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Just a couple of weeks before Lauren's law school exams, she was diagnosed with a life threatening case of leukemia.  Despite just a 20% survival rate, Lauren made a full recovery through chemotherapy and a life saving Stem Cell transplant from her sister, Sarah.  That's not all Sarah helped with.  Lauren asked her sister for help with her skin; as a result of the therapy it was very reactive and extremely sensitive so Sarah took to work creating an amazing plant oil based range of products that Lauren could use daily.  That was decade ago, and it wasn't until 5 years later that together they would make the decision to launch a brand... it was at that stage 'By Sarah London' was born.  This really is an incredible journey into the power of the human mind and a physical journey across continents.  It's one which will undoubtedly inspire.   You'll hear of isolation, the power of visualization, the positive effect your surroundings can have on you, the huge impact words and self talk can have on yourself.  Nowadays, the terms, journaling, manifesting, and affirmations are commonplace, but in this instance this all came from within.  This really is a story of radical acceptance and the phenomenal result of such practice.  Lauren and Sarah are now going from strength to strength with their 'digital first' skincare brand and built and incredible community with an ever growing following of 'Super Fans' which are so important and highly valued.  With both Lauren and Sarah having a complimentary skill set, they continue to manage the business together and have since become a Certified B Corp business.   You can reach out to Lauren and Sarah and find out more about 'by Sarah London' on the following pages;  Website: https://bysarahlondon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bysarahlondon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bysarahlondon/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/by-sarah-london/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-murrell I really hope you enjoy this episode.  Thanks for listening Dan  Produced by OREAN. Beauty Built Better. 

From the testosterone male dominated world of finance through a metamorphosis to a world of spirituality and positivity. This is the story (so far) of Karen Ruimy and one of my favourite episodes yet. Karen is the Founder of Kalmar, a holistic wellbeing and resort-wear brand rooted in spiritual self discovery. As a founder of this incredible range Karen knew what she wanted to create, but in order to do so she had to surround herself with experts to enable to bring this scent led range to life. The journey to date has been far from ordinary, Moroccan born to a childhood in Paris has culminated in a spiritual awakening and one that Karen simply has to share. A spiritualist, an author, a dancer and a singer…. Karen is a teacher and wants to share and teach everything that she learns while on her own amazing journey. Sit back, relax and listen to this incredible woman as we discuss her life and the power of positivity! You can find Karen here; Instagram: @karenruimy Karen’s first book: The Angel's Metamorphosis https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/070437188X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_0NGP4JWSH047VE9T1G80 Karen’s Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/artists/B001GLUICW?ref=dm_sh_V5HkEAyyiVyp0PuQLpUSuzFKJ Here’s the shakti mat we talk about too. https://www.shaktimat.co.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAqbyNBhC2ARIsALDwAsCFFyCwDqcLnBJ566wIre1BOFN_xa6CIGRqWSZzvnIr3o6-B318cGQaAoMZEALw_wcB

From an early age Mark admired his father and what he had created; with that in mind, he knew that business was always going to be for him.   His latter years in education had a focus on Business Studies and culminated in a degree at Loughborough University and a years placement with Vauxhall.  It was here he really nurtured his love for Marketing.     After a few years working within telecoms and creating value adding offers for consumers, he was offered the opportunity to join his father and brother at Sampling Innovations.  A business at the time which provided sampling solutions to brands and retailers by forming partnerships and subcontracting with 3rd party manufacturers.    Now a 2nd Generation business, family members are still firmly involved in the business; however, he's since joined forces with a partner from Spain to create Sampling Innovations Europe and provide it's own manufacturing capabilities.    I talk with Mark about this journey, the ups and downs, we discuss sampling options available, sustainability and the challenges and opportunities that Brexit has presented.     Sampling Innovations Europe deliver full service sampling solutions for fragrance, beauty and personal care brands. With offices in London, Barcelona and Paris, their professional and pro-active team of experts ensure brands gain maximum return on investment from any sampling campaign.  Their wide range of sampling formats include sachets, vials, fragrance & make-up labels, miniature tubes and bottles.  All options customized to suit any brand, their ethos and values, their product, target audience and budget!

