#MeetThe…Skincare Magnate

 

We are so excited to bring you our interview with Liz Warom, founder and MD of Temple Spa, one of our favourite skincare brands.

Liz and her husband Mark have a wealth of experience in the beauty industry, and set up Temple Spa ensuring it reflect their beliefs and values. Temple Spa do not test on animals or hire others to do so on their behalf. Their products are paraben free, with a focus on natural ingredients and essential oils and their aim is to improve the self esteem and wellbeing of everyone they come into contact with. We have to say, as massive devotees to the brand, everything we’ve seen, heard and bought so far from them, really does live up to this claim. So would speaking to Liz also live up to our expectations? We found out…..

 

 

Hi Liz, thank you for taking time out to talk to us so close to Christmas. We’re massive Temple Spa fans so really excited to talk to you! Can you tell us about your early career in the beauty industry?

I got married to Mark 36 years ago when I was just seventeen! I wasn’t prepared for how much it cost to have a mortgage and run a household, so I decided to become a direct sales consultant selling cosmetics to supplement my rather pathetic income as a dental nurse. I completely found my niche working with women and within two years of starting I had 2000 consultants working for me and left that company 8 years later as National Sales Director and still on 26 years old.

From there I joined a cosmetic manufacturer where my role was to create concepts for stores such as Marks & Spencer, Miss Selfridge and The Body Shop. It was here that I learned how to evolve product working with chemists, designers and manufacturers, a brilliant apprenticeship for the future. I eventually ended up working for one of my clients Anita Roddick and it was managing the Colourings brand at The Body Shop where my career really took off. Mark joined me as joint general manager and we took the brand into another dimension of growth and that taught us about managing a brand in over 50 countries and re-invention.

Wow, that is amazing! Anita Roddick was a very inspiring lady. How did you go from The Body Shop to setting up and running Temple Spa?

From The Body Shop, we came up with a concept for a lifestyle brand Vie, and after approaching Richard Branson with the idea, it became Virgin Vie and we took the brand from concept to launch in 18 months. It was only when the pull to truly manage our own business and brand with complete ownership became too strong, did we leave to pursue our dream for Temple Spa, which was our destiny.

To work with such successful brands and now be running your own award winning skincare company, you must have a real passion for beauty/skincare. Where does this stem from?

Yes, the creation of products is in my veins. I am a highly creative person and “see” things as well as “hear” things that give me constant inspiration to create, augment and perfect. I am blessed to work with some amazing ball catchers too, and its team work and having the right people around you, who look out for vision that makes it happen.

We bet running your own business can be stressful at times though. What does a typical day involve for you now?

Since I’ve got an I-Pad, keeping on top of emails has changed my life. I am able to check in early morning or last thing at night swiftly and efficiently, I deal with the States and Far East so quite a bit of communication starts or ends my day. As an MD, I oversee quite a few areas of the business and I find it works best if I have a ‘focus’ for the day which might be with my product development team or a supplier. I might meet an editor, journalist or Harrods buyer to take them through what’s happening a few months down the line, I definitely absorb myself in our fabulous Spa to Go business, we have over 1000 consultants and I LOVE any opportunity to meet with them, they look up to me and pull strength out of me. A lot of my job is future focused and I enjoy strategising to constantly see where the business and brand will be in years to come, we’re leaving a legacy and it’s a big responsibility.

Your passion and enthusiasm is very evident, but what for you, is the best thing about being MD of Temple Spa?

It probably sounds corny but I adore working with my husband, I respect him as a business partner and our careers have allowed us to work alongside one another for over 20 years. I also love the variety of my job. No day is the same and it keeps me buzzing.

We don’t think it’s corny, although we do admire both of you for being able to work together and remain married for so long! If others want to follow in your footsteps, setting up in the beauty industry, what would you advise them to do?

Have a clear picture of what you want to do, research it well and be prepared to work hard. Study, do extra training or work experience to push through. Mediocrity kills most businesses and when I find earnest, hard working people who have a great attitude, I will give them a lot of freedom to progress and fulfil their own ambitions. You have to be excellent not just OK to really get on, I am truly passionate about excellence and when I see it in other people, I am excited for them and know they’ll go places (hopefully with Temple Spa!).

