Adorned by a-list celebrities, beauty editors, socialites and facial obsessives everywhere, Sarah Chapman's discreet, chic Skinesis clinic in Chelsea has become the ultimate destination for those pursuing perfect skin. Promising to deliver beautiful skin whatever your concern, whatever your condition, Sarah strives to use her extensive, expert knowledge to deliver highly efficacious and bespoke treatments tailored to the needs of each individual. Today, we sit down with Sarah to uncover her beauty secrets, confidence tips and inspiring stories...
I’ve always been inspired by innovators in the beauty and fashion industries. Coco Chanel worked tirelessly to achieve her vision and was so uncompromising, she really revolutionised the industry. There are many modern women that have created successful businesses and I am lucky enough to know many of them so I am always inspired by what people can achieve- anything is possible.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the industry as a female entrepreneur?We work in a very female dominant industry so I don’t feel that any additional challenges are because I am a woman. I believe men and women face challenges every day but it is good to surround yourself with great people and important to provide a network of support for other women too, in order to be a source of motivation and inspiration for one another.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?Be brave, anything is possible and with vision and dedication you can do anything you choose.
What is your proudest achievement?Launching my Skinesis Clinic and Boutique retail space in May 2015 was a huge milestone for me, both personally and professionally. To have our own flagship space was like having a dream realised, I love that we have been able to share the brand experience with everyone who visits us in Sloane Square. Every day I feel proud of what I have achieved and for me every award we receive and every piece of positive feedback about my products makes me feel proud because for me I strive to create something really truly special in every product I formulate.
When do you feel you’re most confident?Personally I feel at my most confident when I am talking about skincare, performing a treatment and sharing knowledge. Great hair, skin and clothes also certainly help and I definitely feel at my best when regularly exercising.
What is the best piece of beauty advice you learnt from your mum?Always take your make-up off before going to bed! No matter how late it may be, I’ll always find time to properly cleanse, your skin will thank you for it in the morning. Cleansing properly will reduce the number of blemishes you’ll find cropping up and will keep skin bright and clear by sloughing away at dull, dead skin cells.
What did you feel was missing in the beauty industry that encouraged you to start your own business?At the beginning of my career as a facialist, I had always loved working with essential oils alongside highly technical skincare products. I felt like these were accessible products separately, but nothing had yet been formulated that combined the softness of essential oils with the strength and power of scientifically formulated skincare. This is why I made it my mission to create results driven, cosmeceutical formulas that feel wonderfully luxurious to use too.
In 2008 you launched Skinesis and it has since become a strong ideology in the beauty industry. How does confidence in skincare impact on your clients?I have seen countless skin transformations in both clients and customers that come in for facials and love the Skinesis collection. It is fantastic getting client and customer feedback, so often we hear that since using our products, customers are wearing less or even no make-up on a daily basis. Being able to feel truly comfortable in your skin is a real every day boost, we have so much to juggle now that it feels amazing to have one less thing to worry about!
Your facials claim to deliver beautiful skin whatever your concern, whatever your condition. Was it important for you to create a brand that caters for all women?Absolutely, Skinesis is also not strictly about skin ‘types’ but about achieving the right balance in your skin. Often, people with oilier skin think they need to deprive their skin of moisture when in reality an oil like Overnight Facial would be perfect to re-balance their complexion. It is also important to be age positive, it is less about anti-ageing and more about healthy, happy skin.
You’ve been very successful in your business ventures. For a woman looking to start her own journey, what piece of advice would you give?I will always say to never take no for an answer! When I first started developing the Skinesis collection, I was told ‘no that’s not possible’ when what they really meant was ‘that’s not the way we usually do it’. It has been essential to continue innovating in order not to compromise on your vision.
You can shop the full Sarah Chapman range, here.
