We caught up with Emma, owner of The Babington Clinic to find out how she is juggling keeping her clinic ticking over and supporting the NHS.
First of all, could you let us know a little about you and your clinic?
I’m Emma. I’m 42, a Registered Nurse of 19 years with a background in critical care, but more recently aesthetic nursing is my absolute passion! My clinic, The Babington Clinic is in Frome, Somerset.
How did you get into aesthetics?
I opened my clinic to enable people to look well and feel good about themselves.
What are you doing to try to keep yourself on an even keel during these strange times?
I’m minimising negative aspects of social media, be that snoozing friends on Facebook or leaving particular groups.
"And I’m not putting pressure on myself to use this time for intense productivity or activity."
We are all going through a collective event, but need to experience it and deal with it individually.
That’s a really interesting perspective. Social media is full of exercise and hustle. Chasing productivity constantly is unproductive!
What steps have you taken to protect your business?
When I’m not working in the NHS, I’m still available for my clients, just ‘virtually’ for now. They can arrange a video-call to discuss skincare concerns, and, although this is no substitute for a face-to-face consultation, it can be useful at present.
My existing clients are continuing to order home care products that I’ll have recommended in clinic to tide them over until I open again. I continue to use social media to remain connected to current and potential clients.
But mainly, I am focussing on skincare at present.
Have you been doing any online training and CPD?Anything you'd recommend in particular?
To be honest, I’ve been slightly overwhelmed with the choice of online resources. I only wish they had been spread out more, as I don’t want to spend all day in front of a screen.
Saying that, I thoroughly recommend the Teoxane webinars, for their focus on anatomy and safety.
Have you implemented any changes that you think will keep when 'things go back to normal'? (I'll definitely be ditching the homeschooling ASAP!)
I’ve obviously had to change the way I shop and cook. I’ve been shopping locally for food at the butchers and the quality of meat is so different! I’ve also been getting a fruit and veg box delivered. People who know me know that I don’t ordinarily cook, so this is kind of a big deal for me! I actually enjoy it because I’ve got time! I’d love this to continue!
Overall, how are you feeling about the future? Of your business? Of the aesthetics industry?
I feel for all my colleagues at this time, I really do. So many are working within the NHS, as I am, during this time, as well as trying to keep their business afloat.
"But, if we built these businesses once, we can build them again!"
I am fortunate in that I work for a home clinic so I feel hopeful for my business. And there is only so much home skin care a person can do before they need professional help! I think there will be real demand for treatments when lockdown is lifted.
What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is over?
Getting my roots done! I’m really grey.
What positives are you taking from this situation?
The removal of negative influences in your life is real self care.
Now is the perfect time for use to sort out our at-home skincare.What is your own skin care routine?
I use Protocol Foaming Facial Wash followed by Hydrating Collagen Toning Mist to cleanse and tone both day and night.
During the day I use The Ordinary Niacinamide and Zinc for blemishes, then Protocol Collagen Facial Serum, as it sits well under make up.
At night I use The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalene under Protocol Moisturising Facial Gel, it’s potent but light.
Of course, I’m a huge fan of BioRePeel Skin Treatments every few months for skin tone, plus my anti-wrinkle treatments every 6 months. I’m not very high maintenance, but like a few key products.
If you could only recommend one skincare product, what would it be and why?
SPF! No explanation needed.
