Ever wanted to pick the brains of Rebecca Hopkins; beauty industry expert and founder of Balance Me? Here's your chance...
Balance Me Founders, Rebecca and Clare Hopkins have always been passionate about British beauty and started making their own products after spotting a gap in the market for natural skincare that delivered true results.
Ten years on, their commitment to beauty that works naturally remains the same and Balance Me has grown into an international brand with over 40 industry awards, a cult following of beauty editors and celebrities and most importantly – loyal customers that trust them to solve their skincare concerns without creating others. We spent 5 minutes picking the brains of Rebecca Hopkins to discover more about their exciting journey to success and top skincare advice!
What were you doing before you launched Balance Me?
I was working in Communications for L’Oreal in both their London and Paris Head Offices. This gave me a great insight as to how beauty businesses were run on both a local country level and also from a global perspective which has helped to support the growth of Balance Me over the years. Clare worked a Management Consultant and then for a mobile start up and her experience within these fields has allowed us to be commercial as well as strategic and to ensure we measure the return on all investment so we can make informed decisions as we grow the business and enter new markets.
What was your biggest worry about launching your own business and how did you overcome it?
Would the wider public love our products as much as we did! I think the fact that we are celebrating 10 years of Balance Me this year is testament to our success. Our customers trust our naturally-sourced active ingredients and aromas to treat skin concerns without creating others.
How did you go about turning an idea into actual useable products?
We wanted to create products that we would be happy to use on our own skin that gave fantastic results. Clare studied aromatherapy and the power of essential oils and developed a passion for creating beautiful, aromatherapy inspired products that gave benefits to both the body and mind. In the early days we tested our products on our family and friends. Armed with their feedback and driven by our passion to create the very best high-tech premium natural skincare, accessibly-priced and manufactured in the UK, we have helped to push the boundaries on what natural beauty means to the UK customer. Our testing panel is much broader today and we are currently working with a number of key customers to look at how we can remain the very best provider of naturally-active skincare.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Working with a very passionate and dedicated team who collectively help turn our skincare inspiration into reality to the benefit of our growing number of customers both in the UK and overseas.
How do you juggle work with family life?
The reason we left our corporate careers behind was to find a better work-life balance, and as we all have children under the age of twelve, we really understand the importance of maintaining this balance. Both Clare and I have scooters which help us to whizz around London to drop our children off at school and still be in the office before 9.30am for a full day of work. Our own mother has inspired and empowered us to follow our dream and forge successful careers. We believe if you have a passion and are prepared to work very hard, you can find a happy balance – with a fair amount of juggling – and raise a loving family alongside, which is very fulfilling!
If you could give one piece of beauty advice what would it be?
To invest in 100% natural face oils as they offer your skin the best possible nourishment. Our multi-functional and award-winning Radiance Face Oil (currently available in pretty, limited edition celebratory gold packaging) is packed with eight essential oils that plump skin, enhance its radiance, boost hydration and reduce pigmentation and scarring. Facial oils are extremely balancing and they work well on all skin types. Don’t be afraid to try it even if your skin is oily!
What’s your best beauty discovery?
I believe in the mantra ‘less is more’ and I think that my best discovery has been achieving a simple routine that I can maintain everyday alongside my busy working life. I use our Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm, Radiance Face Oil and Moisture-Rich Face Cream every day as these fuss-free, 3-steps keep my skin radiant and youthful!
What is your one and only desert island product?
Without a doubt, our Super Moisturising Hand Cream. This hero hydrator is one of the first products we ever created, and it has been a cult-classic with our customers since Day One. Its multi-award winning formula is seriously rich with an uplifting blend of ancient skin conditioners Yarrow and Benzoin Essential Oils, Organic Shea Butter and Kukui Nut Oils to turn back the clock on even the driest of hands. Its soothing, spa-inspired aroma gives you a moment of bliss and our customers frequently say that when the apply this cream in public, there is always the comment “What is that beautiful, uplifting fragrance?” My top tip is to use this on stubborn dry patches all over the body, including the heels of the feet. To celebrate our 10th anniversary we’ve created a Limited Edition Super Moisturising Hand Cream. The celebratory gold design makes it a beautiful gift for a friend, or indeed a pretty present for you. Be sure not to miss out as we’ve only made 5000!