3 June 2020
Co-Founder and Joint CEO, Balance Me.
What’s the most important piece of advice you have been given during your career?
Cash is king!
I’ve been a member of CEW since 1998 and it has been a really important part of my support network throughout my career. The most important role CEW has played for me both personally and professionally is its continued support of niche, natural brands as Balance Me was one of the early pioneers of this movement and CEW gave us a platform and a support network when we most needed it. I’m extremely grateful.
I have a husband and two teen daughters and we’re extremely active and juggle a very full life. I’ve found over the years that the best way to ensure a balanced, happy family life is to have mutual hobbies and also personal ones. Some of our family favourites are travel, cycling and cooking. Personally I practise yoga regularly, find running and meditation very mind-clearing, and am at my happiest when planting in my garden.
I’m passionate about beauty, wellness and self-care as a person and brand owner. What I love about the industry is the sheer breadth of innovation, creative spirit, peer to peer support and collective excitement within the industry which makes it so fast-paced. There is extreme diversity in brands, customers, product offering and marketing executions which ensures that the industry remains relevant and able to meet the demands of the huge audience it communicates with and sells to.
Mentorship has played a vital role in my career journey. My first mentor was the Head of Communications at L’Oréal in my formative years in Paris, a member herself of CEW when it launched and I’ve been mentored myself and mentored others throughout my beauty career. Mentors allow for business friendships to develop; someone who can view my world holistically and offer impartial advice, without emotion, judgement or financial motivation.
I believe that due to the 2020 Covid-19 ‘new normal’ communication virtually and digitally will become a very important part of our membership. It will be important to ensure the network and membership reflect this so that we can all participate to the same level while we navigate our way through social distancing and beyond.