Andrea Simpson is an award-winning facialist, global educator and founder of The Facial Mentor. With more than 25 years of experience in professional beauty and wellness, she is recognised internationally for her expertise, innovation and passion for raising standards across the industry.
In her sought-after clinic, Andrea created the celebrated Autograph Facials, a collection of bespoke treatments that fuse advanced skin technology with Ayurvedic principles. Her results-driven yet soulful approach has earned her a year-long client waitlist and a reputation as the go-to facialist for celebrities, royals and high-profile figures. Guided by her belief that “It’s never just a facial,” Andrea blends science, intuition and artistry to deliver experiences that go far beyond skin.
Alongside her clinic work, Andrea has trained and mentored therapists and spa teams around the world, from boutique settings to some of the world’s most prestigious and Forbes 5-star spas. She is a multi best-selling author, an international speaker and the creative force behind The Facial Mentor, where she empowers solo professionals with education that combines technical mastery, business acumen and authentic care.
Her achievements include multiple industry accolades, most notably Facialist of the Year at the BABTAC Awards, recognising her as a thought leader and innovator. Andrea’s reputation as both practitioner and educator is built on her ability to bridge high-performance skin health with the art of human connection.
As a judge for the Professional Beauty Awards, Andrea brings a global perspective, a deep respect for excellence and integrity, and a sharp eye for innovation. She is honoured to celebrate the creativity, dedication and vision of the professionals shaping the future of beauty.
Award winning Educator, SPA & Wellness Consultant, International Speaker, Skin Expert supporting luxury brands, destination spas, clinics, and professional teams in the development of advanced treatments, education frameworks, and next-generation wellness concepts.
With over 25 years of unwavering commitment to the industry, my expertise sits at the intersection of facial therapies education, functional aesthetics and cosmetology, beauty technology, and longevity-focused wellness. My mission is to elevate professional and industry standards through depth of expertise, rigorous education, and a long-term, integrity-led approach. I founded the Inspark Institute in London and our motto is to elevate mastery - ignite success for all out students.
My work is rooted in a dermatofunctional philosophy as an integrative approach that views the face as a complex, interconnected system, shaped by biomechanics, fascia, muscles, fluid and lymphatic dynamics. My research covers inflammaging, stress, and cellular regeneration. Rather than working only on the surface skin level, I teach how all systems interact and how their function can be restored and optimised over time, resulting in sustainable, visible outcomes.
This philosophy is the core of everything I do — from designing concepts or exclusive, science-led treatments for luxury brands and destination spas, to educating practitioners globally.
I had the honour to be recognised with multiple industry awards, including Attracta Haute Beauty Best Advanced Skincare expert , World Champion of Face Massage, USA, European, and UK facial medalist and recipient of Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in USA and IMA Hall of Fame for contributions to the industry as a teacher and wellness expert. I am honoured to be CIDESCO International Global Ambassador and Judge at multiple international competition in the UK, USA, The World, and Japan championships.
My work has been featured in Vogue, Tatler, and Harper’s Bazaar, and I collaborate with leading global beauty and luxury brands such as Chanel, Cheval Blanc, Kempinski, L’Oréal Group, LVMH, Guerlain, Swissline, and John Lewis.
With a BA in Pedagogy, education is a core pillar of my work. I specialise in creating and translating complex functional and scientific concepts into practical, advanced protocols, education programs, and elevated wellness experiences.
My focus is shaping the future of facial wellness through expertise, education, and innovation.
Bobby’s career boasts extensive experience within the luxury hotel and spa sector, having worked across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Most recently, she spent two years as the first full-time General Manager of the UK Spa Association, where she worked closely with spa leaders and operators across the country. During her tenure, she introduced a UK spa benchmarking survey, expanded membership benefits and established Regional Spa Leader meetings to create greater connection and support for spa managers, while growing the association’s membership and strengthening its brand and industry presence.
Bobby has recently joined Thoresby Hall in Nottinghamshire, as Spa & Wellness Manager, It’s a particularly exciting time following the spa’s major refurbishment, with beautiful new treatment and studio spaces and an outdoor spa garden featuring a hot tub, plunge pool and sauna. As one of the exclusive Reserve by Warner Hotels properties, Thoresby Hall offers an elevated take on the Warner experience, bringing together exceptional hospitality, dining, wellbeing and carefully curated experiences within a truly special setting.