Lorraine is an award-winning CEO, as well as a biologist and Chartered Environmentalist, but that really is just the tip of the iceberg!  She was voted the most influential person in natural beauty for 2020 and awarded the Digital Achiever of the Year award for the cosmetics industry by Google and Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) for growing Formula Botanica from a tiny bootstrapped startup to a global education institution.  Lorraine is on a mission to make formulation as commonplace as cookery, as she believes that anyone can learn to formulate with natural, sustainable ingredients. Lorraine is a full Member of the Royal Society of Biology, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment. She lives in the southwest of England with her partner and two sons.  This is an incredible journey and one that screams 'say yes to opportunities' and have self belief to your core.  This is an episode that will fascinate, inspire and ignite your own enthusiasm.  Follow Lorraine on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lorrainedallmeier/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DIYBeautyDiva Twitter - https://twitter.com/herbBlurb

For years, Jo Chidley searched for beauty products that were effective, natural and sustainable.  Jo also wanted the brand itself to run it's business in an ethical way.  Unfortunately, Jo could just not find what she was looking for and took matters into her own hands.  So began the journey with her husband and Co-Founder Stuart Chidley - The Birth of Beauty Kitchen. Jo is Beauty Kitchen’s toughest critic, inspecting everything from the efficacy of the products, to the way the ingredients are sourced, right down to the packaging sustainability for each product. Sustainability in packaging is a subject that is close to her heart and inspired Beauty Kitchen’s RETURN • REFILL • REPEAT program which was created after reading and being inspired the book Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough & Michael Braungart.   In a world where the emphasis is predominantly focused on us to reduce and recycle, the big focus of Beauty Kitchen is RE-USE.   Jo and Beauty Kitchen have won industry awards, including being voted in the Top 5 of ‘Who’s Who in Natural Beauty’ 3 years in a row and business awards such as ‘Scale Up Entrepreneur of the Year’.  Jo features in national and international press and is regularly invited to speak at global sustainability events, to share her ideas and knowledge on how all of us can develop new ways to build a more sustainable future. Jo and Beauty Kitchen can both be found on social media at the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jochidley/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/beauty-kitchen-ltd/ Instagram: @beautykitchen Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/beautykitchen/

In 2007, Millie was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2007 New Year Honours for her contribution to the cosmetics industry.  Fast forward to 2020 and Millie's voice couldn't be any louder and has used her status to great affect.  Millie's been one of the most influential voices throughout the COVID-19 Pandeminc lockdown, fighting tirelessly to ensure that a £28.4 billion industry is heard and supported.  For that alone, and I know I speak on behalf of thousands of others, I'm extremely grateful for.  This is a fascinating insight into a hugely influential figure in the Beauty Industry.  The story begins in London in 70's, but quickly switches to LA where Millie's father had his own Salon, before Millie headed back to London as a teenager and began work at Toni & Guy in Mayfair.  Millie admits hairdressing was not her calling and was much more mathematical than artistic.   It was product that lit Millie up and it's this passion that has shaped her story so far.  Millie introduced Shu Uemura to the European market, launched Aveda in 1997. While at Shu Uemura she worked very closely with Mr Shu Uemura himself and she describes him as her "greatest mentor".  Mr Shu Uemura encouraged Millie's radical and maverick style and provided her with a safe and supported environment to flourish.   Alongside make-up artist Ruby Hammer, Millie launched Ruby & Millie in 1998 in Harvey Nichols then Selfridges and retailing in Boots. On Millie's return to London, she reconnected with Anna-Marie Solowij, the former Beauty Editor of British Vogue.  Millie and Anna-Marie partnered to launch the first beauty boutique in store and online, BeautyMART. The story doesn't end there... as a devoted mum of two, Millie still finds the time to carve and shape the industry and help support and mentor many other brands.  Millie has a clear, yet adaptable vision of what she still wants to achieve and I for what am very excited to be part of this amazing industry.   

