“If you had met me as a student at Isa Carstens® and told me I would one day own five clinics, speak on international stages, and be recognised globally in laser technology, I would have laughed. Like many young women, I carried big dreams but little certainty. Today, I stand as proof that vision, faith, and perseverance can turn uncertainty into global impact.”
Lourette du Toit | CEO and Owner of Dermology Aesthetic Skin & Laser Clinics nationwide
When I look back on my journey, I see a young woman with big dreams but no clear roadmap. What I did have was curiosity, a love for people, and a determination to create something meaningful. Those qualities carried me from the lecture halls of Isa Carstens® Academy into a career that has taken me across continents, into boardrooms, and onto international stages.
My first steps after graduation were on cruise ships, caring for guests from around the world. Those years taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of excellence in every detail. Later, at Singita, I discovered the deeper meaning of leadership, how true luxury is about making people feel seen and valued. It was also where I first felt the spark to grow businesses and people, a spark that would later define my career.
In 2013, I joined Dermology as they opened their doors in Johannesburg. My first desk was at reception, answering phones and greeting patients. At the time, it felt small, but in hindsight, it was the perfect foundation. I learnt that no role is beneath you when you are building something worth becoming. Step by step, I grew into operations, patient care, leadership, and eventually ownership. Today, I lead Dermology as CEO, with five clinics across South Africa, and I serve as a global Key Opinion Leader for Sciton and national Key Opinion Leader for Cosmelan.
The path was not always easy. There were seasons when I felt stuck, questioning whether I belonged, even imagining different careers. But I realised I wasn’t searching for another job, I was searching for growth. Choosing to stay, to keep learning, and to prepare for opportunities before they arrived became one of the most important lessons of my life.
My studies at Isa Carstens® Academy gave me the foundation to build on. Beyond technical skills, the academy instilled discipline, professionalism, and a mindset of lifelong learning. It taught me that excellence is not something you switch on when convenient, it becomes part of who you are. Those values still shape how I lead Dermology today.
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been working with patients through the Sciton CARES programme. Treating vascular birthmarks and watching someone reclaim confidence after years of hiding reminded me that aesthetics is not just about appearance, it is about dignity, joy, and the courage to be seen.
My journey has never been about overnight success. It has been about saying yes to opportunities even when I thought it was impossible, staying committed when things were difficult, and choosing the right people for your circle.
If my story proves anything, it is that growth often begins in the moments when you feel uncertain and uncomfortable, and that perseverance can turn those moments into impact felt far beyond yourself.
The Isa Carstens® Academy is part of the NetEd Group, backed by EXEO Capital, and serves more than 25,000 students across South Africa. The group also includes Eduvos, one of the country’s leading private higher education institutions, and is committed to ensuring that qualifications remain relevant to industry needs and translate into meaningful career opportunities for graduates.