Bobby’s role is about building on that and making the spa an integral part of the Thoresby Hall experience, whether guests come to us for a treatment, time to unwind together or simply a few peaceful hours where they can completely switch off.
I am a passionate and commercially focused professional with a strong background in the beauty industry and a real drive to develop brands, products and opportunities that make a difference to professional beauty businesses. Working within a family business has given me a practical understanding of what it takes to build a successful business, from developing products and supporting customers to managing sales, training, marketing and long-term growth.
A key focus of my work is the development of HARA Professional, a UK professional beauty brand with ambitious plans for growth. I have been closely involved in shaping the brand, from product development and positioning through to education, sales strategy, e-commerce and international expansion. I am particularly passionate about creating products that are not only high quality, but that genuinely help beauty professionals improve their services, increase their earning potential and grow their own businesses.
Clare brings over four decades of educational, service, and entrepreneurial experience to the judging panel. As the Founder, Managing Director and lead therapist at The Treatment Rooms in Brighton, her focus is skin health and holistic well-being.
Clare’s educational foundation includes working as a Lecturer in Beauty Therapy at City College Brighton from 1984 to 1989. In 2010, the college awarded her a Golden Alumni for her enduring industry contributions.
In 1995, The Treatment Rooms was opened, evolving it into one of Brighton's largest skincare and well-being clinics. The salon features ten treatment rooms and partners with premier brands.
With experience in running an employee led salon for over 30 years, Clare possesses an authoritative perspective on salon excellence. As an awards judge, she uses these skills to evaluate submissions and honour standout industry professionals.
I’m the owner and beauty therapist at The Fountain Beauty Therapy in Surrey and have worked in the beauty industry for over 30 years.
I’m still very much a hands-on therapist and combine running a busy independent salon with my wider industry roles as a Professional Beauty judge and speaker, HABIA Apprenticeships Ambassador and member of the Beauty Directors Club. I’m also a co-author of Beauty and the Best 2.
I’m passionate about raising standards within our industry, supporting the next generation through apprenticeships and continuing to learn and evolve. For me, great beauty businesses are built around excellent treatments, genuine client care and a real passion for what we do.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the beauty industry, Denise Brown is a multi-award-winning skin therapist, educator and founder of her own successful skin clinic and training brand.
A highly experienced skin therapist and educator, Denise combines extensive hands-on clinical experience with more than 10 years in further education, where she worked as a lecturer, assessor and internal verifier. Her career has included working within luxury beauty, professional skin clinics and education, giving her a broad understanding of both the treatment room and the development of beauty industry.
Denise is passionate about raising standards within the beauty industry and believes that great practitioners combine knowledge, skill, professionalism and genuine care. Her approach is always rooted in evidence-informed practice, attention to detail and the individual needs of the client.
As a judge, Denise is passionate about celebrating talented professionals who demonstrate excellence and contribute positively to the future of the industry.
With a career spanning over 30 years in the Skincare and Spa industry, Fiona Brackenbury has worked passionately to become a true expert in her field and one of the authority leaders of skincare in the UK. Fiona has played a multi-faceted role in the skincare industry from treating celebrity clients to designing facials and treatments and training thousands of beauty professionals.
With an encyclopedic knowledge of the skin, ingredients, and products, and working with the labs on global product launches & education her passion and heart truly lies in the skincare industry.
Gemma has spent over 26 years in the beauty industry. She is the founder and owner of Lily’s Beauty Salon, a multi award-winning boutique salon, established in 2014. Under her leadership, the salon has won numerous accolades, including Professional Beauty Boutique Salon of the Year 2021, BABTAC Small Salon of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, and a BABTAC Platinum Status recognition award.
Gemma regularly appears as a guest speaker at shows and serves as a judge on the panel for Professional Beauty.
She has recently contributed to the third volume of Beauty & the Best, the bestselling series that features personal stories from 22 industry professionals, offering unique insight into the highs and lows of the beauty industry and what can be achieved when passion meets purpose.