Heidi is Founder and Managing Director of Arthur Edward. She has worked in FMCG recruitment since 1998 and exclusively within the cosmetic and personal care industry since 2002. A complete product junkie, Heidi spent 15 years in beauty and skincare product development, sales and marketing positions for manufacturers and brand owners. In her sales career she specialised in selling branded and own label products into the global grocery, health & beauty, and department store sectors. Initially trained in Hair and Beauty, she won the student of the year award at the London College of Fashion in 1984 and then went on to win the 1988 London Livewire Business competition and secure 3i investment for a small manufacturing operation that she had literally set up at the kitchen sink. Heidi is an active member of a number of industry associations. The Society of Cosmetic Scientists. Heidi is Social Secretary of the SCS. If you want a party organising, Heidi’s your woman! She also sits on the Publicity and Recruitment Committee. The SCS promotes education, research and collaboration to advance the science of cosmetics. The British Society of Perfumers who promote the interests of individuals actively engaged as perfumers or working within or affiliated to the fragrance industry. The BSP aims to improve the status of perfumers by seeking wider recognition of perfumery as a profession. Cosmetic Executive Women which brings the beauty industry together to move beauty forward. CEW lead the conversation, nurture careers, recognise brilliance and shape the future of beauty. Heidi is equally happy sipping champagne and playing with make-up, or getting covered in mud on a dog walk or at the side of a rugby pitch.

Antony Hawman is Co-founder & CPO of TheIndustry.fashion having partnered with Co-founder, Editor in chief & CEO Lauretta Roberts on the acquisition of the business in July 2015.  Prior to this he was brand director at beauty e-tailer Birchbox and before that brand partnerships director at My-wardrobe.com.  He and Lauretta previously worked together at fashion industry bible Drapers and Haymarket Publishing.  It was at Haymarket where Antony’s story began. Antony was shocked at how corporate the world of B2B Publishing was, but was lucky enough to be in a creative role. In Julie Moore he had a phenomenal mentor who’s bluesky and out of the box thinking was inspiring and encouraged Antony to do the same.  The grounding at Haymarket and their level of investment in their employees helped Antony build an incredible foundation.  When Antony left Haymarket it was then, when his journey into fashion began. This is an energetic and engaging story with Antony who has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Antony not only opens up about the challenges he's faced, but we also chat about his optimistic and unwavering approach to grab opportunities with both hands and then.  This is another unique and inspiring story and one I'm delighted Antony was willing to share. 

...and that's not all.   In this inspiring and honest story from Katie, we chat about overcoming adversity and using it as a driver to become the person she is today.  From leaving school at 13, to entering the world of modelling, becoming an agent at 19 and creating her own studio.  From their Katie talks about her willingness to adapt quickly when opportunities present themselves, a skill that is invaluable at this specific moment we're in.   Katie is self taught and hugely driven.  As an owner founder of a Salon, Katie has since expanded and created her own Training Academy for other Salon Owners around the country.  With an ever growing Social Media presence and Podcast, Katie has built a tribe and loyal community that now look to her for coaching, mentoring and support.   As part of the Training Academy, Katie also realised the importance of having your own product line and has now created a multi award winning brand.  With Google as her best friend, Katie has a desire for learning and has picked up everything along the way.  We talk about the importance of coaches and mentors and how it's only possible to accomplish what she does with structure.... at least Monday to Friday.  As a mum to Lola, 5, we also talk about balance and how her own actions are inspiring her daughter.  We really do cover a lot throughout this episode and I can't wait to speak to Katie as there's so much more I want to talk about.  Katie has also released a free e-book that can be found here: https://bit.ly/33BG4Mb Links to Katy are below:  Instagram - @kgsalon Instagram - @kgprofessional Website - www.kgprofessional.com

