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News.com.au
2 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Beauty clinics collapse around Sydney, staff and customers left in limbo
Authorities are investigating a beauty chain after it abruptly shut its doors, leaving staff unpaid and customers hundreds of dollars out of pocket. can reveal that Future Laser and Body Clinic, which had three stores in Sydney, has ceased trading. Customers had forked out hundreds of dollars in prepaid laser sessions while staff who spoke to on condition of anonymity said they are owed thousands in unpaid wages and superannuation. Future Laser and Body Clinics is currently the second most complained about business in the state according to the NSW Fair Trading register, receiving 49 complaints from customers in the past month. The only business that has received more complaints is Mos X, a struggling moss selling business founded by ex Married At First Sight star Brent Vitiello, with a total of 68 customer reports. NSW Fair Trading confirmed they are investigating Future Laser and Body Clinic. knows several employees who have also made complaints to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Staff claim they were subjected to a 'toxic' work environment where they were pushed to meet ambitious business targets or be fired, and that issues with the company's solvency had cropped up as early as last year. 'Therapists weren't showing up because they weren't being paid,' said Amani, a 19-year-old beauty therapist who estimates she is owed between $7000 and $10,000 in unpaid wages. Aesthetic Laser and Body Clinic Pty Ltd is the holding entity of Future Laser and Body Clinics. Ibrahem 'Ibby' Sabra, a 33-year-old from Sydney's west, is listed as the sole director and owner of the holding company, according to ASIC documents. The business is still registered. Bizcap AU, which provides loans to small businesses, lodged winding up proceedings against the business and three other company Mr Sabra directs in May. Court documents state the businesses cumulatively owe $79,000 after a debt was taken out last year. understands Bizcap AU had made several efforts to recover their funds before taking legal action. They were contacted for comment. This is not the first time a beauty business run by Mr Sabra has sensationally collapsed; in 2023, Elan Laser Clinics, with stores in Sydney and the Gold Coast, also bit the dust. The Elan business was transferred to another man from Western Sydney. Although Elan is still a registered company on ASIC, it does not appear to be trading. Its emails bounced and its phone number is disconnected and it hasn't made a post on social media since 2023. Elan Laser Clinics and Mr Sabra have been contacted for comment. Elan Laser was offering up to 80 per cent off laser services for customers who prepaid before it shut down with no explanation. And a similar occurrence has happened at Future Laser. Customers told they were coaxed into handing over hundreds of dollars in prepayments because of a series of promotions that was advertised in the months leading up to Future Laser's shut down. Do you know more or have a similar story? Get in touch | Amira Hussein, 30, said she was a regular customer and used to drive more than an hour to get to a Future Laser clinic in Granville. Ms Hussein, a single mum, saw a deal where if she bulk bought four sessions minimum, she got everything for half price – $150 instead of $300. 'I thought that's actually good,' she told 'I said I'll do it. They said they would like my payment straight away.' Although she paid for the treatments at the end of last year, Future Laser told her they were fully booked out until April. But by the time her appointment date came and went, the business had shut up shop. 'Closer to the date I tried to call them so many times,' she lamented. When calls, texts and messages on social media went unanswered, she went to their Granville branch and saw it had shut down. 'That's $720 down the drain. I haven't even had one facial or laser,' Ms Hussein said. Then there's Tatjana Nikcevic, who jumped at the opportunity to get a full body laser treatment for $75 a session as normally it would cost at least $300. The 24-year-old paid for 10 sessions upfront as part of the promotion in January. Ms Nikcevic managed to get to one laser session but after that, every time she tried to lock down an appointment time, she received a text message informing her the treatment had been cancelled 'due to unforeseen circumstances'. She tried to call the business but its number had been disconnected. And when she visited the clinic, its roller doors were shut for good. 'I'm currently working in a warehouse. I work hard for my money,' Ms Nikcevic said. She's been left more than $600 out of pocket. Staff claim they've had trouble getting paid as far back as last year – and have said the writing was on the wall given the pressure they were under to make money. A number of women who worked at Future Laser – most of them aged between 19 and 21 – claim they were 'verbally abused' during their shifts and were threatened with termination to incentivise them to push more treatments on customers. Jacinta* has lodged a claim with the Fair Work Ombudsman claiming she is owed as much as $5000 in unpaid wages from November. 