Geographic location holds no bounds for Diana Jenner

Living in England, Canadian born and USA educated has opened many doors and travel opportunities throughout my life. Now with social media I can connect with people world-wide on a daily basis. 

Photo taken at The Hurlingham Club. 

Since winning Beauty Therapist of the Year, a national accolade awarded by BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) I have connected with other professionals in the beauty industry in Japan, South Africa, United States, Dubai, Canada and Australia. It's fantastic to gain inspiration and share ideas with such a large group of people especially having visited their countries, which makes it easier to relate to the different cultures. 

Beauty is one of the fastest growing industries. The United Kingdom market was worth £16.6 billion in 2014. Raconteur states, “Spending on beauty and skincare in the UK is expected to reach new highs in 2015”, and it did! In 2015 the beauty market reached £17 billion, 3% growth in three years doesn't seem like a lot, but we're talking billions and that is a lot of spending! 

Picture from amyhowardsocial.com 

I love the beauty industry, it's about making others feel better about themselves. By sharing knowledge about the industry and educating people it enables them to be a better version of themselves. 

The BABTAC Effect

Hello September! What a whirlwind the past three months of summer have been. It was such an honour to win the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) Gold Award and Beauty Therapist of the Year in June! It is just starting to sink in, but I am still hanging onto the reins riding the BABTAC effect. 

The past few months have brought so many exciting new opportunities for me. I have had a page feature in Vitality Magazine for two consecutive months, been mentioned in Professional Beauty Magazine, interviewed as a Woman to Watch for the International Dermal Institute's Living Skin Magazine and featured in local papers! 

Last week, Aurelian Lis, the global CEO of Dermalogica, was in town for four days and I went to London to meet him! We had a Tribe meeting with the U.K. Management team and other professional skin therapists from around the country discussing the exciting new vision for Dermalogica over the next couple of years. 

On Thursday, 15 September I will be giving at talk at Ham Yard in London about seasonal changes for skincare and will have the opportunity to meet beauty bloggers and editors! The talk will be hosted in Ham Yard's Soholistic Spa and and we will be showcasing Dermalogica's new Phyto Replenishing Oil that launches today along with their new Face Fit treatment. 

My PR consultant, Sarah Branson suggested I start a weekly video blog which I launched in July. Check out Orchids Retreat social media channels for my Happy Hump Day weekly updates. 

I really enjoy sharing my passion for the beauty industry with others and would like to further my career by helping to educate others through consulting, presenting and being a brand ambassador. 

Throwback Thursday- VA Cabin Crew to Gold

When I left Virgin Atlantic eight years ago to open my own beauty salon, I never envisioned I would be standing here today as the BABTAC Beauty Therapist of the Year and having won their Gold Award for my contribution to industry! 

I loved flying and had been to every destination that Virgin flew to at the time. It was a wonderful way to see the world with such an amazing mix of people! I used to visit salons and spas in each destination to experience different treatments and get ideas for Orchids Hideaway. 

Another dream of mine was to open my own salon, I had been operating a treatment room out of a spare bedroom for five years and my client base was building. Flying turned into my days of rest because when I was at home my diary was full with clients and I had a waiting list. 

The time had come to spread my wings and open a salon working in beauty full time. A place had just become available in town, so that day I went to look at it and have never turned back. I have always been fervent about the beauty industry and enjoying sharing my knowledge and passion with others. 

I am available for business coaching, mentoring and beauty consultancy. Info@orchidsretreat.co.uk