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Celebrity Facialist William Foley on Building a Beauty Empire In this episode of Beauty Business Matters, Susan sits down with celebrity, multi-award-winning facialist William Foley to explore his inspiring journey through the beauty, aesthetics, and wellness industry.
From starting out in fitness and holistic th
Time: 53:13
In this episode of Beauty Business Matters, Susan sits down with celebrity, multi-award-winning facialist William Foley to explore his inspiring journey through the beauty, aesthetics, and wellness industry.
From starting out in fitness and holistic therapy to working with global luxury brands like ESPA and Rodial, and now running his own highly successful clinic and skincare brand, William shares the real story behind building a standout career in a competitive industry.
They discuss the realities of spa life, working on counter in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, navigating sales targets, entering and winning major industry awards, building a celebrity client base, and creating a simplified four-step skincare range focused on skin barrier health.
This is a powerful, honest conversation about ambition, resilience, personal branding, and staying true to your values in business.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
William began his career in fitness, wellbeing, and sports science before training in holistic therapy and beauty around 17 years ago.
His early career included working in spa environments, which opened his eyes to the physical demands of back to back massage treatments.
His first major role was with ESPA at Harvey Nichols in Manchester, where he received extensive brand training and entered the luxury retail world.
He was later recruited by Rodial into a national skin specialist role across Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Space NK.
Working on counter taught him high level consultation skills, communication, and how to work under retail sales targets.
BEST MOMENTS
“I had this thing in my head where I thought I want to get into working in a beautiful spa in the countryside. And this was my idea of what was happening in my mind. Wasn’t the truth.” - William
“I remember having my first spa job and they booked me in like 12 full bodies in the day. I was thinking I’m going to pass out.”
- William
“If you can sell in that kind of environment and sell high end in that environment then you know you’ve cracked it really.”
- William
“It all looks glamorous but behind the scenes of what you’ve got to do, showing up for yourself and performing in clinic, it’s a monster in itself.”
- William
HOST BIO
Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.
Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.
Susan founded and has grown her Advanced Skincare clinic of 35 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1, 2 and 3.
She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.
Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.
USEFUL LINKS
https://susanroutledge.com
https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/
https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters
https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters
This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
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Release Date: 19/01/2026, 05:30:00