Gemma is passionate about helping and inspiring the next generation of beauty professionals and salon owners. She is especially keen on encouraging others to discover their salon’s unique identity and define their USP.
When she’s not running her business, Gemma loves spending time with her son, Charlie, and mischievous Dachshund, Truffle.
Jacqui O'Sullivan is an award-winning educator, international competition judge, co-author, and passionate champion of the nail industry. With over 30 years experience Jacqui has collaborated with various awarding bodies within the further education sector alongside being on the board of directors for HABÍA. She has one foot firmly in academia and the other in the fast-paced world of professional nails, she has spent her career proving that technical excellence and creativity make the perfect pair.
Currently a Lecturer in Nail Services, Jacqui is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of nail professionals. Whether she's teaching in the classroom, mentoring future talent, or sharing her expertise through writing, her mission is simple: to raise standards and celebrate excellence across the industry.
Jacqui's contribution to the profession was recognised with the prestigious Scratch Stars Award for Services to the Nail Industry, a testament to her years of dedication, innovation, and influence. She is also highly respected as a Head Floor Judge and Director of Competitions for Professional Beauty, as well as a leading figure at international events including Nailympia. Renowned for her keen eye for detail, commitment to fairness, and deep technical knowledge, Jacqui has helped shape competition standards on a global stage. Holding a BA (Hons) in Education from Manchester Metropolitan University, Jacqui combines academic rigour with real-world industry expertise. As a co-author, educator, columnist judge, and lifelong learner, she continues to share knowledge, inspire professionals, and advocate for the artistry, skill, and professionalism that define the modern nail industry.
Known for her enthusiasm, integrity, and unwavering belief in the power of education, Jacqui remains a driving force in helping the nail industry sparkle, one professional at a time.
With more than 18 years of experience within the luxury spa, beauty and wellness industry, Jenny is a highly experienced industry specialist with extensive expertise in spa operations, leadership, commercial performance and exceptional guest experiences.
Throughout their career, Jenny has held senior leadership positions within some of the UK’s most prestigious five-star hotel and spa environments, developing a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to create, lead and maintain successful luxury wellness businesses.
Their expertise encompasses operational excellence, team development, recruitment, financial performance, sales and marketing, customer journey development and maintaining consistently high standards of service.
A strong advocate for developing people, Jenny has a proven ability to build high-performing teams while ensuring that commercial success never comes at the expense of the guest experience. They believe the strongest businesses combine exceptional technical standards, genuine hospitality, innovation and a clear understanding of their customers.
Jenny is passionate about celebrating talented individuals, inspiring teams and businesses that demonstrate genuine excellence, strong leadership and a commitment to raising standards across the professional beauty, spa and wellness industry.
Jody Taylor is the founder of Skin Deep Clinic and Academy and an established authority in the UK beauty and aesthetics sector. Bringing three decades of experience to the Professional Beauty awards judging panel, her background spans roles as a practitioner, salon owner, college director, and brand educator.Her clinical excellence is recognised through major accolades, including winning Professional Beauty UK Therapist of the Year and British Hair and Beauty Aesthetic Clinic of the Year.
As an educator, Jody has mentored thousands of practitioners with a strict focus on advanced skin science. An expert in advanced aesthetics treatments, Jody previously served as a trainer for Dermapen and an ambassador for Juliette Armand and Innoaesthetics. She currently represents Circadia Skincare UK and Dermaceutic as an educator and clinical advisor.
As a regular industry journal contributor and conference speaker, Jody brings an objective, well-rounded perspective to the judging process
2026 marks my 20th anniversary of joining the beauty industry and becoming a business owner. I moved into the beauty industry after over 20 years in accountancy and that experience has been extremely beneficial in the business administration and management side of salon ownership.
What I also brought was 20 years’ experience as a regular salon customer which has shaped the ethos of my current salon, based on why I used to visit. It’s more than beauty, it’s making sure clients not only feel better about their skin, but better about themselves.
