The beauty industry is ever-evolving, and we often find that those who succeed in it have a combination of creativity, business sense and a deep passion for helping their clients.
We sat down with Louisa Tidy, a recent Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic graduate who embodies these qualities! Today, Louisa’s natural skincare line, Floragy, is an award-winning brand.
As with all success stories, Louisa’s journey begins with her passions and dreams, paired with the proper education. In this blog, we delve into Louisa’s inspiring path from student to successful entrepreneur, focusing on the pivotal role that Ray Cochrane played in her journey. Louisa’s journey is not just a success story but also a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that anything is possible with passion, determination, and the proper education.
Exploring A Passion For Beauty And Skincare
Louisa’s journey into the world of beauty treatments and skincare began unexpectedly, following her long and successful career in the fashion industry. For over 15 years, Louisa thrived as a regional manager for fashion brands, but the high-stress environment left her yearning for something more fulfilling. In 2019, a move back to Kent from London with her husband marked a turning point in their lifestyle. The slower pace outside London led to reassessing their lifestyle and becoming more mindful of the products and foods they consumed.
Louisa had always struggled with dry skin but never ventured into exploring beauty beyond a hobby. However, her newfound awareness and frustration over the high costs of natural skin care products sparked a curiosity in her.
Why should something better for you be so expensive?
This curiosity led her to experiment with creating her natural skincare products, starting with the Revive Face Oil—her first formula, crafted out of a desire to improve her skin.
The results were astonishing for her and her friends, who quickly became fans of her creations. What began as a personal project soon evolved into a passion that couldn’t be ignored!
The Challenges Of Going From A Stable Career To A Successful Business
Transitioning from a stable career to launching her own business was one of the most challenging aspects of Louisa’s journey. The decision to leave a secure job and plunge into the uncertainty of entrepreneurship was daunting, especially when financial stability was on the line.
“The hardest part was deciding to leave my established career. There was a significant financial risk, and I had to be strategic.”
Louisa approached it by alternating between periods of working in her fashion profession and dedicating time to her new venture, Floragy. This strategy allowed her to test the waters and ensure that her business could sustain her lifestyle.
However, the path was challenging. The highly competitive beauty industry presented numerous challenges, from navigating a competitive market to the overwhelming need to master all aspects of a business, from marketing to product formulation. Despite these hurdles, Louisa’s resilience and unwavering passion kept her focused, allowing Floragy to grow organically and thrive.
Choosing Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy
Realising it would be difficult to succeed in the industry without beauty or skincare experience, Louisa decided to gain that knowledge.
When it came to choosing a place to sharpen her skills, Louisa was determined to find a training academy that offered not just technical training but also a comprehensive understanding of the beauty industry.
“When I Googled the best beauty schools in the UK, Ray Cochrane came up with the most and best reviews from past students. The academy’s long-standing reputation, with over 70 years in the industry, was a key factor. If I was going to do something, I wanted to go to the best school.”
After researching various options, Louisa chose Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetic Academy because of its reputation, curriculum, and alumni success stories.
“Ray Cochrane stood out to me because of its long history and the success of its former students,” Louisa explained. “I wanted to be in an environment where I could learn from the best and be surrounded by like-minded individuals who were just as passionate about beauty as I was.”
Louisa’s Experience At Ray Cochrane Academy
At Ray Cochrane, Louisa enrolled in the VTCT Level 2 Facial and Skincare course that would equip her with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the beauty industry.
“My experience was overwhelmingly positive. The small class size fostered a close-knit environment, and by the end of the course, everyone was friendly. The course structure was clear and comprehensive, and the feedback was constructive and encouraging.”
The hands-on training was particularly valuable, allowing her to apply what she learned in real-world scenarios.
“I loved the practical aspect of the courses,” Louisa recalled. “Working with clients under the guidance of experienced tutors gave me the confidence to advance in the industry. The tutors were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, which made all the difference.”
The Importance Of Holistic Products In The Skincare Industry
“I wanted Floragy to stand out by offering high-quality, natural products people could trust. That focus on quality and integrity has been key to our success.”
Holistic beauty lies at the heart of Louisa Tidy’s philosophy, shaping every aspect of her business at Floragy. For Louisa, beauty is more than skin deep; it’s about nurturing a person’s well-being. This belief is woven into Floragy’s practices, where natural ingredients and sustainable methods are prioritised.
Louisa’s products are not just about achieving radiant skin—they promote relaxation, mental clarity, and overall health. By embracing a holistic approach, Floragy aligns with Louisa’s commitment to natural living and sustainability, ensuring that every product and service supports a balanced lifestyle.
The benefits of holistic beauty products are well-researched due to their profound results, which extend far beyond the surface. Louisa emphasises that true beauty is influenced by a combination of factors—diet, sleep, and stress—all of which play a significant role in skin health. At Floragy, products address these elements, offering clients more than immediate aesthetic improvements. This complete care is what sets Floragy apart.
Full Transparency – The Driving Force Behind A Successful Customer Experience
One of the key factors behind Floragy’s success is Louisa’s dedication to educating her customers. She believes that informed customers are empowered customers, and she prioritises providing detailed information about the ingredients used in her products and their benefits.
