Helen's Profile
Job title
Lecturer
Academic qualifications
NVQ 2 and 3 Beauty Therapy, BA (Hons) History and Theory of Modern Art and Design, PGDip Teaching and Learning Vocational Studies
"My background is a blend of high-end retail and hands-on therapy. I spent nine years at Chanel as a sales consultant and skin therapist, so I can share real-life stories and strategies about working with luxury brands."
I’m passionate about the world of aesthetics and have been immersed in the beauty industry for over twenty years. My expertise covers advanced skin physiology, innovations in aesthetic treatments, research methodologies, and the psychological and sociological motivations behind why people seek aesthetic procedures. I also place a strong emphasis on professional ethics, because integrity is at the heart of everything we do.
My background is a blend of high-end retail and hands-on therapy; for example, I spent nine years at Chanel as a sales consultant and skin therapist. My experience in industry enables me to share real-life stories and strategies for working with luxury brands, managing client expectations, and delivering outstanding customer service. At UCB, I teach across a range of levels and modules.
I really appreciate the fact that my students come from diverse backgrounds, as every class is a chance for me to learn something new. Recently, I had the pleasure of teaching a research module in Hong Kong for business and marketing students. That experience gave me a fresh, cross-cultural perspective. I’m also inspired by seeing my students thrive and succeed, and it’s a privilege to watch them grow into confident, skilled professionals. My students tell me that I’m supportive, and I’m proud to have been nominated for teaching awards at UCB every year so far.
If there’s one misconception about our courses that I’d like to clear up, it’s that we don’t teach Botox and fillers at UCB. Our focus is on research, ethics, and the science behind beauty. We aim to support students in developing both their academic and practical skills.
Outside of work, I cherish time with my family and my dog. I also enjoy reading, and I can recommend The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
One thing that not many people know about me is that I travelled extensively in my late teens and twenties. And later this year, I’m also about to embark on the next phase in my own student journey, as I’m starting an MA in Education.