel confident.”
“At the end of the day, I named my studio Euphoria beauty because I want my clients to get that euphoric feeling when they get their makeup done.”