'I left in November,' Jacinta said. 'They stopped paying me, so I stopped showing up to work. We were begging for our pay.' Future Laser then began launching promotions to customers the following month. Another beauty therapist, Amani, said the business set them insane KPI targets to meet. 'They threatened us. If we don't make $1500 a day we'd get fired, we had to make that much money or we'd get told off or screamed at,' she said. Amani is owed the most that knows of – which could be as high as $10,000 – and has lodged a claim with the Fair Work ombudsman. She said her contract stated that if she burned a customer, or if they otherwise left a complaint about a negative experience, then Future Laser would deduct $200 from her pay. So when she ended up resigning after months of not being paid, she was shocked the discover the business was deducting more than $2000 from her final wages. 'When I was quitting, I had no customer complaints. I was not aware of anything (like that),' Amani said. Emma*, 19, another beauty clinician who is owed thousands, claims the only payment she ever received was done through PayID, which she found 'weird'. She also said she sometimes worked 9am until 9pm with no breaks. And she was expected to get to work half an hour early, so was supposed to be there by 8.30am. If she got there at 8.35am, she was told off for being late. It led to long, exhausting 12.5 hour days. Emma also said staff would be berated if they didn't make video content of the work they were doing. 'It wasn't the best environment.' Staff were informed that the Wetherill Park clinic was undergoing renovations – but Emma said she later found out it had simply shut down.
AsiaOne
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
Double trouble: Singapore's first tag-team twins make their pro wrestling debut, Lifestyle News
As a long-time pro wrestling fan, I've always followed WWE religiously, but my passion doesn't stop there. I've long been an advocate for the local wrestling scene, cheering on the talent at shows hosted by promotions such as Grapplemax and Singapore Pro Wrestling (SPW), all while sharing my thoughts and analysis on my podcast, Kick To The Gut (cheap plug). But it wasn't until earlier this month that I found myself attending Grapplemax's New Wave Evolution (NWE) developmental show. This show wasn't just another night of in-ring action for me; it was the pro wrestling debut of Singapore's first-ever twins tag team: Amani and Alani. Training at Grapplemax: From fans to wrestlers [embed] Meet Amani and Alani, recent university graduates in their early 20s who have spent the last year training at Grapplemax Pro Wrestling to realise a childhood dream — to step into the ring as professional wrestlers. When I heard that they would be debuting at the NWE showcase, I knew I had to be there to witness it firsthand. "We've been training since last July," Amani shared, reflecting on how their childhood love for the sport shaped their decision to pursue it seriously, "When we were kids, we grew up watching wrestling together with our dad." From those early moments of playing wrestling in their living room to deciding they wanted to do it properly, it's clear that this was always their calling. Twin magic in the ring: A debut to remember [embed] Walking into the Grapplemax Studio, located at the industrial district of Ubi, I could feel the crowd buzzing with excitement over the historic moment on the horizon. These weren't just two fresh faces in the ring; they were pioneers. The pressure on them to perform well was immense, yet they seemed to embrace it. Their debut match was a tag team showdown against Sarah Coldheart, one-half of the Grapplemax Tag Team Champions, and Radiant Rui, a formidable opponent in her own right. These women had years of experience in the ring and were much larger in size compared to the twins. Yet Amani and Alani, despite being rookies, held their own with a combination of speed, athleticism, and fiery babyface comebacks. From the very start, it was clear that Amani and Alani weren't just relying on their skills in the ring — they were winning the crowd over with their personalities. The twins were clearly the underdogs, but their sheer likeability shone through. There was a fluidity to their teamwork that was almost uncanny for rookies. Despite a Herculean effort, Amani and Alani fell short and suffered a loss on their debut. However, their chemistry was undeniable, and it felt as though they knew exactly what the other was thinking when it came to their performance. "We tend to think the same way," Amani explained after the match. "Then we can push each other to achieve the same things." Talk about twin magic! Bonding with their dad through wrestling What struck me most about their debut was the emotional resonance it held for the twins and for their family. Their dad, the one who first introduced them to the world of wrestling, was in the front row, cheering them on. Seeing his