A New Era: How Amy Phipps is Redefining Nail Care
Meet Amy Phipps, the visionary behind Polished Byron Bay, a holistic nail and beauty spa dedicated to clean, low-tox nail care treatments. Amy’s journey into wellness began in her childhood, growing up on a farm in the Brisbane hinterland and later attending a Steiner school in Sydney, where she learned to appreciate health and natural living. However, it was her commitment to eliminating toxins to prepare her body for pregnancy and the loss of her mother that sparked a deeper commitment to creating a space where beauty meets wellness—a sanctuary free from toxins, designed to heal both inside and out. Today, Amy’s mission is to reform the nail industry by offering safe, luxurious treatments that prioritise the wellbeing of customers and technicians alike, redefining beauty as an act of holistic self-care.
Q: Amy, what inspired you to start Polished Byron Bay and focus on holistic nail care?
Amy: Growing up on a farm in the Brisbane hinterland and later attending a Steiner school in Sydney gave me a deep respect for holistic health and natural living. That foundation always stayed with me. While doing pre-conception care, a naturopath advised me to remove toxins from my life for optimal health. It worked wonders and I became pregnant soon after. That experience made me realise the power of a low-tox lifestyle, and I wanted to bring that same wellness philosophy and awareness into the beauty world. Polished Byron Bay became my way of sharing a clean, healing space with others.

That experience made me realise the power of a low-tox lifestyle, and I wanted to bring that same wellness philosophy and awareness into the beauty world.
Q: How did your personal health journey shape your business approach?
Amy: The fertility journey was a big eye-opener. Once I experienced the benefits of a toxin-free lifestyle firsthand, I couldn’t ignore the importance of clean beauty, especially in nail care, where traditional products often have strong chemicals. Creating a space with vegan, cruelty-free, and low-tox nail treatments wasn’t just a business decision—it was a personal mission to make clean, safe beauty accessible for everyone. I wanted clients and technicians to enjoy beauty rituals without compromising their health.
Q: How did the passing of your mother influence your path with Polished Byron Bay?
Amy: Losing my mother in 2020 was incredibly hard, but it also gave me a sense of purpose. I felt this strong calling to follow through on my dream, almost as if she was guiding me. That period of grief became a turning point where everything began to align. I poured my heart into creating a sanctuary where people could feel safe, rejuvenated, and nurtured—just as my mother would have wanted.

Q: What sets Polished Byron Bay apart from traditional nail salons?
Amy: Our focus is on creating a holistic, low-tox environment. We prioritise clean air quality, using vegan and cruelty-free products that avoid harmful chemicals and fragrances. We also designed our space with ergonomic equipment to support our technicians and strict hygiene protocols to protect everyone’s wellbeing. It’s not just about a beauty treatment; it’s about nourishing the body and mind in a clean, caring space to enable transformations to happen for all our customers.

Q: How does spirituality and wellness play a role in your daily life and business?
Amy: Wellness is at the core of everything I do, both personally and professionally. My family and I embrace organic living, and I’m deeply committed to low tox and holistic beauty principles. Spirituality gives me grounding, which I bring into my work. I believe that true beauty comes from within, and by nurturing both inner health and outer care, we create a ripple effect that enhances everyone’s life.
Q: What do you hope to achieve with Polished Byron Bay and the clean nail movement?
Amy: My purpose is to raise awareness in the nail care industry about the importance of health-conscious products and practices. I want people to feel empowered to make healthier beauty choices, knowing it’s possible to have a beautiful experience without sacrificing wellness. Through Polished Byron Bay, I hope to inspire and educate others to prioritize a cleaner, more holistic beauty care routines and rituals for themselves, their families, their community and environment.
Q: What advice would you give to those interested in adopting a low-tox beauty routine?
Amy: Start by swapping out products gradually. Look for vegan, cruelty-free, and low-tox labels, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about ingredients. Small changes can make a big difference over time. Remember, beauty should uplift and heal—not harm. Choose products and rituals that feel nurturing, and you’ll see the impact on both your inner and outer radiance.
Q: Lastly, what’s your vision for the future of beauty and wellness?
Amy: I envision a world where clean beauty is the standard, not the exception. Where wellness spaces like Polished Byron Bay become more accessible, encouraging people to prioritize both their health and the planet’s wellbeing. Beauty should be a celebration of vitality, and I hope to continue contributing to a movement that honours the full spectrum of health.
Amy’s journey is a reminder of the profound impact holistic beauty can have on our lives. Polished Byron Bay represents not only a nail treatment but a step toward a healthier, more mindful approach to beauty.
About the Author
Judy Chapman is a leading wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience in designing luxury spas, retreats, fitness and biohacking clinics. She has worked with leading brands across Australia, Bali, Singapore, India, New York and the Middle East.
Judy’s expertise spans biohacking, longevity, skin health, nutrition, yoga and functional fitness. An established skincare expert, Judy has designed over 500 products for brands globally. She is also the former Editor-in-Chief of Spa Asia magazine and author of 4 books.