At the last ľ¹ÏÊÓƵ Awards, Emily Hodson scooped the very first Dermalogica Rising Star Patron Award. This is how her experience has been so far…
Recognising aspiring talent and those who are making a real impact on their clients in the industry, Dermalogica’s Rising Star Patron Award is open to all Professional Skin Therapists across the industry who have less than five years’ experience. Judged on exceptional practice standards, technical skills, clear commercial acumen, a commitment to their personal and business’s development, as well as exceptional human connection. Winning the award not only brings recognition from the prestigious brand, Dermalogica’s Rising Star also gets four money-can’t-buy ‘Mentor Meetups’ with leading industry personalities to help guide and steer their career.
This year it was Emily Hodson, advanced skin therapist and founder of Skin Sentials Skin Clinic who won the coveted award. “Emily stands out as a highly engaged and ambitious skin therapist who is having a significant impact on her clientele. She has a 90%+ client retention rate and showcases some outstanding skin results in her client ‘before and after’ photography which can be seen on her social,” explains Candice Gardner, Education Manager at Dermalogica.
“What makes Emily so impressive is her commercial success in such a short time. She opened her business in 2020 just as the country went into lockdown. Juggling this new venture with her job in the Fire Service saw her achieve the revenue targets to be recognised as a premium partner with her selected brand Dermalogica. Emily was awarded Dermalogica Circle status within 9 months of her opening her business, despite the limitations that Covid-19 placed on the personal care sector. Her business continues to grow rapidly as she adds to her skillset, service menu, and revenue year on year. ”
With such glowing reports and a promising career ahead of her, we spoke to Emily about what winning this award means to her…
What made you apply for the Rising Star award?
After taking the leap to becoming fully self-employed last May, I thought it would be a great opportunity to enter the Rising Star Award. So far in my business I haven't entered any awards but I felt that the recognition from getting to the finalist stage, let alone winning the award, would help attract new clients and also give clients confidence in my skillset. ľ¹ÏÊÓƵ is the UK's leading membership organisation and Dermalogica is one of the top skincare brands globally, so to be recognised as championing excellence by these organisations really helps to shine a light on my achievements so far. To be able to have the ongoing advice and guidance from them is invaluable.
What was the trickiest part of the application?
As a therapist you often work without being watched or marked on your skills, however, my judge put me at ease and was very personable. I also knew I couldn’t be anything other than my authentic self and simply show what I can do and do it well.
How did you feel when you found out you won the award?
Very emotional. Just shy of five years of my business, to be given such a prestigious award felt like a huge achievement. I first started my business just before we went into lockdown, meaning I’d made huge investments but then was unable to perform the treatments. I also opened it alongside a full-time job at the Fire and Rescue service, which often meant working 7-day weeks and late into the evenings to grow clientele and make my business successful. Fast forward and I’ve now taken the leap to doing my business full-time and to be given the recognition for all that my business has become really shows that when you work hard you will reap the rewards.
How was your first mentoring session with Jane Wurwand, Dermalogica’s founder?
Incredibly inspiring. One of the lessons I found most valuable from Jane was about staying true to your core values or your ‘north star’ as it were. As a business we are often thinking what next? But I think it’s important at times to reflect on how far you’ve come and how you’ve got to this point. I think if you stay true to your core values and what got you here in the first place you can’t go far wrong. That way if something doesn’t align with your value system and who you are, then it probably isn’t right for your business.
How will you use the tips she gave going forward?
I think a good tip would be to look at my business over the next 18 months. Often, we think about five year plans, but the skincare and wellness industry is quite fast-paced so a more realistic timeline is helpful. I’ve always found setting goals or having visualisations of how the future may look helpful as it creates a picture of how you want to shape your business and what elements form a part of that shape.
What other sessions will you be having as part of this award?
My next mentor session will be with Lesley Blair, CEO of ľ¹ÏÊÓƵ & CIBTAC, followed by meeting C.R. Cooper – The Skin Theologian and finally Diane Hey, CEO of Armonia Training. I am really looking forward to my continued mentorships as each woman has a different area of expertise, which will help support me in all aspects of my business.
Did you have a mentor before this process?
Mentorship is always something I have explored for my business but never pursued. Having now had my first session, I realise just how beneficial they can be. As a business owner, knowing what you do inside out can sometimes make you too comfortable so I think it’s really useful to have someone fresh looking at your business from the outside in, which in turn gives you new insights.
Why would you advise therapists to apply for this award?
What sets this award apart is the continued support and emphasis on professional development. Since winning it I feel like it’s opened new opportunities and it’s a clear recognition of your efforts.
What are your plans for your business for 2025?
May marks one year since I pursued my business full-time, which will really help me get a picture of how the last 12 months have looked and how I want the next 12 months to go. One part of my business which always remains at the forefront is training and education. I particularly have an interest in looking at skincare as a 360, looking at people’s lifestyle and how skin is affected not only by external skincare but also internal factors too so I really want to explore how I can offer a more versatile and rounded approach to my clients.