In Conversation with Louise Thomas-Minns
Founder of her skin care brand, Louise Thomas Skin Care
Meet Louise Thomas-Minns the founder of Louise Thomas Skin Care, the result of 27 years of industry experience, 20 years of researching and dreaming, and nine years of product formulation. Having battled with acne from age 17 whilst studying as a skin and beauty therapist, Louise equates the reason for specialising in skin health to that debilitating skin disorder.
Over her diverse career in the skin care industry she recognised the need for bespoke, expert, results driven skin health treatments and aspired to one day be able to put that knowledge into a signature skin care range.
AJ’s blazers have embroidered quotes inside them – what is your favourite inspiring quote?
One that I always say to my daughter before she leaves the house for School, ‘Be kind, be polite & have fun!’
The best part of running your own business?
Being in control of your own destiny. Having the freedom to try ideas, run with plans & bring your vision to life.
How do you unwind away from your business?
This is something I struggle with & am sure many business owners & founders can relate to that. I love to run so that would be my go too. Get outside in nature to ground myself. Also walking by the Sea & sharing food with family & friends.
Your favourite product from your skin care range?
Ooooo tricky! It’s a bit of a running joke that every time we launch the next one, I always say, ‘This is my favourite’ BUT I would have to say The Cleanser as it was the first one, we launched back in 2022 after a 9 year struggle to get it to that point. We get so much amazing feedback from the clients & customers that use it & its my mission to get every household in the UK to have one in their bathroom as its such a great family cleanser too.
Do you have any exciting new plans or products for your brand?
We do! We have worked so hard over the last 3 years to get the initial 4 products to launch with some of that focus being spent last year on getting a business growth grant. This has allowed us to get hero serum #2 launched & we have hero serum #3 launching in March! We have also just expanded our clinic offering by opening a second skin lounge within the award-winning Jarrolds department store in Norwich so now have two destinations where people can come & experience one of our signature, bespoke facial treatments.
Another inspiring woman in business?
There are many! A lot of whom are in the brilliant Buy women-built community, so you Anna for one as well as Margaret Dabbs, Pip Murray, Kate Prince but also Bobbi Brown & Jo Malone.
Your top piece of advice for anyone starting their own business
Trust your gut, ignore the No’s they just make you stronger, believe in yourself & know when to walk away from an idea.
How would you style a blazer? And would you dress it up or down?
I would dress it down. Maybe a wide leg jean with a thin hoody underneath & some chunky trainers.