I struggled with acne later in life, so I know what it feels like when your skin affects your confidence.

I’ve never been someone who wants to plaster on loads of makeup and cover everything up.

For one, my lifestyle is busy. I want to get up, get ready and go.

But more importantly…

It’s my face. I want to feel comfortable in it.

That feeling has stayed with me throughout my career.

As I started working with more clients in their 40s and beyond, I saw that same loss of confidence happening for a completely different reason.

Perimenopause, menopause and ageing can change your skin a lot. You can suddenly notice changes in firmness, hydration, texture, pigmentation and the overall way your skin looks and feels.

And it isn’t just about the skin.

It’s about how you feel when you look in the mirror.

That made me want to understand skin on a much deeper level.

I didn’t want to just keep treating what was happening on the surface and then have you come back when the effects had worn off.

I wanted to understand the bigger picture.

Hormones. Lifestyle. Stress. Circulation. Lymphatic flow. Facial muscles. Inflammation. Ageing.

Because your skin doesn’t work in isolation.

I’m very much a get-up-and-go girl. I like looking presentable, but I don’t want to spend ages getting ready in the morning. Give me good skin, hair up and I’m ready to go.

Outside of work, I love the simple things. Walking Teddy, snuggling my cats, being outside, sunshine, nature and being on the boat. We love taking the boat onto the Norfolk Broads whenever we can, and it’s probably where I feel most at peace.

I’m also an autumn girl through and through. The minute the cosy jumpers come back out, I’m happy. I’m a candle-and-spa-scent-obsessed person too, which probably explains why my treatment room smells the way it does!

I’m quite a creative person and love making things. Painting is my favourite, especially acrylics, although I’m getting into watercolours and I’m determined to try oils next. I also love pottery painting, origami and anything where I can sit down and make something with my hands. I used to be a bit of a perfectionist with things like that, but I’m learning to enjoy making things without needing them to be perfect.

I’ve been married to my husband Sven for seven years, and he’s a fitness instructor. I’m not exactly a gym girl, though! I prefer walking, a bit of yoga at home and generally keeping active in ways I actually enjoy.

And finally, I really love food. I’m vegan, but I’m a firm believer that vegan food should still be bloody delicious. I love cooking and trying new things, although some weeks a grubby microwave meal is absolutely as good as it gets. And chocolate will always have my heart. 🍫