Throughout my career, I have been a hands-on owner, and this side of the business is still what excites me the most. Whether it’s starting their skincare journey with a new client or greeting regular clients and catching up on their latest experiences. I have seen quite a few changes in treatments over the years. In my early days I was mainly waxing, manicures and pedicures, and endless eyebrow shapes, but though the years I’ve embraced new technology and now spend more time as a facial specialist offering the more advanced services like micro-needling and radio frequency.
However, as a business owner, I’ve also had to recognise the balance between client experience and profitability. Like many salon owners I’ve learnt many new skills. Marketing, especially getting to grips with social media, has been an uphill challenge and I never expected that I would be starring in and producing reels. (I still don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera).
I believe we should never stop learning and have not only continued my own education in the industry but make it a priority for all salon staff. The beauty market is constantly evolving, and clients are savvier than ever.
Despite all the challenges, I can’t imagine ever wanting to do anything else, I love my job and I love this industry.
Karen Thompson is the owner and CEO of Beauty Secrets, an established group of five beauty salons and day spas across Sussex and Surrey.
With almost three decades of experience within the professional beauty industry, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge spanning salon operations, business development, team leadership, client experience and commercial strategy.
Beauty Secrets has been part of the professional beauty landscape for more than 40 years. Karen worked alongside its founder, Beryl Martin, for many years before taking the business forward, preserving its strong heritage while continuing to evolve the group to meet the changing expectations of clients and the industry.
Today, Karen leads a diverse team across five locations, offering everything from traditional beauty and holistic therapies to advanced skin, aesthetic and wellness treatments. She is particularly passionate about developing people, creating career opportunities within the beauty industry and ensuring that excellent technical skills are matched by exceptional client care.
Karen also has a strong interest in the wider challenges facing salon owners, including leadership, profitability, recruitment and retention, training, innovation and building sustainable businesses. She is an active member of her local business communities and serves as a volunteer Director of both Chichester BID and Horsham BID.
As a Professional Beauty Awards judge, Karen will be looking for businesses and individuals who combine outstanding professional standards with genuine passion, strong leadership, commercial awareness and an exceptional commitment to their clients and teams.
For Karen, the very best in professional beauty is about much more than delivering a great treatment – it is about creating an experience, developing people and building a business and culture that can thrive for the long term.
Katie Clark is an award-winning nail professional, educator, entrepreneur and founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range, with over 18 years’ experience in the nail industry.
From starting her career as a nail technician to building the #1 nail brand on TikTok Shop UK, Katie has dedicated her career to raising industry standards through education, innovation and professional product development.
A Professional Beauty Award winner, experienced competition judge and educator, Katie has trained and supported thousands of nail professionals throughout her career. Her products are now used by nail techs across the UK, with several becoming bestselling and viral industry favourites.
Katie is passionate about championing technical excellence, safer working practices and the continued growth of the professional nail industry.
As a HARA Brand Educator with over 20 years’ experience in the professional beauty industry, I bring extensive practical knowledge, a passion for education and a strong commitment to professional standards.
I’m proud to be part of the Professional Beauty Awards judging panel, helping to recognise and celebrate talent and excellence across the industry.
With more than 30 years in the professional beauty and spa industry, Kelly Shaw has experienced the industry from almost every angle: therapist, educator, spa director, salon owner, author, speaker, coach and mentor.
Kelly’s career has taken her from senior education roles within the professional skincare industry to Spa Director positions at some of the world’s most prestigious luxury resorts, including Four Seasons and Shangri-La.
Today, she is the founder of k:SPA, her multi-award-winning skin and wellness salon in Hampshire, which she has successfully grown and evolved for more than 18 years.
Alongside running k:SPA, Kelly is a salon business coach and mentor, working with salon and spa owners who want to build stronger teams, improve performance and create businesses that give them greater freedom rather than demanding more of their time.
Her coaching focuses particularly on leadership, accountability, team performance and putting the right systems in place so owners are no longer the person holding everything together.
Kelly is also the author of How to Make Your Salon Work, So You Don’t Have To!, an industry speaker and an experienced Professional Beauty Awards judge.
Passionate about raising standards across the industry, Kelly brings both strategic business insight and more than three decades of hands-on experience to her judging, with a particular interest in leadership, client experience, team culture and sustainable growth.
