Caroline Hirons - In The Hot Seat
Caroline Hirons is usually the one asking the questions, but today I'm pleased to have her in the hot-seat. She is one of the few beauty experts/bloggers/influencers who has seen the beauty industry from several perspectives. The shop floor, brand management, brand consultant, facialist, speaker, blogger, woman, and business owner. She's a straight talker, very funny, empathetic, knowledgeable, has an eyebrow with a life of its own, supports women's charities and a mummy of four. Here's what she had to say....
Was there a defining moment when you realised the huge influence you have on women’s beauty product choices?
Not really, it was a gradual thing. I suppose when I started being contacted by brands and retailers asking me to help them relay to their customers when products had gone out of stock based on my review, I started to realise the impact. A few products are now synonymous with the blog and that’s really lovely.
How do you deal with the weight of responsibility on your shoulders, as one of the world’s most followed Beauty Influencers?
Oh I don’t think about it like that, and possibly to my detriment, but I think once you start writing for other people, it’s over. If I sat down to write and thought of myself like that I’d probably get writer’s block! And I don’t think it’s a responsibility. It’s a pleasure. When it’s not, I’ll stop.
Which females inspire you and why (apart from your Mother, Grandmother and Ava)
Honestly most women inspire me, anyone running a household, a business, holding down a 9-5 job, all women are inspiring to me. Hard work and passion are inspiring. People living the life they want to lead for themselves.
What would you have done, if not beauty, with the hindsight you have?
I probably would have stayed with photography, it’s still a great passion, albeit one I don’t have any time at all for!
You’ve re-opened your facial clinic. What prompted that?
A little of ‘practice what you preach’ I suppose. It also keeps my skill set very relevant as I was sure to retrain in all the products and machinery that I’m using. It’s not feasible for me to go back to doing facials five days a week, but I missed it. I’m in the fortunate position of being able to cherry pick days and meet clients/readers which also gives me inspiration for blog posts. It’s a good working circle.
What does our message #beautyhasnoage mean to you?
For me its about being undefined by conventionality and comfortable in your own skin. Being able to be completely authentic is the biggest freedom of all.
Please tell us about any experience in your earlier life that made you feel less confident about your beauty. How did you over come that and what advise would you give Ava so she does not feel insecure about her beauty?
Embracing how tall we are! It wasn’t always easy to find boyfriends as tall as me – so I would occasionally get teased. No boy wants to be looked down upon, but it all works itself out in the end when they mature and finally match our height. She’s used it to her great advantage by being Captain of the Netaball Team as Goal Defense. ‘Stick Ava on the goal, nothing will get past her.’
Women who put themselves at the forefront are often undermined. The prospect of this, puts off many women from expressing their true opinions, being their true selves. What advice would you give them for dealing with ‘haters’?
Haters come in all shapes and sizes. And sexes. A woman speaking her mind shouldn’t be a threat to you if you are confident and authentic in your own self. So I would say if anyone tries to shut you down when you’re expressing yourself, to regroup, bounce back and say it again – or louder. As long as you are putting yourself across in a calm, cohesive manner, the problem lies with them if they can’t hear you. Having said that, I would also say ‘Never be afraid of kicking the door shut and reminding people who you are’ when necessary. ;)
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?
Well I better be running my own brand. That house in the Hamptons isn’t going to buy itself!
Caroline Hirons recently discussed her Top 5 Beauty Must-Haves and recommends starting with Iconic Youth Serum™ and Melting Cleansing Balm™. Got any questions for Caroline? Let us know in the comments below.
