Which part of the Chilterns do you live in? I’ve lived in Chalfont St Giles for the past 14 years.

Family members: Husband Gary, son Joshua 13 years and daughter, Amelia, 11 years. Benson (Springer Spaniel dog) and Peanut (hamster)

Sum up your business in a sentence: LVL Enhance – adds length, volume and lift to your own, natural lashes. No maintenance is required and it lasts 5-6 weeks.

What’s your career background? I have worked in Marketing for the past 25 years within the IT industry.

What first inspired you to start Hillcrest Beauty? I was looking to do something completely different but wasn’t sure what to do.

I run regularly and I walk the dog every day and as a result I am often outside in poor weather conditions. If I don’t wear any other make up I just like my eyes to look bright and this is when LVL first became really appealing to me.

LVL involves no maintenance, is gentle on your lashes and is not affected by weather conditions yet you can achieve stunning, natural looking lashes which totally brightens your face.

It’s a product I totally believe in and use myself and therefore it made perfect sense to go down this route and start Hillcrest Beauty.

And how did you move from idea to actually taking your first business steps?

Admittedly it has taken a while as I was nervous about being able to manage everything but when my youngest child started secondary school the time seemed right and I took those first steps to making the idea a reality.

What skills or experience from your career do you use in your business?

People skills are key and marketing.

Who is your target customer and how do you find and market to them?

Ideal for those who have busy, demanding lives & want to wake up every day to stunning, natural lashes without any hassle or upkeep involved.

Social media, facebook and instagram, have been my most effective marketing tool and of course word of mouth.

What are the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in starting your own business?

Juggling!! Juggling my part time Marketing job with my new beauty business, as well as a family!!

What’s your vision for your business? To continue to have happy clients & share my love of beautiful, natural lashes.

What has most surprised you about yourself in starting your business?

The confidence it has given me. If you really believe in something, it really can work. Also, the job satisfaction that you achieve, you can’t beat it!  So different from working within a corporate environment.

How do you juggle running a business and family life?

It can be tricky, but I try to be organised but often something will be thrown into the mix which sends any plans off track!!

What advice do you have for someone that wants to start a business? If you believe in it, just do it.

How do you relax? Nothing beats a lovely bubble bath, glass of wine and candles..

What do you love most about where you live? I love the beautiful open countryside around us. We are very lucky to have lovely views from our house and yet you can jump on a train and be in London within half an hour.

Your simple pleasure? Walking our family dog, Benson, with my family.

What’s your favourite tipple? A glass of red wine (preferably Merlot)

Top recipe for a speedy supper? Salmon and pea tagliatelle. Quick, easy and delicious.

What are you watching on TV at the moment? Strictly and I’m a Celebrity..

One thing on your bucket list? To visit Australia with my family and visit where I lived as a child,

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/hillcrestbeauty

Email:  hillcrestbeauty@gmail.com

Instagram: Instagram/HillcrestBeauty

Mobile: 07917 663830

Special offer – Hillcrest Beauty are offering 10% off any LVL bookings taken and redeemed by 31/01/2018. £40 rather than £45.

Please mention Chiltern Chatter when making the booking. Patch test required.