A vibrant discussion with Nina Attfield of Lustrelash®️ Group centres around our upcoming event, Salon Business Connect, which promises to be a game-changer for salon professionals. Set against the historic backdrop of Coombe Abbey Hotel, this event is designed to not only enhance business skills but also help professionals with personal development and well-being. We delve into our vision of creating a holistic experience that acknowledges the often neglected aspect of self-care in our industry.

Nina shares her journey through the beauty industry, from her beginnings as a mobile therapist to founding successful brands and now co-founding BC Events with podcast host, Sue Davies. Her insights illuminate the challenges many face in this field, including the pressures of maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. We explore how Salon Business Connect aims to address these issues by providing a platform for connection, learning, and support. The event is structured to offer valuable business talks and networking on the first day, followed by a focus on personal development, mental health and well-being on the second day, recognising that a thriving business starts with a healthy mindset.

As we discuss the importance of community, we encourage our listeners to see this event as an opportunity to network, learn from industry leaders, experts from wider afield , and share their experiences with each other. It’s not just about attending another conference; it’s about engaging with a supportive community that prioritises growth and collaboration. We invite all salon professionals, whether established or new to the industry, to join us and embark on this journey of transformation at Salon Business Connect. If you want to build a sustainable, long term business now or in the future, now is the time to make the first step.

Takeaways:

• The podcast introduces Salon Business Connect, a new salon industry event aiming to inspire and connect salon professionals across the industry.
• In this episode, we discuss the importance of well-being and personal reflection for salon owners, addressing the emotional challenges we face in our careers.
• Nina and I highlight the significance of community in the beauty industry, encouraging collaboration over competition to uplift one another.
• We emphasise the need for better business education within our field, as many new professionals or those new to self employment lack the necessary training to succeed in their salon businesses.
• The event at Coombe Abbey Hotel is designed to provide both business skills and personal growth opportunities for attendees, creating a supportive environment for all.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage with the event, which aims to bridge gaps between experienced professionals and newcomers, creating a space for shared learning.

Links referenced in this episode:

• saviornails.co.uk
• sue-davies.com
• salonbusinessconnect.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Lusterlash®️ Group &
• Lashphoria®️
• BC Events Ltd
• Coombe Abbey Hotel
• Salon Business Connect
• Saviour Nails
• Louella Belle
• The Salon Inspector

Maria Rylott-Byrd shares her extensive journey in the world of skin therapy, revealing the evolution of her career from a traditional beauty therapist to a dedicated corneotherapist. With over 35 years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast, discussing the intricate science behind corneotherapy - a practice that focuses on working with the skin's natural functions rather than against them. Maria's approach emphasises the importance of maintaining skin health through holistic practices that respect the skin's barrier function, and she dives into the details of her own clinic and the thriving Corneotherapy Circle she founded.

The conversation takes a deep dive into how corneotherapy differs from traditional beauty treatments, highlighting the necessity of understanding skin science to effectively address various skin conditions. Maria explains the significance of using biomimetic ingredients that the skin recognises, which helps to restore and maintain its natural balance. This nuanced understanding of skin not only aids in treating clients but also empowers therapists to build a more sustainable and ethical practice. For those interested in advancing their skills, Maria discusses her accredited course, Epidermal Skin Health, which aims to bridge the gap between foundational training and advanced skin therapy knowledge. She encourages therapists to embrace this science-based approach to enhance their practice and offer their clients a more effective solution to their skin issues.

Takeaways:

• Corneotherapy focuses on understanding the skin's natural functions and supporting its health holistically.
• Maria Rylott-Byrd emphasises the importance of educating therapists on skin science beyond just products.
• The course on Epidermal Skin Health aims to bridge gaps in foundational knowledge for aspiring corneotherapists.
• Learning corneotherapy can empower therapists to offer more effective and personalised skincare treatments.
• Holistic approaches in skincare involve addressing underlying issues like diet and stress, not just topical symptoms.
• Corneotherapy encourages a shift from aggressive treatments to nurturing the skin's natural barrier function.

Links referenced in this episode:

• saviournails.co.uk
• sue-davies.com
• thecorneotherapyconsultant.co.uk

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Corneotherapy Circle
• Saviour
• The Salon Inspector
• Habia

Tracy Fensome joins us today to share her extensive journey in the world of permanent makeup (PMU) and aesthetics, highlighting the importance of adapting in a constantly changing world.. With over two decades of experience, Tracy has navigated the ups and downs of beauty entrepreneurship, facing challenges like burnout and the need for business pivots. She emphasises the significance of building a business that supports your lifestyle rather than the other way around, advocating for beauty professionals to seek sustainable practices that bring both personal and professional growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore strategies for avoiding burnout, the power of education, and the necessity of understanding your own worth in pricing services. If you’re looking to thrive in the beauty industry, Tracy’s insights could be just what you need to inspire and motivate your next steps.

The conversation provides a look into the world of permanent makeup (PMU) and aesthetics. Tracy recounts her late entry into the field, emphasising how her diverse professional background has enriched her understanding of beauty and client care. We touch upon the pressing issue of burnout in the beauty sector, as Tracy shares her strategies for maintaining passion and purpose amidst the challenges that come with running a business. This episode also highlights the significance of ethical practices and the continuous pursuit of education, which Tracy advocates for as essential in establishing client trust and building credibility. Our discussion highlights the necessity for beauty pros to adapt to changing market demands. By the end of our conversation, it's clear that Tracy's mission extends beyond her own success; it is about uplifting others in the beauty community, and about creating an environment where professionals can thrive both personally and financially. With some great practical advice and motivational stories that I'm sure will resonate.

Takeaways:

• Tracy emphasises the importance of adapting your business model to prevent burnout, sharing her personal journey in PMU and aesthetics.
• Building connections with clients through meaningful consultations can lead to better service outcomes and client satisfaction.
• The podcast highlights the significance of balancing personal life with business aspirations, urging professionals to create businesses that support their lifestyles.
• Tracy discusses the changing beauty industry, suggesting that professionals should stay updated with trends like natural aesthetics rather than solely relying on injectables.
• The conversation explores the value of education in the beauty industry, encouraging professionals to consider teaching as an avenue for additional income and personal growth.
• Highlighting the importance of marketing and how successful professionals must actively engage in promoting their services through various channels, including social media and traditional methods.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Jena
• VTCT
• ITEC