Skin health expert Louise Thomas-Minns has stepped forward to be the latest key partner for Folk Features. Here, the Founder and CEO of Louise Thomas Skin Care based in Norwich explains why she wants to be involved
We featured you almost exactly a year ago – can you remind people who you are and what you do?
I am a celebrated skin health therapist and skin care entrepreneur with over 26 years of industry experience. Graduating with the CIDESCO international diploma, I went on to have a career that led me down the path of working for skin care brands, teaching beauty and skin health in vocational settings and ultimately, some 17 years ago, founding my own signature facial approach and business because of my own acne journey.
I am well respected in the industry today and act as an advisor to brands as well as sitting on boards as CEO and director. My own signature skin care brand, Louise Thomas Skin Care, launched with the first two products in 2022. I am on a mission to ensure everyone receives bespoke and expert advice for their skin health needs.
We featured you just as you were launching your first product, The Cleanser – what has the feedback been so far?
Well, I think the sales have done the talking here and we are about to have another run of The Cleanser made. We have had some wonderful reviews and it’s a joy to see that consumers are understanding our no-nonsense approach to skin care and our value of education being at the core.
You’ve launched your second product, The Hydrator – what can you tell us about that one?
Yes! We were able to launch The Hydrator just six months after The Cleanser, so it really feels like the range is coming together now. It has been such a rollercoaster ride with many huge obstacles in our way that on many occasions made us feel like we were never going to get to launch! So, to see two of the five created out already is such a dream come true.
The Hydrator is our hybrid moisturiser which of course brings exceptional hydration to the skin morning and night but also some serum-led qualities. It makes it perfect if you like to keep your routine more streamlined or are on a budget and can’t afford to use lots of separate serums, too. Its features Vitamin C in a high absorbing format which bring luminosity to the skin along with calming and protecting Tasman pepper berry. The light shea butter we use is sustainably sourced through the women’s supply group supply chain Kolo Nafaso in West Africa. This programme focuses on poverty alleviation and female empowerment through direct trade, interest free micro credits, and training of shea collecting women. I have loved bringing my ideas and formulation to life with a UK based cosmetic chemist.
Where can people find your products?
Direct from us at www.louisethomasskincare.co.uk but also in store at Juni & Co store in the Royal Arcade, Norwich and Jarrold. We, of course, use and recommend them to our clients in The Skin Lounge, too, and are building our relationships with other professional skin therapists who are stocking the range and aligning with our philosophy.
How is the skin therapy side of your business doing?
We are very blessed after 17 years in business to have a wait list. We always welcome new clients, however, as you can never rest on your laurels as an entrepreneur, and we are thankful every day for our loyal clients. I started the business with zero clients all those years ago as I had been out of the ‘hands on’ side of things for a few years working for international skin care brands, running and developing other people’s businesses and also teaching beauty and skin therapy. It was a lot of hard work starting from scratch, passion and dedication to build that amazing following along with my brilliant associate skin therapist Mary in more recent years.
We’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis – do you have a sense that self-care is more important than ever?
I am finding it really interesting as, yes, times are tough, but I think people are understanding the importance, post-pandemic, of taking time out for themselves, looking after their health – including their skin health.
What are your other interests – beyond all things skincare-related?!
Ah yes, I love to run and can often be seen running around Norwich and the coast. I enjoy fitness generally; Pilates is my other go too and I am finally learning to swim at the age of 45 after overcoming a fear of water. This April my husband and I will be running the Paris marathon, so we are well into our training block right now.
You’ve come forward as a key partner for Folk Features – what is it about the positive news website that appeals?
I am delighted to be a key partner as I think it’s so important to celebrate the wins in life especially when times are tough for one reason or another. I am a glass half full person and so love getting the positive news stories from Folk Features to my inbox to reset my mindset and learn about others that are striving to do good.
Finally, what sort of things are you hoping to share with your monthly columns?
My passion is to educate people in skin health; to highlight the importance of understanding that skin care isn’t a one size fits all approach and that we need the support and guidance of experts to dispel the marketing myths associated with this industry. I hope to inform and inspire the reader as well as bring the truth.
Visit louisethomasskincare.co.uk. Louise is running the Paris Marathon on the 2nd April for Norfolk and Waveney Mind – visit justgiving.com
Main image picture credit: Fiona Burrage
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