“I wanted to create a brand that people could trust,” Louisa explained. “Transparency is at the heart of Floragy. We’re very open about what goes into our products and why we choose the ingredients we do. I think that honesty has really resonated with our customers.”
Floragy quickly gained a loyal following thanks to Louisa’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
In addition to maintaining a transparent relationship with customers about their products, Floragy has created a quarterly magazine called The Floragist, where they share helpful skincare tips, lifestyle advice, and even healthy recipes with their customers.
Producing her business magazine is a great way to maintain relationships with existing customers, attract a new audience and boost a community feeling whilst promoting engagement through a different marketing channel.
Plans For The Future At Floragy
Looking ahead, Louisa has exciting plans for Floragy as she continues to innovate and expand her brand.
One of the most anticipated developments is the brand new launch of the Floragy Pro range, designed specifically for salons and professional therapists who offer holistic treatments. After receiving feedback from industry professionals who had fallen out of love with their current skincare options, Louisa recognised an opportunity to fill a gap in the market.
The Pro range offers an affordable, naturally based skincare line tailored for professional use. It features a sleek, neutral design that includes amber bottles with black labels, a departure from Floragy’s retail products, known for their vibrant colours that complement any salon aesthetic. This design enhances the professional look and offers practicality with easy squeeze pumps, ensuring therapists can use the products safely and efficiently.
Louisa’s commitment to sustainability is evident in this new line. All Pro range products are refillable glass bottles, with the refills in recyclable aluminium bottles. This reduces waste and energy consumption, reflecting Floragy’s ongoing dedication to environmentally responsible practices.
Louisa is candid about the challenges of balancing her vision with the realities of production. While she aspires for Floragy to be 100% plastic-free, she acknowledges that the journey is ongoing. “We’re not there yet, but we’re working towards it,” Louisa explains, emphasising the importance of transparency with her customers. She believes in honesty about where the brand stands and what it aims to achieve, ensuring that Floragy remains authentic and trustworthy as it grows.
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Biggest Achievements To Date
One of the most rewarding milestones for Louisa has been the recognition that Floragy has received through prestigious awards.
Floragy has participated in the Beauty Shortlist Awards for the past four years, consistently emerging as a winner! Among these awards is the triumph of the Oil-to-Milk Cleanser as the Best Cleanser—beating out big-name brands—stands out as a particularly validating moment. This recognition from industry experts and beauty editors has affirmed the quality of Floragy’s products, cementing its reputation in the competitive skincare market.
In addition to these awards, Floragy’s inclusion in Harper’s Bazaar as a sustainable beauty brand to watch and being stocked in Anthropologie stores are significant achievements that have further elevated the brand’s status. These moments, which Louisa describes as “pinch-me moments,” reflect the hard work and perseverance that have driven her success. Each acknowledgement serves as a testament to the impact of Floragy and the values it upholds, making the challenging journey of entrepreneurship all the more rewarding.
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Advice To Those Who Want To Pursue A Career In The Beauty And Skincare Industry
For those considering a career in the beauty industry, Louisa can offer valuable insights from her journey. She highlights the industry’s vast opportunities, emphasising its flexibility and the potential for a fulfilling career that can adapt to different stages of life.
Louisa advises,
“If you’re young and uncertain about your future, consider a career in beauty or skincare. It allows you to work for yourself, adapt to various circumstances, and find joy in making others feel good. The industry is here to stay, with a growing demand for holistic therapies and personalised treatments. The skills you acquire in this industry are timeless and offer numerous paths for growth and specialisation.”
Whether you’re planning to have children, travel the world, or desire the freedom to work for yourself, the beauty industry offers a unique versatility that few other professions can match.
Louisa also underscores the longevity and irreplaceability of hands-on beauty treatments. In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, she reassures aspiring beauty professionals that skills like performing facials and holistic therapies will always be in demand.
“Even in the next 20 or 30 years, technology will never replace you doing a facial,” she says confidently.
Her advice to those uncertain about their future is clear: if you’re considering the beauty or skincare industry, go for it! The beauty industry offers a range of career paths and brings immense personal satisfaction. Louisa reflects on the joy she feels when she sees the positive impact of her treatments on clients, a sense of fulfilment she never experienced in her previous jobs.
“There’s so much joy in making someone feel good.”
she says, encouraging others to pursue a career that brings both professional success and personal happiness.
We really hope you enjoyed reading about Louisa Tidy’s journey from a fashion industry professional to a successful entrepreneur in the beauty world.
Louisa’s story is an inspiring example of how passion, dedication and expert training provided her with the skills and confidence needed to launch Floragy! A beauty brand that has not only won prestigious awards but also captured the hearts of customers.
As she continues to innovate and grow her brand, Louisa’s success serves as a shining example for future students at Ray Cochrane, proving that with the right foundation, anything is possible.
You can keep up with Floragy through their Website, Instagram, and TikTok.
If you want to start your journey into the beauty and skincare industry with Ray Cochrane, get in touch today! Call us on 020 3856 8886 today or email us at admission@raycochrane.co.uk and our expert course consultants will be able to put you on the right path!