You’re inspiring us for the new year! So, out of all the products that Temple Spa offer, which would be the one you couldn’t live without?

Gosh, I’m asked that all the time and it’s so hard to pick just one. My products are my children and I love all of them! Probably my desert island product would be IN THE BEGINNING the most awesome balm cleanser.

We know how you feel, we have rather a lot of your products in the bathroom cabinet, but have to agree we couldn’t be without In The Beginning! What’s your top beauty or skincare tip?

Smile with your whole face. If you look at yourself in the mirror with a frown or still expression, then brighten up your face with a wholehearted smile, the years drop away and you sparkle.

That is a great tip Liz! It just goes to show that anyone can be beautiful. Thank you so much for your time, we’ve loved talking to you and we can’t wait to see what 2013 holds for Temple Spa!

You can find out more about Temple Spa by visiting their website, where you can see purchase their full range of products, find out how to become part of their Spa To Go business or book a party. 

#MeetThe……Makeup School Founder

Dani Guinsberg founded The Session School, a highly respected school of makeup in the heart of central London in 2008. Dani has been working as a freelance make up artist in the fashion, beauty and advertising industry for over 17 years.

Well respected, well known and highly successful, Dani is a popular figure in the industry. Her work features regularly in British Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, Esquire, Stella Magazine, ES Magazine, British Cosmopolitan and British Marie Claire (among others). Dani’s Advertising clients include Marks and Spencer, New Look, John Lewis, Barry M Cosmetics, BHS, Evans, Debenhams and Faith Shoes.

Dani travels all over the world for her career and is an expert in both beauty and location shoots. She also works on many other exciting projects, including Fashion Shows, Portraits & Pop Promos. By running The Session School Dani brings her wealth of talent and experience to the next generation of make up artists. She loves helping others realise their potential – whether it is by wielding her make up brush, or teaching with it! We couldn’t wait to chat to her about how she’s got to where she is now….

“Dani, it’s lovely to talk to you, thank you for taking time out to chat to us. Can you tell us about how you started your career in makeup?”

I began a career in make up around 17 years ago having finished art school. Wondering what to do next, I stumbled upon a short course much like the one we now offer at the Session School. I knew from day one of my course that makeup was for me, and half way through the course  one of the teachers recommended I assist her and others at her top London makeup agency. I was very lucky and things just flowed to where I am now.

“So what made you want to set up the Session School?”

A few years back I was thinking about what to do with the wealth of knowledge I had in professional makeup, and I decided to give something back to help others achieve the amazing things I’ve been lucky enough to do career wise. I wanted to create the next generation of top hair and makeup artists, knowing that they have been trained to a very high standard and helping get them all where they deserve to be. That’s why I have set up an extremely good after care system at the Session School.

“You’ve clearly got a real passion to help others make it in the industry. Has it been difficult at any point?”

The hardest obstacle is finding the right people to test with – It is all about hard ground work and finding the right photographers and stylist. These days it is so much easier with the amazing social media we have available. Back in the day it was all about research and networking with the right people!

“So is there anything like a typical day for you?”

I get up around 6am every day to walk my one-year old puppy, Walter the Whippet. If I am working on a photoshoot, I usually jump straight into a taxi, as my makeup kit almost weighs as much as my own body weight! At work I spend around an hour creating a makeup look suited to the client’s brief, and then spend the day keeping the look fresh and immaculate. In between shots I answer all kinds of email related to The Session School and liaising with my team back at the office.

Once back at home I take Walter for another quick walk, usually cook something healthy and have a relaxing bath.

“Sounds like you’re always busy! What do you love most about your career at the moment?”

I love the people involved in the fashion industry. I cannot emphasise enough how many wonderful people there are. Everyone is super creative and amazing ideas are bounced around between us. I also adore the amazing locations that I get to travel to – places that I never dreamed existed!

 “We won’t lie, we are a bit jealous! If others want to follow in your footsteps, what would you advise them to do?”

Make sure to find a makeup course that has good reviews or comes highly recommended. It does not have to be a long course, but one that offers all the basics, high teaching standards and has a good aftercare service in place. Make sure you research some of the teachers and that they are still working in the industry. It is really all about building a good portfolio and assisting as many different types of makeup artists as you can to get inspired by different styles. At the end of the day all clients want to see is evidence of beautiful makeup looks you have created.