pride, I couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. It wasn't just a match; it was a family legacy in the making. "Yes, he was proud of us," Amani said with a smile. "He was excited to see us finally perform." Their father's support wasn't just about being in the crowd — it was about the shared love for the sport that had been passed down through the generations. Wrestling was more than just a career for Amani and Alani — it was something that brought them closer to their roots. Overcoming self-doubt: A bond that pushed them forward Despite their impressive debut, Amani and Alani's journey hasn't been without its struggles. Alani opened up about her personal challenges, particularly with self-confidence, and how wrestling has helped her overcome them. "Personally, I have very low self-confidence," she admitted. "In wrestling, you need to have confidence first to do your moves well and look good doing it. We will always check in with each other after training, telling each other what we can improve on." Their ability to support each other through the tough moments, especially when self-doubt crept in, has been a critical factor in their progress. It's clear that their bond as twins extends far beyond the ring. It's a partnership that fuels their shared dream. Looking toward the future: Ambitions beyond their debut [embed] While their debut was a significant milestone, Amani and Alani aren't stopping there. As much as the win over the crowd and the success of their first match meant to them, they have their eyes on bigger goals. "Definitely we want to face the current tag team champions (Ships Ahoy). We want to win the championship if possible. Watch out tag team champions! Stay tuned if you wanna see Twin Magic," Amani shared, her eyes sparkling with ambition. Their message to the fans is clear: they're just getting started, and they're ready for more. "Maybe win championships? Haha," Alani added with a laugh. "I want to show people that it doesn't matter your size or how little experience we have. Just take the first step. This has been my childhood dream, and now we're actually here doing it. I'm sure people can see that, so just work towards your dream." A milestone for Singapore wrestling Watching Amani and Alani take their first steps into the professional wrestling world in a weird way, felt like a proud dad moment for me. It wasn't just about the match; it was about what they represented — new possibilities for women in wrestling, for twins defying the odds, and for local wrestling making its mark on the global stage. The night was more than just a debut; it was a celebration of family, perseverance, and dreams coming true. Amani and Alani have proven that no dream is too big, no challenge too great. The newly christened "A2" (like the Maths equation) have the potential to take the wrestling world by storm. You guys heard it here first! [[nid:715389]] This article was first published in
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hazara Attires eyes 45% jump in sales this year
PETALING JAYA: Hazara Attires Sdn Bhd, the company behind the Hazara Boutique brand, is eyeing a 45% jump in sales this year, banking on its heritage craftsmanship and brand expansion. Hazara Boutique creative director Amani Hazara said the brand is pursuing a niche strategy centred on preserving traditional tambour beading as it expands its footprint in Malaysia's fashion scene – beginning with a new flagship boutique in Plaza Shah Alam. 'With the opening of our new store and a strategic push into new markets, we anticipate strong momentum. We are expecting a 45% increase in sales compared to last year. While the exact figures will depend on market conditions, we're confident this will be a major step forward in our growth journey,' she told SunBiz in an email interview. The brand recently collaborated with Habib Jewels for the launch of its Raya 2025 collection, Scintillate, where models showcased Hazara's designs paired with Habib's jewellery. 'We saw an opportunity to bring our strengths together. Fashion and jewellery naturally complement each other, and the collaboration allowed us to present a cohesive and elegant festive look,' Amani said. She said the brand is open to further collaborations, especially with partners that share its values of quality, craftsmanship, and customer experience. The new Plaza Shah Alam outlet marks Hazara's third major retail move, after starting in Ampang Park and later relocating to SACC Mall. On evolving consumer trends, she noted a rising demand for quality, individuality and sustainability in fashion. 'While sustainability is not yet a core part of our approach, we recognise its growing importance and will continue to explore how we can align with these evolving expectations while staying true to our brand identity,' said Amani. Looking ahead, Hazara Boutique plans to play a greater role in revitalising Malaysia's beading industry, particularly tambour beading, which she said is fading due to a decline in skilled artisans. 'We want to bring it back, not just as an aesthetic detail, but as a craft to be preserved and passed down,' she said.
