MY LIGHT BULB MOMENT

Beauty pioneer Margaret Dabbs

MARGARET DABBS, 48, a podiatrist-turned-businesswoman, looks after the feet of celebrities worldwide. She has eight clinics that perform her renowned Medical Pedicure, as well as a bespoke line of products. She is a mum to two children, James, 24, and Emma, 21. MY MOTHER died when I was little — I was the second eldest of four children, then ranging between four and nine years old. My father looked after us by himself.

We lived first in Hertfordshire and then East London. Our father made sure we were always polite, though I do remember being permanently cold, as we had no heating.

I usually opted for fashion over a good fit, and sometimes wore shoes that hurt. This left me with very sensitive feet.

I also have a vivid memory of visiting my aunt in Belfast, where she was a matron at Musgrave Park Hospital, and hearing her talk fondly about her chiropodist, as she was on her feet all day. At 17, working Saturdays at my local GP’s surgery, I realised that I wanted a medical career. My light bulb moment came on the way to London Bridge Hospital in 1993, where I was assisting in the operating theatre. People were walking over the bridge to work, some in high heels, others in trainers and some in ballet pumps.

Suddenly, it all made sense: my sensitive feet, knowing other people needed help with theirs (just like my aunt), and my inner drive. Back then, no one was combining beauty with health in footcare: I knew you couldn’t have one without the other.

And so my business was born. Now, I have eight spas and sell treatments and beauty products for feet worldwide. Since that day on the bridge, I’ve never looked back.

PRODUCTS available at QVC and margaretdabbs.co.uk