“Great advice! So tell us, what’s your must have makeup product?”

RMK’S Colourless 0 Face Powder. It is essential for helping set makeup to last all day – especially on photo shoots.

“What’s the best makeup tip you can share with us? We won’t tell!”

Always start with professionally prepped skin. It is so important to understand the skin type you are working with before you apply any cosmetics to the skin. The skin needs to look and feel its best and then your makeup application will be flawless.

“Dani, thank you so much for talking to us, it’s really inspiring to see how you’ve progressed to where you are today, and we’re sure there are lots of future makeup artists who will love hearing how you got there!”

To find out more about Dani, The Session School, the courses they offer and more, visit their website. You can also Tweet them @sessionschool or call on 020 7224 3127.

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#MeetThe……..Celebrity Makeup Artist

Our next interview in our #MeetThe…. series is with the lovely Karla Powell, professional celebrity, photographic and fashion makeup artist and Head of Makeup Artistry for MUA Cosmetics. One of the hottest names in makeup artistry at the moment, Karla has an impressive portfolio which is testiment to her passion for the industry and her unwavering creative streak. We couldn’t wait to talk to her…..

“We love your work Karla and we know how busy you are, so thank you for taking the time to talk to us. Tell us about what made you decide to become a professional makeup artist?”

I studied beauty, fashion, media and theatre makeup straight after school, learning new skills and building my confidence. realising this is what I want to do every day, which eventually lead to teaching make-up and hair at a local college for 3 years which was the best experience in my first years of being a make-up artist as I love to inspire aspiring make-up artists.

“How have you gone from teaching to being MUA’s Head of Makeup Artistry and a sucessful freelance artist?”

I have pushed myself over the last four years to get my work noticed. From networking with industry people to building my portfolio, whilst still teaching make-up. I am now living the dream working in London as MUA Cosmetics Head of Makeup Artistry – all from getting my work out there and getting noticed through social media!

“It’s amazing to see how your hard work has paid off. Have you ever struggled getting to where you want to be?”

Despite this profession being very appealing to most people, the competition among makeup artists is extremely high, so I find I have to be very assertive and creative. There is no working schedule, so a makeup artist may be asked to work even at night and there may be problems with regular work. So you need to keep on top of this career and passion and hard work is a must!

“So other than working really hard, what does a typical day actually involve for you?” 

My work life is varied and exciting – but also challenging at times. When I am doing freelance work, days can vary from getting models ready for photo shoots, followed by 10-12 hours of work that same day and lots of travelling which sometimes can be in hot exotic countries. Other times it’s an easy 10am call, shoot for a few hours and then you are done. When I’m at MUA Towers the day will involve picking new shades for new upcoming MUA products, naming the shades, and of course creating makeup and nail looks to inspire others to use MUA Cosmetics on our social media platforms. This is then put into a daily blog at MUA Towers. One thing for sure is it’s never a boring job!

“It sounds amazing and we can tell you love it! What’s the best thing about your career at the moment?”

I love everything about my career! One of the best parts of my career is getting to work with people all day long and playing with makeup!  I have met some wonderful people in this industry and made friends for life who inspire me daily to pursue my dream even further. 

“If others want to follow in your footsteps, what would you advise them to do?”

Assist makeup artists and get as much work experience as you can! You’ll see the good, bad and everything else in between! My three key tips would be; Assist, Always continue learning and Network your butt off!

“So out of all the goodies in your makeup kit at the moment what’s your must have makeup product?”

It has to be MUA Cosmetics Undressed Palette. My go to palette that can take you from a day time look all the way to an evening look. And it’s only £4!

“We love a bit of MUA Cosmetics here at thebeautyobsession! What’s your top makeup tip for all of us addicts out there?”

You should use two colours of blush to get extra dimension in the face. Layer a lighter shade over a darker, or just blend two similar shades.

“Brilliant, we’ll be trying that! Thank you so much for talking to us, we’ll be keeping an eye on your work and can’t wait to share more of it with our readers!”

