An online retail platform showcasing the best of British beauty, lifestyle and wellness products in one destination.
Our platform enables support for British brands with amazing products to grow, bringing them all together in one collective space.
How did it all begin?
Having worked with several independent beauty brands I really felt the desire to help them, plus I suddenly became aware that beauty shoppers were regularly making their decisions on products because of the opinions of celebrities and influencers, rather than because of the product quality.
From a simple idea, I spoke to my various contacts in the industry who all loved the unique concept and really felt there was a need for it. However, they all said the same thing, that if I was going to do it the time was now, so within three months we had launched A Beautiful Life!
What sets your business apart?
The mission is to create a destination site for people wanting to discover great British beauty brands. We wanted to take the stress out of searching, bringing them all together in one place. No other beauty retail site concentrates on UK brands only and we will use this as our USP with a strong PR & Marketing campaign to support it. We are on a mission get people talking and promote British brands to the UK consumer. We are not aiming to compete with the other beauty retail sites with their big brands and large discounts. We are very focused on the quality of the products not quantity of the discounts!
What is the concept behind your business or the problem you’re solving?
We offer consumers a place to discover the best British beauty brands, from much loved favourites to those more under-the-radar brands that they may not have discovered, all in one destination. We aim to sell the key bestselling items, so the consumer isn’t bombarded with too much product to choose from and knows that the ones featured on our site are the items they need to have. It’s our way to introduce them to new brands they haven’t tried before.
Where to next/What is your brand vision?
It’s still very early days, but we hope to grow the business enough to enable us to build a team of people with the same passion, bringing new ideas, inspiration and skills. We are growing our range of products all the time and want to find new ways to enable each brand to really represent and demonstrate their brand USP’s on our site through video, content and education on their products. We believe this will benefit our customers too and help them to feel more confident in their purchases.
Lydia Roscoe
Founder of
A Beautiful Life
What do you feel passionate about/what drives you?
I just love everything about the beauty industry – it’s always been my passion and I believe it always will be (in addition to my Husband of course).
Share an example of early life that has shaped you?
I have suffered with a variety of illnesses and accidents throughout my life, the biggest being diagnosed with Epilepsy grand-mal seizures at the age of 27. I had suffered petit-mal absences at Secondary School but never a proper seizure and I still suffer with them on a regular basis now. Having to deal with these things has made me stronger and possibly more determined to not let it stand in the way of achieving my dreams.
Highlights of your business journey so far?
Launching A Beautiful Life has definitely been the best so far, but with every role I have undertaken throughout the years I have learnt so much and gained in confidence. Each of those roles taught me new skills, each of which I use now in some format or another.
Key lessons you have learned along the way?
That you should always believe in yourself and follow your gut instinct – mine has rarely let me down. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with being a perfectionist!
Best piece of advice you have received?
Never be scared to ask for advice or admit you don’t know what you are doing and need help from other people.
Advice to an aspiring entrepreneur or woman just starting her career?
Just go for it! Ask yourself what the worst is that could happen if it all goes wrong – and then just make sure that never happens!
What funding route have you chosen for your business and why?
This has been completely self-funded to date. I took out a small personal loan to get things started and then contribute small amounts each month for projects that need further investment.
Some of the challenges you have faced and how you overcame them?
Starting this business on my own has meant I’ve had to learn a lot of things along the way and often do them myself. This can take up a lot of your time, money and energy, but the end goal is still what drives me.
Why is it important to support women-led business?
It’s sad, but true, that women often lack the confidence in business that men have, so that support among women is invaluable. I believe women often have a very different set of skills and viewpoints to men and can offer a different perspective on business. We need to encourage that.
60
Seconds
with
Lydia Roscoe
My inspiration is...
Supporting smaller, independent brands to communicate their brand message and increase awareness of their products to more consumers, in turn helping their businesses to grow and thrive.
My greatest fear is...
Losing my sight and not being able to see all the beauty on our planet.
The most courageous thing I’ve ever done is...
Probably this.
Guilty pleasure?
Prosecco or Champagne (and shoes)
Mantra you live by?
”In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different" -- Coco Chanel
Female role model?
Although I didn’t know that much about her until very recently, I have to say that Alexia Inge (Cult Beauty) has really inspired and motivated me after reading so many interviews with her about her recent acquisition. Not so much by the money she sold the business for, but by how she grew something similar from a small idea that she was truly passionate about and stayed determined, through the good and bad times, to reach her goal.
Women-led brand you love?
Way too many to mention, but if I had to name one it would be Charlotte Tilbury. I love everything about her brand and all of her products and having trained as a make-up artist myself I love her passion for everything beauty and really associate with it.
Top productivity tool?
My notepad and pen. I’ve tried using my iphone to keep notes but it just doesn’t feel the same. I’m old school I guess and I find my thoughts flow more freely with a pen in my hand. Plus, constantly reading – about everything beauty and also business, communications and marketing guides and books.
