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1.    What has been your proudest career moment?‍

Can I have two please? The first is seeing an article I wrote during the pandemic being discussed in Prime Ministers Questions, and the then Health Secretary's jaw dropping. It was an example of how journalism can shape the news agenda, which was very exciting indeed! Secondly winning an award at the BABTAC Inspiring Beauty Awards2020, which was such a proud, humbling moment.

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‍2.    Who has been/is your biggest mentor?

Millie Kendall from the British Beauty Council is someone I consider a real inspiration and a mentor. 

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

To always treat people kindly. The edited version we see of people is rarely the full picture, so we should always treat situations with compassion in the first instance.

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

For any aspiring journalists, I think nothing beats on-the-job training. Writing is all about reading and practice.

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

I definitely think social media is a huge asset to our industry. I also think as a journalist or therapist alike, having a standout skill or key area of interest is really great, and to be known for a certain expertise.

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

Establish a very clear vision as to the business you want to create, and dream big! Everyone starts off somewhere.

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

The best thing is the people I meet in the beauty industry - it is full of the most talented and creative people!

The hardest thing is switching off.

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

I find switching off difficult. But I love to read and always stick on an episode of something on Netflix once the kids are in bed!

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9.    Desert island 3 course meal?‍

Indian food that reminds me of growing up.

Traditional Indian cooking doesn't have time for starters - it's straight to a full plate of hot food! Mains would be my mum's chicken curry and steamed rice, with lots of yoghurt on the side, followed by my late grandma's gulab jamun (Indian doughnuts) dessert washed down with some homemade masala chai (by me!).

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

Oprah Winfrey, the Queen, Glennon Doyle, Priyanka Chopra and Mindy Kaling!

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