You can find out more about Karla and her work on her website www.karlapowell.co.uk. To see what exciting things Karla has been working on with the guys at MUA Cosmetics, and to buy online, visit the MUA store here. If you’re on Facebook you can check out what they get up to at MUA Towers, and see Karla at work!

Tweet Karla @KarlaPowellMUA or @MUA_Karla and tell the MUA guys if you love the Undress Palette too @MUACosmetics

Don’t foget to look out for next week’s #MeetThe…. interview with Dani Guinsberg, Founder of The Session School.

#MeetThe……..BeautyPR!

Ever wanted a career in the Beauty Industry? Follow our new series #MeetThe… for exclusive interviews with people throughout the industry.

For our first #MeetThe… interview, the lovely Lisa Bickerstaff, Account and Social Media Manager at JWPR, kindly agreed to talk to us here at thebeautyobsession. A specialist hair and beauty PR firm in London who’ve been established for over 15 years, JWPR represents brands such as Aveda, Darphin and Denman. They say cutting out the grandstanding and air-kissing, and getting on with proactive public relations is what they pride themselves on. So does that mean there’s no freebies and glam parties? Lisa gives us the lowdown….

“Thanks for agreeing to talk to us Lisa. Can you tell us about your early career and how you started in the PR industry?”

After getting my degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster, I was eager to get involved in the world of PR & Media as soon as possible, especially as I lived in London! I put myself forward for lots of work experience and intern placements and emailed companies I liked the look of, asking if I could work for free!

“That must have taken some time! How many companies did you contact before you heard back?”

I estimate about 40 or 50 in total. I think around ten got back to me and I picked four that I liked the sound of best…

“Good to know that perseverance pays off. So how did you end up as Account & Social Media Manager at JWPR?”

One of the companies that responded to me and I thought looked great too, was JWPR. After working for free for a few more weeks, they offered me a part-time paid role, and the rest spiraled from there! Soon I was working as a full-time Account Executive. My role has developed within the company, which is how I’ve ended up in my present role.

“So, have you come across any obstacles whilst in the wonderful world of PR?”

I think the biggest obstacle is usually the tube! I can’t think of any huge difficulties since starting work. I think the hardest part for me was getting started, but once you’re in its all good.

“Lots of people think PR is all about lunching and glam parties. What does a typical day actually look like for you?”

A typical office day involves A LOT of time on the Facebook & Twitter pages of my clients. That’s how I like to start the day! I have lots of emails to deal with on a daily basis, sending out images, picture collections, prices etc. Often I will be writing press releases. But it is quite varied, I find myself meeting journalists in central London to review one of our salons; at a shoot; or at a client meeting about the next product release or big idea. No two days are the same and as we are a small company there is always plenty to do.

“It sounds like you really enjoy it! What do you love most about your role?”

It has to be the people you meet by far! I have been lucky enough to meet lots of the big names in hairdressing including the legendary Vidal Sassoon. I love networking, meeting journalists and there are always a few celeb parties here and there!

“Wow! No wonder you love it! If others want to follow in your footsteps, what would you advise them to do?”

My advice would be to start building your work experience as soon as you can. It’s a competitive world out there – especially in London, and one of my regrets was not getting in more experience back when I was a student. You actually have the time then to work a couple of days a week at a PR company or wherever and it sets you apart from the rest. In terms of getting into the industry without a little experience, you just have to be prepared to work for free for a while and hope it pays off… Don’t be dismayed by rejection emails, keep going!

“You get to hear about lots of lovely new hair and beauty products before they hit the shelves. What’s your must have beauty product at the moment?”

I have to say I am a Batiste girl! Never without my can and my can of the moment is the new Batiste Paisley! I also love a bit of Lanolips, the Lemonade one is my tube of choice.

“And finally, you must have picked up a few beauty tips along the way. Can you share your top tip with us?”

Never try to go swimming in false eyelashes… it rarely ends well!

“Wise advice! Thanks Lisa, it’s been lovely to talk to you!”

You can find out more about Lisa and the team by visiting www.jwpr.co.uk  or tweet them @jackiwadesonpr

Look out for our next #MeetThe…. interview, with Karla Powell, Head of Makeup Artistry at MUA Cosmetics! Not to be missed…