Kerry is an award winning beauty and holistic therapist herself, winning Therapist of the Year in 2016.
Since then she now works with clients to balance mind, body and soul with movement, meditation, mindset and holistic bespoke rituals to balance the nervous system.
Industry Global Education and Business Consultant and Industry Awards Winner. With over 30 years of experience in over 50 countries and 150 cities. International Examination Officer, IQA, EQA and EPA across several awarding organisations and Board Member and Trustee globally.
With over 30 years of experience as a beauty therapist, educator, and employer, I am deeply passionate about delivering the highest standards of excellence. I have owned my own multi-national, award-winning beauty salons for over 22 years.
City Retreat has achieved over 40 industry accolades, including Professional Beauty Large Salon of the Year 2008 and 2017, Regional Salon of the Year 2016 and Best Boutique Salon of the Year 2022 & 2024. Lesley also won Employer of the Year (2017).
In addition to being a fully qualified beauty therapist, my qualifications include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Education and Training
- Internal Verifiers Certificate
- Mental Health First Aid Certificate
- Numerous professional product house diplomas
I am committed to fostering excellence and supporting my team to thrive both personally and professionally.
Lola Dansu is an award-winning aesthetician, educator, industry examiner and founder of ASME Collective, with over eight years of experience within the professional beauty and aesthetics industry.
In 2022, Lola was named BABTAC Advanced Aesthetician of the Year, recognising her expertise, professional standards and commitment to excellence. She was also a BABTAC Awards finalist in 2023.
Lola specialises in skin of colour, acne and hyperpigmentation and has extensive experience in advanced aesthetic treatments. She is also an ITEC/VTCT External Examiner, contributing to maintaining high standards in professional education, assessment and practice within the beauty and aesthetics industry.
Lola is the founder of ASME Collective, a social-impact organisation introducing young people aged 11–18 to careers across beauty, wellness and entrepreneurship. Through practical workshops, mentoring, career experiences and employer engagement, ASME Collective has supported more than 2,000 young people. Lola has also engaged with professionals from leading beauty companies including Shiseido, L’Oréal, NAOS/Bioderma, Pierre Fabre and Sana Jardin to help young people gain greater insight into the industry and the career opportunities within it.
As a judge, Lola is passionate about recognising excellence, innovation and professionals who are committed to raising standards and creating positive impact within the beauty industry.
I’m Michaela, founder of Bare All Skin, the skin and wax specialist in Cornwall, with 18 years’ experience in the professional beauty industry.
Intimate waxing has been a significant part of my career, and I’m passionate about creating an experience that feels professional, friendly and completely non-judgemental. I’m a real girls’ girl, and I believe the relationship between therapist and client is a huge part of what makes an exceptional waxing experience. I’m known for chatting throughout treatments, helping clients relax, laugh and feel less self-conscious. For me, it should never feel awkward or embarrassing.
Interestingly, I hated waxing when I first trained. I found it slow, painful and struggled to understand the technique. Over the years, through experience, additional training, working alongside other therapists and being willing to ask questions and learn from others, I developed a real understanding and love for the skill. I now have a dedicated space where women who may have previously felt uncomfortable about their body hair can feel completely at ease.
My approach to waxing is thorough, efficient and hygienic, with client comfort, modesty and skin safety at the centre. I believe an exceptional waxer needs strong technical ability, confidence in their service, an understanding of the skin and hair, excellent aftercare and, above all, genuine care for their client.
I have undertaken training with brands including Wax:perts and Lycon, have also modelled for Lycon a few times and now use Outback Organics, and continue to invest heavily in my professional development. I am a Dermalogica Platinum Partner and Pro Collective member, a finalist for Wax Specialist in the BABTAC Awards, and have previously judged the Cornwall Hair & Beauty Awards. I am currently completing my Level 4 qualification with CIBTAC and Dermalogica.
I’m frequently asked to teach waxing and have undertaken CPD training in this area. I’m particularly passionate about raising standards and celebrating therapists who combine excellent technique with exceptional client care.
As a judge, I’ll be looking for technical skill, efficiency, hygiene, consultation, client comfort, modesty, aftercare and the overall experience. The details that make a client think, “I wouldn’t go anywhere else.”
