The changing face of beauty treatments

• You’re in your 28th year as a beauty therapist. How did you start?

I trained at Chichester College and have always worked in the area. I went self-employed 15 years ago and Posh Beauty has been open for six-and-a-half years. We’re just off North Street, down the side of Lakeland.

• Has the beauty industry changed since you started out?

The big change has been in technology. Ten years ago a facelift or Botox were really your only options for younger looking skin, but now it is all about non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Training is ongoing because new things are always coming out.

• Do you have a typical client?

No. We get young clients, especially before occasions like Prom and graduation (when it’s all about lashes, brows and make-up), and also older clients – our oldest is a lady in her 80s. When I started out the clientele was 100 per cent female. Today about 20 per cent of our clients are men. It’s an area I’d like to develop. The salon is friendly and welcoming and some clients have been coming for ten years plus.

• You’re a hands-on boss. Which area of beauty are you most passionate about?

I do everything from massages to manicures – I keep my training topped-up to keep my skills fresh – but my passion is skin treatments. I had bad skin when I was younger and did all the medication. We also get people looking to address issues like adult onset acne; those who don’t want prescription medication but do want comparable results. As a skin therapist I can offer a real alternative. Most people are looking for anti-aging treatments, but younger people come for preventative treatments; to slow the aging process of the skin.

• We are talking on the eve of the second lockdown. How do you feel about it?

Unfortunately I have fewer members of staff [following the first lockdown], so although I have fewer responsibilities than I had in March, I still have money going out with nothing coming in. Unless the Government helps. With the right support we can survive, but we will lose the momentum we have worked so hard for and that is damaging. It is a huge worry. All businesses have been set back by this, but the beauty industry has been really badly impacted because of the inconsistent messaging to the public. But I’m not a quitter and I wouldn’t give it all up for anything.

• Any funny moments you can share?

I once did a massage at a beautiful spa. There were candles in the treatment room and a floral display caught fire. I managed to put it out without the client noticing!

• What’s your top beauty advice?

Treatments aren’t a vanity thing. Whatever makes you lack confidence, whether its acne, wrinkles or whatever; if we can address it then it will help your self-esteem. And wear sunscreen daily. It’s the cheapest, quickest and most effective thing you can do for your skin.

• Where can we find out more?

www.poshbeauty.co.uk

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