Don’t worry this isn’t memory lane but I’m often asked, “how do you do all this…” and it really is a great question, so a bit about me…. I grew up in Bletchley Milton Keynes, where I have lived for twenty-five years (the last few years, on and off) and my childhood was incredible.
Ever since I was a little girl my parents took me to charity shops, I loved them, always a surprise and a story with every piece of clothing or jewellery I picked up . And the conversation… WOW.
We weren’t made to shop in thrift stores due to lack of funds, but, because it taught me to be resourceful. To turn something from basically nothing, someone else’s junk, using my imagination and a bit of hard work, to something! Also to show me that just because it had been used doesn’t mean it isn’t useful anymore.
Have you ever noticed how employees in second hand, charity, vintage or thrift shops, even those country style shops, are so friendly?
I remember one day I was trying on an evening dress for a party we were going to, I was excited as I was actually buying the dress with my own money from my paper round. I heard my mum talking to the lady and gentleman running the shop about where we were going, and there was me in the changing room excited, as I thought I looked lovely. However, recent trips to high-street stores had left my confidence low from the changing room attendants. I needn’t be worried, as when my mum called me out, the lady instantly exclaimed and started getting me to move around and helped find accessories to match.
The personalised attention eased my nerves and I walked out of the shop with a whole outfit including heels, coat, bag and jewellery for less than twenty quid, great!
What resonated with me the most was, the passion and basic social pleasantries needed for a happy transaction did NOT fade with the price I was paying. Yet, I’ve been to high street shops where the service, pleasantries and general customer service were definitely not comparative to the higher price.
My conclusion after nearly twelve years of manic research and analysing social behaviour?
Enjoy what you do, have passion for what you do, be honest, use what you promote and above all be genuine and unique.
About Laura, in a nutshell
How did I get to where I am today?
Fitting in from a young age hasn’t been easy. I’ve always struggled with how I look, confidence and accepting compliments too. I’ve been through the mill, with 1 mentally abusive relationship, 1 sexually abusive relationship, relentless online and offline bullying most of my life, distress from the loss of my Grandfather, supported my ex husband through cancer, and two miscarriages, I was down and out, signed off with PTSD and self-harming.
I’ve worked within High positions in the corporate world in HUGE companies in the automotive, transport, logistics, fashion, music, food, accessories, media industry and each one moved me closer and closer to the edge. I wasn’t being me, after years of abuse, I had finally decided that’s it. I was signed off with PTSD on and off for seven years.
Which takes me to today, 2021, I love what I do and what I do is vast , I now have a flourishing freelance career working in strategic communications with a main company based in Dubai, I have featured on the Avon front cover, won a national makeup competition and stared in the Watch me Now Campaign on TV, radio, and billboards across Europe. I’ve presented training at the national conference and produced my own training video as well as becoming an expert in my field, I actively strive to inspire and coach others.
I am an ambassador and media designer for Lush Aesthetics/ Lush Academy and I actively promote Ketones and the Keto Lifestyle. With a podcast on the horizon, a social media academy, webinars and much more, my life has quite literally changed, I am no longer ashamed of who I am and have been free from self harming for a while which makes me feel empowered. It feels good to stand up and be me.
I purposely haven’t gone into detail about many aspects of what I do! I’ll leave that for another blog! However if you want to see what led me to My fiancé Phil, and what I do for Avon then please check this previous blog here. Spoiler alert, Boutique Beauty, is no longer a sole website and it’s been incorporated, which means it’s more personal. If you require a Booty Box (Phil’s from Norfolk!), just send me an email and i’ll be happy to oblige!
