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1.    What has been your proudest career moment?‍

There have been lots of small proud moments rather than one stand out one for me. From qualifying with distinction to going on to be an educator, but I’d say presenting at the first Black Skin Directory to a room full of doctors, dermatologists, nurses and aestheticians. Not only proud of being asked to present, but proud of overcoming some major anxiety on the day.

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‍2.    Who has been/is your biggest mentor?

Marie Reynolds has been a great friend and mentor from even before I qualified and has been an inspiration in terms of how I carry out my skin health consultations.

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‍3.    What’s the most valuable piece of advice you have ever received?

Value your worth and don’t undersell yourself. Also never stop learning!

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4.    Which training body would you recommend for someone wanting to enter your area of the industry?

CIBTAC. Having completed training with various training / awarding bodies, the quality and depth of education provided on CIBTAC courses are the best quality.

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5.    How do you make sure you stand out from the crowd e.g. up-skilling, research, social media?‍

Definitely invest as much as you can afford in your education. Also invest as much time as you can. Often the allure of ‘fast track’ courses are appealing, but you’re selling yourself short in the long term. Also when using social media always ensure you use your own voice and potential clients know exactly who you are and what you’re about before coming to see you. Simply re-sharing branded content, won’t make you standout VS the hundreds of other therapists doing the same thing. If your aim is to attract new clients to book in for treatment, use your platform to sell yourself and your knowledge, and showcase what you know.

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6.    If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting their own business, what would it be?‍

Based on my own career journey, don’t rush things and don’t put all your eggs in one basket. I was working 2 jobs initially (3 at one stage) whilst I was building my client base enough to be self-sufficient and rely on my facials business. With more than one revenue stream coming in when you don’t yet have a client base, it enables you to grow your business faster in terms of adding new services to attract new clients but most importantly, you won’t feel the financial pressure to do low price offers and undersell / under value yourself. Once you go down the route of discounting, it’s very difficult to attract full paying clients.

7.    What’s the best and hardest thing about your job?‍

Best thing is easily working with clients and seeing their confidence change as their skin improves. It never gets tired and I love the journey. Hardest part is probably the long hours of running your own business and never really feeling like you have a day off.

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8.    How do you switch off after a difficult day?

Switch off? If I figure it out I’ll let you know! Seriously though I do try to practice what I preach to clients and when stressed I’ll incorporate meditation (usually whilst wearing my LED mask) and exercise such as yoga or tennis.

9.    Desert island 3 course meal?‍

Starter – Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Main – Plant-Based burger, with loaded fries, onion rings and slaw

Dessert – Lotus Chocolate Brownie with Ben & Jerry’sVegan Ice Cream

 (Yes I’m vegan)‍

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10.  Which 5 people (dead or alive) would you have at your dinner party?

Lady Gaga, George Michael, Elton John, Michael McIntyre and Alan Carr

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