With almost 20 years of experience in the beauty and aesthetics industry, I have built an extensive career working at the highest level of the profession. My experience spans every aspect of beauty, from hands-on treatments and advanced machine-based technologies to management, training and working behind the scenes within prestigious clinics and luxury environments.
I am currently based at the renowned Taktouk Clinic in Knightsbridge and the Rosewood Hotel, working alongside the highly respected Dr Wassim Taktouk. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with leading beauty brands, renowned doctors and an exclusive clientele of VIPs and celebrities.
My extensive experience has given me a deep understanding of advanced treatments, technology and personalised client care. I pride myself on my knowledge, precision and attention to detail, while creating a discreet and luxurious experience for every client.
I am genuinely passionate about my industry and have always remained curious and forward-thinking, continually exploring the latest treatments, technologies and innovations. After almost two decades in beauty and aesthetics, I continue to be driven by the same passion for excellence and the desire to deliver exceptional results.
Natalie Jackson is a national multi-award-winning Advanced Electrologist and Educator with more than three decades of experience in the beauty and aesthetics industry.
Natalie’s career began in 1989 and includes 11 years running her own high street clinic. Today, she works exclusively within advanced electrolysis, combining extensive hands-on clinical experience with a passion for education and raising professional standards within this specialist field.
In 2025, Natalie was recognised nationally with two prestigious industry awards, winning the BABTAC & CIBTAC Specialist Therapist of the Year award and Professional Beauty UK Electrologist of the Year. She is currently also a finalist for BABTAC & CIBTAC Advanced Electrologist of the Year, further recognising her expertise and contribution to the profession.
Natalie is a proud member of the British Institute & Association of Electrolysis (BIAE) and is now delighted to serve on the BIAE Board, supporting the continued development, recognition and professional standards of electrolysis.
Her commitment to best practice extends to further professional education, including training with the Primary Care Dermatology Society in dermoscopy and referral pathways. This has strengthened her approach to clinical decision-making and ensures that her treatment and teaching remain firmly grounded in safe and appropriate practice.
Natalie has recently launched the Natalie Jackson Advanced Electrolysis Training Academy, specialising in advanced skin blemish removal. The academy offers VTCT-regulated training for practitioners looking to gain recognised qualifications, alongside HABIA-endorsed refresher training for already-qualified practitioners who want to develop and refine their existing skills.
As a Professional Beauty UK judge, Natalie brings an exceptional combination of clinical expertise, education, national award recognition and professional leadership. She understands the commitment required to achieve excellence within the industry and is passionate about recognising practitioners and businesses who demonstrate outstanding standards, dedication, innovation and genuine professional achievement.
With more than 20 years of experience in the spa industry, Rachel Bevan has built a career shaped by a genuine passion for people, wellbeing and the power of spa to make a meaningful difference. Beginning her journey as a spa therapist, Rachel has progressed through hands-on treatment, management and business development roles to become General Manager of the UK Spa Association.
Her career has given her a unique perspective across the industry, from understanding the client experience first-hand and supporting spa teams, to developing businesses, building partnerships and championing the wider spa community. This breadth of experience has given Rachel a deep understanding of both the challenges faced by those working in spa and the importance of creating exceptional experiences for every client.
Today, as General Manager of the UK Spa Association, Rachel is passionate about bringing people together, celebrating the incredible work taking place across the industry and helping to shape a positive future for spa. She is particularly passionate about creating more inclusive and accessible spa environments for people experiencing cancer and other life-changing illnesses, as well as encouraging greater understanding of clients and team members who may be neurodiverse.
Rachel believes that spa has the power to make people feel cared for, understood and truly valued. Her vision is for an industry that not only delivers exceptional treatments and experiences, but also embraces individuality, supports its people and makes wellbeing accessible to everyone.
Bringing together hands-on industry experience, commercial insight and a strong passion for positive change, Rachel is committed to championing the people, businesses and ideas that will shape the future of spa.
Sara began her career in the Ray Cochrane Beauty School, London, almost 40 years ago – she feels fortunate to have worked in a number of London spas and in the retail market working for some of the best skincare brands in top London department stores.
