1.    What has been your proudest career moment?‍

I’ve been blessed that there are so many proud moments in my career that I once thought were impossible to achieve. From opening my own salon, to launching my own skincare range, winning 12 awards and being a judge at several industry awards including The Social Media Hair & Beauty Awards and The Beauty & Skincare Awards UK - each milestone has taken a lot of hard work and determination but each have been a ‘pinch me’ moment!

 Every achievement felt like an impossible dream in the beginning. This journey has taught me that you can truly achieve anything you set your mind to with enough effort and determination.
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‍2.    Who has been/is your biggest mentor?

I'm a firm believer in life-long learning and the value of hiring a qualified mentor or coach to help you succeed in your business! After all, they’ve been there, done that and can help you accelerate where you want to get to in your business.

Throughout the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible coaches like Katie Godfrey and Tony Robbins.

It's important to do your research before hiring a mentor or coach to ensure they have your best interests at heart. When you find the right person, their guidance can really transform your business.
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‍3.    What’s the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received?

I don’t know if it’s counts as advice as such, but the most valuable thing I’ve ever been told is: Everything is happening for you, not to you. This mindset shift has been transformative for me. It means that every experience - good or bad – and in business you’ll experience many of both - is an opportunity for growth, learning, and development. Instead of feeling like a victim of something, it encourages you to view challenges and setbacks as lessons you can learn from.

For example, just before lockdown, I had taken on a brand new salon, and then we couldn’t open for the best part of 2 years. During this time I looked for the underlying lessons –what could I do that others weren’t doing? I realised it was an opportunity to pivot my business and launched an online skincare store with huge success which then led to developing my own product range – a lifelong dream of mine.

I built a more resilient business model which meant my business could keep going, no matter what the circumstances. By having this outlook, you can turn even the toughest of situations into a positive one.
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4.    Which training body would you recommend for someone wanting to enter your area of the industry?

Start with obtaining your VTCT Level 2Facial and Skincare Qualification, followed by the VTCT Level 3 Facial Electrical Qualification. These foundational qualifications ensure comprehensive training and equip you with the necessary skills to provide high-quality services and treatments. 

I've seen too many of my mentoring clients attend one-day courses and feel unprepared to offer the best service and treatments. Sometimes these short courses often fall short when it comes to meeting insurance requirements further down the line for more advanced treatments and stocking cosmeceutical skincare ranges.

Starting your journey with Ofqual regulated qualifications ensures that your training is recognised and respected within the industry.

Once you’ve have these qualifications, you can then up-skill through workshops, masterclasses, short courses and learning from industry professionals you admire.

Continuous learning and adapting to new trends play a pivotal role staying ahead in the skincare industry.
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‍5.    How do you make sure you stand out from the crowd e.g. up-skilling, research, social media?‍

To make sure I stand out from the crowd, I focus on several key strategies, but the most impactful has been showing up authentically on social media and allowing potential clients to get to know the face behind the business. Initially, I never used to talk on my stories or post videos of myself speaking about treatments, aftercare, etc. However, I started doing this during lockdown, and it was a game-changer for my business!

I showed up multiple times a day on stories, providing skincare tips and recommending products for different skin concerns. By consistently sharing valuable information and being present, I was able to build a strong connection with my audience.

People buy from people, and potential clients got to know me well because I always show up as my true self, letting my personality shine through. When someone comes to me for a treatment or mentoring, they already feel like they know me. This sense of familiarity and trust has been pivotal in setting my business apart from the rest.

I also make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in the industry through continuous learning.This includes up-skilling, attending workshops, working with mentors and doing my own research to ensure I provide the best and most innovative products and treatments to my clients.
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‍6.    If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their own business, what would it be?‍

One piece of advice? Oh that’s tough because there are so many valuable things I could say!

But if I had to choose one, I’d say: Start as you mean to go on. Find someone in your industry you admire and observe what makes them stand out. Invest in quality training, seek out a brilliant mentor or business coach who has already achieved the success you desire, invest in quality products, an online booking system that makes it easy for clients to book in, come across as professional as you can be, from the moment you start out.
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7.    What’s the best and hardest thing about your job?‍

In clinic, my specialty is helping women overcome acne. The best part of my job is witnessing the life-changing results my clients achieve through their skin. I've seen not just their skin, but their self-esteem and confidence transform, which is incredibly rewarding. It’s an honour to know I've made a positive impact in their lives.

The hardest part is helping clients understand that achieving their desired skin is a process. It won't miraculously change overnight.

As a Business Mentor and Coach, the best aspect is helping other beauty business owners take their businesses from merely surviving to absolutely thriving! I've mentored businesses who’ve been less than 50% booked to having a fully booked diary year-round. It fills me with joy to lift other business owners up and pass on my knowledge which contributes to their success. I’m their biggest cheerleader!

The hardest part in this role is helping others see their own potential. I can see it clearly, but sometimes it’s difficult for them to recognise their own potential and capabilities.
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8.    How do you switch off after a difficult day?

I love to go for a long walk with my dog, Toffee, and focus 100% of my attention on her! During our walks, I make sure to disconnect completely by not looking at my phone, DMs or email. This allows me to unwind and clear my mind at the end of the day. I love being out in the fresh air and always find walking really helps to switch off – it brings me uninterrupted peace!
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9.    Desert island 3 course meal?‍

This will probably be the oddest 3 course meal ever but as a starter I would have beer battered mushrooms with a garlic dip (I’ve loved them since I was a kid!), for main, it would have to be a really nice stuffed crust pizza and for dessert, cookie dough with ice cream!
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10.  Which 5 people (dead or alive) would you have at your dinner party?

Jamie Kern Lima – Founder of IT Cosmetics, started her company from her living room and sold it to L’Oreal for over $1.2billion! Absolute goals.

Sara Blakely – Founder of Spanx, she has an incredible outlook on things as an entrepreneur and is unapologetically authentic - I think she’d be an amazing guest!

Steven Barlett – Famous for The Diary of aCEO and Co-Founder of Social Chain, I’d pick his brains about social media and marketing.

Elon Musk – CEO of Tesla, I think he’s very interesting, he has built so many huge companies over a couple of decades, I'm sure he’d have some incredible business wisdom and some out of the box ideas!

Charlotte Tilbury – Founder of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, I’d love to learn how she grew her business into such a huge success!

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