Deborah Mitchell is the creator of Heaven skincare and an award-winning celebrity beauty therapist from Shropshire. She creates the formulas for Heaven products while continuing to treat clients and train Heaven therapists worldwide

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Dubbed 'Britain's best kept beauty secret' Liz Earle and her team aim to become Britain's {worst} kept secret with the opening of a flagship store just off London's Sloane Square.  Annette Hanford lifts the lid

Having outgrown its London premises after only a year, it was fortuitous for botanical skincare company Liz Earle when a neighbouring premises in the Duke of York shopping area became available.

Even more fortunately the premises had previously been fitted out with treatment rooms and associated plumbing. The company, which has its headquarters on the Isle of Wight, leapt at the chance to revamp, refurbish and open its first treatment rooms along with spacious retail area.

"Everything we do is a response to what our customers ask for," says Liz (left). "They had been begging us for a long time to have salon treatments, to have somewhere where they could come and experience the whole Liz Earle skincare treat." 

Because Liz Earle offers predominantly home-use products, the brand's loyal following were missing out on the salon experience.

"We have worked really hard to bring together the best elements of our treatment range with 'magic hands' - this is what we call our therapists," says Liz. "As well as working with our award-winning products, we also wanted to bring elements that you can only achieve in the salon, so we use galvanic current, steam and vacuum for lymphatic drainage and extraction."

The company is actively recruiting and training therapists. "Everyone comes down to the island and spends time learning all parts of the business. They see everything from the greenhouse and factory to the wrapping and packing stages. It gives a real sense of the company and what's going on."

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Ratan Daryani, CEO of Flint Edge, a natural-based head-to-toe grooming range for men, is a well-known figure in the cosmetics industry with a background as a senior executive at the Body Shop and co-founder of Virgin Cosmetics

How did you get into the beauty industry?

Like most things in life, by chance. It all started with the Body Shop in 1989 where I spent seven years in a senior executive role.

What is your greatest business achievement?

Some colleagues and I presented a business plan to Sir Richard Branson in 1996. We pitched our idea of  Virgin Cosmetics to him and he went for it! It was the Virgin Group's first foray into the health and beauty market and Virgin Vie - as it is now known - has resulted in the Virgin Group becoming a leading player in the market.

What has been the most satisfying/rewarding moment in your career?

I would have to say there have been two incredibly rewarding moments in my life. One was the first sale of the Flint Edge products, and the second was the repeat sale from that customer - which it is what it's all about!

What is the best business/career advice you have ever been given?

My very first boss told me even when things aren't looking good to always keep going and never give up. It's simple advice but I really do live by it.

Three things you couldn't do your job without?

I would have to say great people like my marketing and design team, a sense of humour, and, of course, my Blackberry!

Best/worst bits of your job?

The best bits are without doubt when people write in and tell me how much they like the products. I suppose the worst is I have so many ideas about new products swimming around in my head but just don't have the time or the finance to get there quick enough.

Future business ambitions?

My ambition for Flint Edge is for it to be available in all UK salons and for it to become the number one men's salon brand.

Imagine you are at the start of your career - what would you change?

I would definitely get a few more hours' sleep. And I would try to clone myself - maybe that way I could get more done!

Would you do it all again?

Without doubt. I have no regrets and I'm enjoying every step of this journey.