This is one to inspire the young and the old to get into the beauty industry.  Not many people are lucky enough to know exactly what they want to do from a very young age and then truly go onto work in an industry that allows you to do just that.  That's precisely what has happened to Pip.   Somethings are just meant to be.  Especially when Pip talks about choosing  The Beauty Bible in her early teens when asked to choose any book before picking up a Boots magazine at the age of 17 and reading all about the founder of Soap and Glory and it's launch into Boots.   Pip was incredibly inspired by the interview and the journey of Marcia Kilgore, so much so that she kept the interview on her wall.  Then at 19, while at University Pippa wrote down more goals (her bucket list) and one of which was to meet Marcia.  Pippa went on to tick more and more off 'that' bucket list before her moment came to not only meet Marcia but work for her on another of Marcia's innovative beauty companies, Beauty Pie.  Pippa talks about the secrecy that this business was shrouded in and how she even had to keep this secret from her closest family and friends; this, however, really did create a sense of belonging within the business and togetherness with her colleagues.  ... but Pippa was not entirely fulfilled, yes she loved it, but Pippa had an urge to do more and to do something for herself.  The business supported this and agreed to reduce her hours so Pip could pursue her own dreams too.  That's when Pippa came up with the concept for Renude.  It has certainly been a labour of love as you will hear, but Pippa's own labour was not enough and she was then fortunately introduced to her Co-Founder. This was then things really started happening.  There is some incredible advice within this chat with Pippa that was shared and recommended by some of their investors.  If you're looking to go into business with someone this advise is worth it's weight in gold!  Do not miss it!  This was such a fan and informative chat and can't wait to speak to Pip again on a future episode.  I hope you enjoy.  Thank, Pippa!  Pippa can be found at the following:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pippa-harman-a3536233/ Instagram: @renude.co Website: renude.co

From an early age Simon had an ingrained entrepreneurial spirit and was often writing down business ideas in a notepad.  He then went on to study Business Studies before working in several different companies and then ended up in Australia where he continued to write ideas in a note book… one involving Sun-Care application on the beach. From there Simon followed his passion and went into Personal Training in the 80’s and also selling marketing space at Sports Clubs using the old school method of cold calling. He went on to work with elite athletes in the Cricket and Rugby world prior to following a passion into triathlon and identifying triathletes and working with the Brownlees. After many successful years as a Triathlon Coach for his business thetriathloncoach.com and many Triathlon Coach of the Year Awards with 220 Magazine, Simon created a Social Network Group called SWAT (Simon Ward Athletic Training) which is now a very popular, subscription model group. Simon now hosts his own podcast – Simon Ward, The Triathlon Coach Podcast Channel which is now evolving in to the High-Performance Human Podcast. Simon is extremely positive and has an incredible talent to create a community and a sense of belonging. He’s keen to help people in all walks of life to achieve their version of success, no matter how that may look. It’s about the individual, maintaining balance and prioritising what’s important. Simon can be contacted in the following ways:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonhughward/ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3fOrkgz Website: https://www.simonwardtriathloncoach.com/s-w-a-t/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetriathloncoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/S.W.A.T.InnerCircle

Many people will know of Tracey, but they may not be aware of the journey.   This is a raw and authentic chat.   The events do not define Tracey, but it's our history that help form the person we are today.  From exceptionally humble beginnings, Tracey's journey lead her to become the CEO and Chairman of Aromatherapy Associates, a Board Member of the CEW and is now one of the most sought after Brand Ambassadors in the industry.   Tracey will not compromise on her beliefs and vision and works with brands who she feels connected to emotionally.  The foundation and the integrity of the brands are key and has a naturally desire and ability to build and develop strong teams.   Tracey is driven and full of intrigue and has a passion for learning and self development.  This really is unique episode and really gives you a unique insight into such an incredible person within the Beauty Industry.  I hope you enjoy the episode.   You can follow and reach out to Tracey on the following platforms;  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-woodward-603a8a21/ Twitter: @Tracey_woodward Instagram: @traceylwoodward