Ya Libnan
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Libnan
Iran's envoy warned against interfering in Lebanon internal affairs
Beirut- Lebanon's foreign ministry reprimanded Tehran's ambassador to Beirut on Thursday over comments alleging that plans to disarm Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah were a 'conspiracy'. Hezbollah is under mounting pressure to relinquish its arsenal after a 2024 conflict with Israel badly weakened it and left much of southern Lebanon in ruins. President Joseph Aoun is expected to begin talks with the group on disarmament, seen for years as a taboo subject because of the group's sway over the Lebanese state. On April 18, Iran's ambassador to Beirut Mojtaba Amani posted on X that 'the disarmament project is a clear conspiracy'. 'We in the Islamic Republic of Iran are aware of the danger of this conspiracy … we warn others not to fall into the trap of enemies,' he wrote. On Thursday, Lebanon's foreign ministry said it had summoned Amani 'due to his recent public stances' and that top ministry official Hani Shmaytelli 'warned him of the need to adhere to diplomatic protocols … on the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs'. Amani told Lebanese broadcaster Al-Jadeed on Wednesday that he had been summoned specifically over the X post, but that he had missed that first appointment – resulting in him being summoned again on Thursday. Criticism of Iran by top Lebanese officials was unusual for years, particularly given Tehran's sponsorship of Hezbollah. Last year, then-prime minister Najib Mikati , who closely associated with Hezbollah made a rare rebuke to Iran and said Amani should be summoned over reported comments by a senior Iranian official. Reuters
Nahar Net
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Iranian embassy says Amani provided 'clarifications' to Lebanese officials
Iranian embassy says Amani provided 'clarifications' to Lebanese officials Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani provided "clarifications" to Lebanese officials regarding his latest remarks on "disarmament," Iran's embassy said, after he was summoned by the Lebanese Foreign Ministry over perceived interference in Lebanese affairs. Amani noted that his statements on X were "general... and applied to all countries without exception, including Iran," the embassy added. The visit to the ministry sought to avoid any possible "misunderstanding between the two countries" over the post's content, the embassy said. In a post on social network X last week, Amani said the "disarmament plan is a clear conspiracy against states," without saying which or naming Hezbollah. President Joseph Aoun has pledged to implement a state monopoly on arms. But it is a "delicate" matter that must be approached through dialogue and carried out when "the circumstances" allow, he said on Sunday. The United States has been pressing Lebanon's government to disarm Hezbollah. Lebanon's Foreign Ministry said Amani was informed of the need to adhere to principles of "state sovereignty and non-interference in their domestic affairs," a statement said, pointing to the Vienna Convention. Hezbollah, long a dominant force in Lebanon, was severely weakened in the latest war with its arch-foe Israel. The war included an Israeli ground incursion and two months of heavy bombardment that decimated the group's leadership. A November truce accord was based on a U.N. Security Council resolution that says Lebanese troops and United Nations peacekeepers should be the only forces in south Lebanon. It calls for the disarmament of all non-state groups. On Friday, Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem said the group "will not let anyone disarm" it, adding it was ready for dialogue on a "defense strategy," "but not under the pressure of occupation" by Israel. In subsequent comments on Wednesday to Lebanese television channel Al-Jadeed, Amani said disarming Hezbollah was "a Lebanese domestic matter" and Iran would "not interfere" in it. "We will comply with what the Lebanese institutions decide," he said, adding that "in Lebanon there is occupation, there are attacks, there is the Israeli danger, there is a group... that wants to defend itself," he added, referring to Hezbollah. Under the truce, Hezbollah was to pull its fighters north of Lebanon's Litani River and dismantle any remaining military infrastructure in the south. Israel was to withdraw all its forces from south Lebanon, but troops remain in five positions that it deems "strategic".
