This site has limited support for your browser. We recommend switching to Edge, Chrome, Safari, or Firefox.

Carbon Neutral Shipping.

Cart 0

Sorry, looks like we don't have enough of this product.

Products
Recommended Pairings
Duties and taxes included for Australia and New Zealand
Sub Total Free
Add a note

Join

Your Cart is Empty

In the Bag: Clare McColl

FENN founder and lead therapist Clare McColl

Clare McColl is the founder and lead therapist of FENN, one of Sydney’s leading skin studios. A natural entrepreneur with an intuitive understanding of both skin and service, Clare has built a business that’s equal parts science and soul. We caught up with her for In the Bag to talk beauty, motherhood, martinis, and the many potions she carries daily.

01.

CAREER

I’m a facialist, esthetician, skin therapist—whichever title tickles your fancy. I started out doing beauty treatments like waxing and tinting, but I quickly became obsessed with skincare. The science of skin fascinates me, and I realised there was a real career in it—one I became completely engrossed in.

A treatment day usually starts early. I get up, hang out with my son Archie while he has breakfast, then head out the door with a coffee and croissant before arriving at FENN to see my clients.

Owning my own business is my biggest motivator. Becoming a mum has added a whole new layer of purpose. What I achieve at FENN directly impacts my family—it’s very full circle. I also feel a huge sense of responsibility to deliver the best possible treatments to my clients.

Right now, I’m obsessing over learning new massage techniques. I’d love to open more FENN locations and showcase our offering internationally. Residencies are something I’m excited about for 2026—watch this space.

If I wasn’t doing this, I probably would have been a physio. If I could go back, I might have applied myself a little more at school and taken that path. But honestly, I’m so happy I ended up here. For anyone wanting to get into skincare: there is a real career in it. If you love skin and love people, all you need is the right environment. The rest will come.

Clare and Jessie at the Yu Mei Sydney Lounge opening

02.

DESIGN

My style is laid back and comfortable, but I like adding one timeless piece to pull everything together—usually a great jacket. I love a chic, tailored look, and the 90s era is constant inspiration.

Over time, I’ve become more confident putting outfits together and visualising how they’ll look. I don’t really follow trends. It’s more about having quality pieces I can mix and match. I usually plan what I’m wearing in the shower (ha), and if I’ve got nothing major on, it’s jeans, a crisp white tee, and always one of my Yu Mei bags.

One of my favourite things I own is a watch my husband gave me just before Archie was born. He surprised me with a lunch date and we ended up at a watch boutique where he’d booked a private appointment. It was incredibly special. The watch is practical, beautiful, and holds a memory I’ll always treasure.

My bags definitely reflect my mood. Some days it’s boss energy, others it’s relaxed and casual, and then there are the ones you can throw your whole life into. There’s a bag for every season of life, and whatever I carry becomes a reflection of the season I’m in. Yu Mei has me completely covered.

In terms of inspiration, it’s the women around me—my friends, the mums, the business owners, the ones doing amazing things in their own lives. They inspire me every day.

Clare wears her Small UTILITY Braidy in Half Green

03.

LIFE

For fun? A martini with friends—and I love a good dance floor moment. To unwind, I usually put on some trash TV. I wish I could say I read more, but I’m a holiday reader at best.

Music-wise, I jump between genres depending on my mood. I’m currently working on a party playlist for FENN, with everything from Sade and Madonna to Fred Again and Jorja Smith. I also steal playlists from friends with great taste.

My weirdest hobby is looking at photos of Archie after he’s gone to bed. Unhinged, I know. Full stalker mum behaviour.

Work and life are very intertwined for me, but I like it that way. I don’t really switch off—it’s part of owning a business. I try to prioritise what matters most and always keep a “tomorrow” list.

In summer, I’ll fit in a quick ocean dip if I can, then make breakfast for Archie, shower, skincare, and a five-minute makeup routine—tinted moisturiser, bronzer, brows. Done.

I love going out—seeing friends, trying new bars and restaurants, being in the mix. That said, if nothing’s planned, I’m very happy on the couch. Skills I wish I had? Surfing—without the awkward learning phase. Or drawing.

04.

UTILITY

At FENN, everything is structured—there’s a plan and a system. My personal life is a bit more ad hoc.

Most of the time there’s method to the madness, and other times it’s pure chaos. Right now, my Teresa Tote contains collagen, a toy car, vitamin C powder, and a laptop charger. Absolutely no logic.

The Teresa is my go-to work bag. It fits my laptop while still looking chic and elevated. I always carry a big water bottle—that’s non-negotiable—plus whatever supplements I’m taking, snacks for Archie, and products I’m trialling for FENN.

My biggest mum hack is a phone lanyard. Total game changer when your hands are full. I love the ones from Ossa—not daggy, and they come in great colours and lengths.

Clare and her Bobby Bag in Fire Suede

05.

RECOMMENDATIONS

I could talk about products forever. There are so many incredible Kiwi brands—Maryse, Activist, and Tronque for the body are heaven. Abel Fragrance has completely changed how I think about scent. I’m also trialling Janine Knizia right now and am so excited to bring it to FENN in 2026.

Music-wise, I’ve got Kamaliza on repeat. He’s an R&B soul artist, used to live in Bondi, and is a beautiful human.

I’m currently watching Schitt’s Creek for a laugh, but the best thing I’ve watched recently is Department Q.

My husband does most of the cooking, but I love making meals for Archie—his favourite right now is homemade fish and chips with a healthy spin.

My biggest recommendation, though? Surround yourself with good people—family, friends, your team. Cheer each other on. That’s what gets you through.

View All Articles