‘REDUNDANCY WAS THE MAKING OF ME’

Ruth Fielding, 45, from East Sussex set up her own mobile beauty business after being made redundant. Here, she tells Closer how she did it – and how you can, too

hree years ago T I was made redundant from my job at the local paper and part of my redundancy package was the opportunity to retrain. Back in my early 20s, I’d suffered from acne, which really dented my confidence. At the time I stumbled across microdermabrasion, which completely cleared up my skin. It was life-changing, and I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

“The beauty course took a year and then I did four days of specific microdermabrasion training. Once I was qualified, I knew I wanted to set up my own business so I could work more flexibly around my children, who are 12 and nine. The Blissful Beauty Company (Theblissfulbeautycompany.co.uk) was born.

“I set up my own website using Wix.com and started both Facebook and Instagram pages. I bought a portable treatment bed and my machine, and, once I’d sorted insurance, I was good to go. Slowly through word of mouth and some local advertising, I started to get more and more clients.

“I’m lucky that the results speak for themselves, so my clients leave lovely reviews on my Facebook page, which really helps my business grow.

“Being self-employed has so many benefits, but it can sometimes be hard to switch off as it’s not a 9-5 job. But being able to do the school run while also being able to help so many lovely people is fantastic. I couldn’t be happier.”

For more information on training, go to Skinbase.co.uk

RUTH’S TOP TIPS FIND A PASSION

“It helps that I’ve suffered with my skin like a lot of my clients, as I totally understand how they feel. And be knowledgeable about your brand and your products, your customers need to be able to trust you.”

USE FACEBOOK

“Most of my work comes via my Facebook page, rather than my website, and I think that’s often the way people look for local suppliers.”

SPREAD THE WORD

“I had leaflets made and would drop them through people’s front doors or leave them in local businesses. I also used to have car stickers that I’d put on my car. Anything that gets your name known is a great thing.”

SHOP AROUND

“I needed to buy my treatment bed, machines and products, but ebay was fantastic. I ordered a brilliant brandnew treatment bed for a fraction of the cost. As long as you’re not compromising on quality, look for deals.”

BE ORGANISED

“Being self-employed means dealing with your taxes. I do mine myself, but I have to be organised and disciplined and write down everything I spend.”