From Therapist to Trailblazer: The Journey of Diana Richardson as a Beauty Industry Innovator

The beauty industry has recently been gradually changing from a simple service sector to a technologically active industry. Diana Richardson is one of the pioneers of this revolution. She was once a beauty therapist but is now a global business strategist. Diana has not only seen the industry develop over the last 25 years but also actively contributes to its development through her proven track record of eight successful businesses.

Diana has been recently inducted into the Hall of Fame as the top beauty and wellbeing entrepreneur of the year for 2024 courtesy of the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).

Today, we have the privilege to interview Diana Richardson, one of the leading entrepreneurs whose changes are helping the beauty industry grow continually.

1. It was quite inspiring hearing about your journey from being a beauty therapist to becoming a business strategist on the global stage. Could you describe the main events that led to this change?

Thank you, I think one of the biggest events that lead to adding value to beauty businesses globally was the visibility that had been attracted from the opportunities to feature in magazines like yours. The global publications and platforms opened up opportunities to be visible and share my expertise with entrepreneurs on a global scale. We are so lucky with technology that we can now connect with others on all continents. I have had the privilege to attend in person events in the United States, Europe and United Arab Emirates to meet other industry professionals, executives and entrepreneurs.

2. You have received the individual PHAB service stars, which are compared to the Michelin Stars of the beauty industy. In what way has this recognition affected your perception and approach towards service delivery?

This accolade was a dream come true and I was honored to hold a PHAB Service Star from 2021 - 2024 until I retired from the treatment room. They are not easily obtained and the process makes the professional even more proud once they’re are awarded a Star. It is the pinnacle of professionals in the Hair, Beauty and Aesthetic Industry.

Nergish Wadia-Austin is an inspiring champion for our industry. I had the honour of her being a guest on my podcast recently. Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs 101 Episode 65 if your readers are interested in listening to her story. https://bit.ly/Glowgetterbeautyentrepreneurs101podcast 

3. Your new online CPD program has been well-received and known internationally. How did you come up with the idea of this program, and how does it respond to the changes within the beauty sector?

I’m delighted that Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs has been recognized amongst other formal institutions internationally as an accredited and certified course. The idea originated when I was teaching Beauty Therapy Level 2 & 3 at Southampton City College in the UK about 15 years ago. I was acutely aware that our industry was teaching the skill set but not the business acumen and it is an industry with a large percentage of solopreneurs.

The National Hair and Beauty Federation (May 2021) states that 65% working in the beauty industry are self employed and 60% of hairdressers are self employed. That is a large percentage of just beauty business entrepreneurs in the UK let alone globally.

4. Being the host of a podcast called ‘Glowgetter Beauty Entrepreneurs 101’, what is the biggest thing that you have learned from your guests?

I learn something from each guest, I love to just ask industry professionals to share their story. Everyone is on a different path and their journeys are inspiring for myself and our listeners.

5. In the year 2024, you have been honored with the title of Best Business Strategist and The Business Mentor. In your opinion, what makes your style of mentoring unique especially in the beauty business?

I love people, but I think the USP unique selling point is the personalization of our services. We create bespoke business plans for each client, we offer accountability actions so that there is a score board for their success. What gets monitored gets achieved, as a cheerleader for our clients we help then shatter their own glass ceilings.