This June marks an incredibly special milestone for me – I’m officially celebrating 30 years in the beauty industry!
Thirty years of treatments, conversations, transformations, learning, growth and the privilege of caring for so many faces and people along the way. When I pause and reflect on the journey, it feels surreal – it’s been a true rollercoaster in the best possible way.
Now, many know me as a luxury facialist specialising in advanced skin health and bespoke treatments in my Marylebone clinic. But my story began long before the treatment room you visit today. Let me take you through that journey…
Where It All Began
I originally trained as a beauty therapist at college, learning everything from head to toe – makeup artistry, manicures and pedicures, massage, waxing and facials. Like most beauty therapists at the beginning of their career, you learn every aspect of the industry before discovering where your true passion lies.
Before beauty school, life felt very different. I left school with very little confidence academically. I’m dyslexic, and school was an incredibly challenging experience for me. At that age, I found myself questioning what I was good at and where I would fit in professionally. Beauty therapy completely changed that for me.
For the first time, I found something that felt natural. Something I loved deeply and instinctively understood. While I still struggled with paperwork and traditional learning, my tutors supported me in ways I’ll always be grateful for. I completed my exams orally and passed with flying colours, received additional tuition, and was finally given the space to learn in a way that worked for me.
That experience gave me confidence. It taught me that success doesn’t always follow a traditional path, and that finding the right environment can completely change your future.
My Early Years in London Beauty
My first role was at Regis in Debenhams on Oxford Street, and even now, thinking about it brings back so many memories. I was incredibly shy at the time, but it became the foundation for everything that followed.
It was there that I received some of my earliest professional training, including skincare and advanced beauty treatments. More importantly, it was where I slowly began to come out of my shell and to understand the importance of client care, professionalism, and education.
From there, I became what many therapists proudly call “a Clarins girl.” Working for Clarins was one of the most formative experiences of my career. The training was exceptional and incredibly thorough. What made it even more meaningful was having a trainer who was also dyslexic. She understood how my mind worked and taught in a way that genuinely resonated with me.
For anyone who is dyslexic, you’ll understand that sometimes your thoughts can feel like they’re moving in every direction at once. I learned through colour, notes, repetition and practical experience. That training gave me confidence not only in skincare knowledge, but in myself as well.
Finding My Passion for Skin
As my career progressed, I worked at some incredible spas and clinics across London, including the renowned Spa Illuminata, before moving into prestigious clinics in Knightsbridge. It was during those years that I truly discovered my passion for skin and becoming a facialist.
I realised I didn’t just enjoy beauty treatments – I was deeply passionate about facial treatments, skin transformation and helping people feel confident in themselves. I became obsessed with learning more, refining my techniques and developing my expertise as a facialist. Clients began encouraging me to start my own business long before I believed I was capable of it myself.
I still remember someone gifting me a treatment couch and a steamer, which sat in my auntie’s garage for nearly a year while I built up the courage to take the leap. Looking back now, it felt like the universe was quietly pushing me towards the next chapter.
Building My Own Business
Starting my business was one of the most terrifying and empowering decisions I’ve ever made. With the support of loyal clients who believed in me before I fully believed in myself, I created a business plan and approached the bank for funding. I remember losing sleep beforehand, worrying I’d forget everything or become overwhelmed in the meeting.
Instead, the bank manager simply said, “We’ve seen the business plan. We know it’s going to work. Tell us about you. Tell us about your vision.” That moment stayed with me. Ultimately, people invest in passion, vision and authenticity.
In 2014, I officially launched my business, beginning in a small room that I rented at Nicky Clarke in Mayfair. From there, the business continued to grow organically through trust, word of mouth and results. Today, I’m proud to have built a loyal clientele and a luxury treatment space in Marylebone, where I continue doing what I love every single day.
London’s Luxury Facialist: 30 Years Later
Today, 30 years later, my approach to skincare is deeply rooted in experience, results and treating the skin as a reflection of overall wellbeing. Over the years, I’ve refined my treatments to specialise in bespoke luxury facials that combine advanced technology with hands-on techniques designed to sculpt, strengthen and restore the skin.
My clinic in Marylebone has become known for results-driven treatments that focus not only on skin health, but also on confidence, self-care and creating a moment of calm in an increasingly fast-paced world.
Five years ago, I also launched the Chelseé Face Oil, which is something incredibly personal to me and inspired by years of working closely with skin and understanding exactly what clients were looking for. Seeing clients incorporate it into their rituals at home and achieve beautiful results has been one of the proudest moments of my career.
Even after three decades in the industry, my passion for skin, education and helping people feel their absolute best continues to grow every single day. I still feel incredibly grateful for this career, and for every client who has trusted me with their skin.