Building a Beauty Empire: Katie Lowndes Discusses Her Role in Elemis' Australian Expansion

Susan Routledge sits down with Katie Lowndes, a former therapist from the northeast of England who has carved out an impressive career in the beauty industry. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Katie shares her remarkable journey from working as a therapist to becoming a key figure in Elemis, where she has played a pivotal role in building distribution in Australia and New Zealand. The conversation delves into Katie's experiences on cruise ships, her transition into training and management, and her passion for continuous learning and personal development. With valuable insights on sales, team dynamics, and the importance of asking the right questions, this episode is packed with golden nuggets for anyone looking to thrive in the beauty business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Embrace Continuous Learning: Always seek opportunities to learn and grow, whether through formal education, training, or personal development. This mindset can lead to new career paths and enhance your skills.

Value Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback from others, whether it's from colleagues, mentors, or clients. Listening and reflecting on this feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and personal growth.

Utilize Questions in Sales: Effective consultation and sales hinge on asking the right questions. Engaging clients with thoughtful inquiries allows you to understand their needs better and tailor your recommendations accordingly.

BEST MOMENTS

"Questions are your biggest ally... If you just took the time and actually genuinely asked what's going on and what do you use, they feel amazing because someone's listened to them." - Katie

"Sales has left till the very last end thing... But it has to be where not only asking questions, but listening to the answers as well." - Susan

"Don't be scared to invest money... Sometimes people are scared to address things that could really make a big difference." - Katie

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2. 

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.