She then completed her teaching and examining qualifications.
Sara missed salon life and made the decision to go back to her first love of treating clients personally.
In these relatively early days of the high street beauty salon, Sara couldn't find a professional salon in which to work. This was instrumental in her decision to start her own treatment room. Sara now has 4 Salons, GLOW Beauty, and employs over 35 therapists and apprentices.
GLOW have worked to achieve more than 40 national accolades and awards.
Sara enjoys speaking at conferences, working with local colleges, she is proud to sit on the board of BABTAC, works closely as a committee member for the Hair and Beauty Charity and is always delighted when asked to assist with the judging process at Beauty Awards. Sara never wants to stop learning and feels fortunate to meet so many inspiring people whom continue to teach her so much – she never wants to stand still and feels incredibly lucky to work in an industry that she adores and she works closely alongside her team and other industry professionals with continuous passion, knowledge and total dedication to promote our beauty industry in as many areas as they can, in the positive, professional light it truly deserves.
Smita Ahluwalia is a renowned Skin Health Expert and Clinical Facialist, and founder of Smita London.
She has over 25 years of experience specialising in advanced skin treatments. With a degree in Chemistry alongside advanced aesthetic training, Smita is an industry leader bringing a uniquely scientific and clinical approach, combined with a holistic and personalised understanding of skin health.
Throughout her career, she has built a loyal client following across London and beyond, with many travelling specifically for her expertise.
Smita believes healthy skin is the foundation of confidence, and that no two skins are alike - something that underpins every bespoke treatment and the advice she gives her clients. Her focus is on creating personalised, evidence-based solutions that support long-term skin health.
At her clinic, Smita London, she designs tailored skin health programmes that address underlying concerns, strengthen the skin barrier, and deliver measurable, lasting results. She also specialises in advanced skin therapies including medical-grade peels, microneedling, radio frequency, and regenerative treatments, alongside her signature facials. Clients not only see visible results, but Smita also guides them through their long-term skin journey with her holistic approach.
Beyond the treatment room, Smita is a respected educator and leading industry voice in skin health. She speaks regularly at industry events, sharing her knowledge with the next generation of therapists. As part of this, Smita develops professional courses and delivers live masterclasses, stage demonstrations, and webinars.
Smita is often asked to be a brand ambassador for skincare and wellness brands, contributing to product development, education, and wider industry conversations. She currently leads Skintelligent, where she oversees product strategy and client education for pharmaceutical-grade skincare, further reinforcing her commitment to results-led, evidence-based skin health.
Her career spans senior roles in education and quality assurance, including Head of Hair & Beauty at Harrow College and Quality Assurance Manager for Edexcel International, where she was responsible for maintaining high standards across global training programmes.
Today, Smita continues to evolve her practice through ongoing research and education, ensuring her clients benefit from the latest advancements in clinical and holistic skin health.
Stefania Rossi is a multi-award-winning salon owner, recruitment specialist, industry adviser, mentor and international speaker.
As the owner of Utopia Beauty & Advanced Skincare in Hornchurch, Stefania is passionate about building strong, motivated teams and developing people within the hair and beauty industry.
Combining her background in specialist recruitment with extensive salon and business management experience, she founded Stefania Rossi Recruitment, helping businesses find, attract and retain the right talent.
Stefania is also a sought-after speaker, awards judge and industry expert, regularly sharing her knowledge on recruitment, careers, training and team development.
I’m Terri, owner and Managing Director of Simpsons Beauty Group in Lincoln. I’ve worked within the beauty industry for over 25 years and during that time have grown my first salon 'Simpsons Beauty' from a single salon into a successful group of 4 locations, including our day spa, advanced skin and laser clinic and our own VTCT-approved training College.
I’m incredibly passionate about the beauty industry, particularly raising standards, developing therapists and creating genuine career opportunities. Over the years I’ve built and developed a team and now employ more than 45 beauty professionals, while continuing to evolve the business and introduce new treatments, technologies and training.
Having experienced so many different sides of the industry – from treatments and client experience to recruitment, training and running a growing beauty business – I’m delighted to be joining the judging panel and celebrating the hard work, talent and passion within our industry.
