Every once in a while, we come across some stories that make us realize some things in life that stay with you will define you. These stories are quite common in the business landscape and over the years it has become an integral thread of modern-day business.
Furthermore, the seed of this thread is sowed at quite an early stage like the art of any artist. When we went out in search of an influential personality for this edition, we came across Diana Richardson, whose passion for beauty and lifestyle has brought her closer to entrepreneurship ever than before. In an in-depth chat with her, we realized that she’s one of those leaders who are actually making a difference in the modern-day business ecosystem.
But what made her story stand out from the rest is that one thread that brought her back to what she loved the most. Here are some of the inspirational snippets from an eccentric conversation with her!
1. Could you provide a brief overview of your career journey?
My journey in the beauty industry started when I was 9 years old working as a Saturday girl in a hair salon. Then whilst I was at university in Las Vegas studying Communications I worked at a Spa, so I’ve been working in this industry for over two decades and still love it! I set up my first salon in 2004 and grew that by 400% when I moved to a commercial premise, I then went on to Greenwich University to gain my teaching qualification and sold my first salon, Orchids Hideaway. I then started another business called Orchids Retreat; this initially was set up to accommodate young family life. In 2016 I was awarded Beauty Therapist of the Year an international recognition and this opened many new doors of opportunity.
Orchids Retreat grew 200% in revenue and our team blossomed to over 10 members when we moved to a commercial premise. My love of business, and my goal was to scale and sale, which Orchids Retreat was sold in 2022 to a London conglomerate.
A serial entrepreneur I’ve set up ten different businesses over the years. One of which is a skincare line that I developed during the pandemic and another was taking my business coaching and consulting to the next level.
I’m currently studying at Oxford University. The Said Business School has a great team and my course is about innovative business strategies. Signature D was established in 2019 and has continued to grow, five years into the business it’s time to elevate!
2. What inspired you to pursue a career in business strategy, particularly in the skincare industry?
I’ve always loved the beauty and wellbeing industry and love being an entrepreneur. Having been a student, lecturer, tutor, and assessor I have noticed a gap in the curriculum. My beauty business mentorship program offers continued professional development to entrepreneurs in our industry.
Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs is my podcast and beauty business Bootcamp. It’s designed to empower entrepreneurs to further develop their business acumen.
3. What unique propositions do you and your organization have to offer to stand out from other organizations?
Signature D foundations are built on empowering entrepreneurs and championing women to create a life they love. We have so many responsibilities as mothers, wives, friends, sisters, and bosses and it’s about enabling business owners to design their destiny.
Developing systems, policies, and procedures to provide results in their businesses. Encouraging entrepreneurs to price for profit and know their worth.
We offer a certified course, complimentary business audits, complimentary beauty business Bootcamp – a week-long live online event to boost their businesses, monthly masterclasses, and accountability calls.
4. What were some of the most important decisions that made a big difference in your business?
Business is about adding value to someone else’s life. Really focussing on our ideal avatar has helped us to create content and customize the curriculum to serve our community’s concerns.
5. What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success in the field of marketing, especially within the skincare industry?
The skills or qualities that are needed to be an entrepreneur are patience, resilience, grit & determination. Owning a successful business is hard work, it’s a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Remember to celebrate the small wins & learn the lessons from things that didn’t go well.
6. What kind of suggestion would give to young businesswomen?
Just go for it, get started! Enjoy the process, learn the lessons, and keep going. There is no failure, just the first attempt at learning.
7. What is your view on growing your company’s service portfolio and operational scope after 2024?
Our long-term goal is to become a household name, we’d like to join the hecto-entrepreneurs in celebrating success!
8. Write your own success quote (mantra) in a single line.
Design your Destiny
9. What does it mean to you to be recognized as one of “The Most Followed Influential Business Women in 2024″?
When I opened your email I got goosebumps, I’m so honored to be recognized as one of the most followed influential businesswomen in 2024.
There are so many incredible powerhouse women in the world and to be recognised on a list like this is wonderful. I’m honored to be selected and to be able to empower so many other women to be the best in their industry and the star of their life stories. Inspiring other women to be better, look better, and do better is a campaign I’m championing.
