The celebrity facialist talks to Amanda Pauley about expanding her London clinic, launching a residency in the Maldives and why salons should promote specialisms

Amanda Pauley

Interview

Being a leading skincare expert and facialist to the stars is a dream come true for Teresa Tarmey. The talented therapist has made a name for herself by offering results-driven facials that combine bespoke massage techniques with cutting-edge technology.

Although the client list for her eponymous clinic in London is strictly confidential, Tarmey has been linked with models Kate Moss and Poppy Delevingne, and has customers who travel from Paris, Sweden and New York just to see her. She’s also regularly called upon for red carpet events such as the Oscars and BAFTAs, cementing her reputation as the go-to person for a flawless face.

Now, Tarmey is focused on expanding her reach globally, having just launched a residency at the underwater spa in the Maldives resort Huvafen Fushi and preparing to announce a partnership with a leading hotel in Brooklyn, New York, in February.

“I’ve created signature facials for each location which include traditional techniques as well as elements of microneedling, cryotherapy and radiofrequency – all the things I like and think will make a difference,” says Tarmey.

Breaking into America is something Tarmey has wanted to do for a while, after spying a gap in the market. “New York is a little behind the treatments we do in the UK from a beautician’s point of view, whereas LA is leading the way,” she says.

“The top facialists in New York aren’t doing lasers or microneedling as such, they are still stuck behind the times with microcurrent and oxygen. It’s slowly getting there, but hopefully I can bring something new.”

Hit the ground running

Despite her success, it’s not been an easy climb to the top, as Tarmey explains: “I’ve been in London for 10 years and it’s only recently I’ve become well known. It took a long time to become established, but I think if you’re talented then eventually it comes good.”

Tarmey began her career renting a treatment room at Fitness First in Shepherd’s Bush, before operating as a home-based therapist from her house in Belsize Park. With no marketing budget, she relied on word-of-mouth recommendations to build up her reputation until she got some press coverage for the treatments she offers, such as chemical peels, skin tightening and fractional radiotherapy.

“Things just took off. I began treating people like actress Suki Waterhouse and my reputation grew – to the point where I was fully booked. I knew I needed to open a salon and split my clients with another therapist,” she says.

Mid-century furniture in the London clinic

Tarmey in one of her treatment rooms

“When the press refers to you as a leading facialist, you need to keep up with the other top industry names”

Reception area

In March 2016, Tarmey opened her eponymous clinic in London’s affluent Notting Hill with one employee and two rooms. It proved so popular that just 18 months later (in September 2017) she uprooted to larger premises in Kensington.

“The business had grown so much that the property needed to as well. I’ve just opened my third treatment room which I never would have been able to do in the old place as it was limited in terms of size. Plus, I’ve taken on another therapist,” says Tarmey.

People management

Going from being a solo therapist to managing staff has been one of the biggest challenges for the facial specialist. “I was on my own for a long time so initially it was quite overwhelming,” says Tarmey. “You’ve got these therapists to look after while making sure everything is running smoothly under your name. It’s tough.”

Pricing has been the other big issue. “When the press refers to you as a leading facialist, you need to keep up with the other top industry names in terms of pricing, otherwise you look cheap,” explains Tarmey. “It’s difficult though because you wonder and worry if people will pay what you’re charging.”

Tarmey’s treatments start from £120 and she explains that there are other factors that can also influence price increases, such as salon purchases, adding, “I’ve got more than £500,000 worth of equipment and it has to be paid for. You get quality results with quality equipment.”

As someone who wanted to offer the best in facial techniques, Tarmey’s an advocate for salons promoting therapists’ specialisms and charging more for their services. This philosophy is reflected in her own business, where prices are tiered based on the therapists’ experience rather than a set cost.

Kensington clinic

“If you’re charging higher prices then that therapist needs to have a certain level of skill and knowledge to provide the desired result,” adds Tarmey. “For example, to have a facial with me is more expensive than to have it with my therapists.”

The homely interior of Tarmey’s Kensington clinic

Home run

The look and feel of Tarmey’s clinic is something that has helped cement her reputation. It’s situated on a quiet residential road with no shop frontage and has an interior that’s far removed from your typical salon.

The clinic has “a real home-awayfrom- home vibe so clients feel comfortable”, says Tarmey. There are swirling shades of blue and pink on the walls, French-style chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, and art deco and mid-century furniture taking centre stage.

“I’m obsessed with interiors and I wanted something that looked like a lounge so I could create an experience for clients,” she adds. However, the treatment rooms are completely different, with hypermodern interiors “so they come across as serious because it’s where the work happens,” explains Tarmey.

So, what’s next for the facial pro? Tarmey will be dipping her toe in the homecare market by launching three products this year: “In January, I’ll be launching a microneedling kit, in March a cryotherapy kit and later in the year an LED product, so watch this space.”

KEY DATES

1997

Studied beauty therapy at Rotherham College

2000

Worked at salons across Sheffield and Yorkshire, learning about different facial techniques

2007

Moved to London and rented a treatment room in Fitness First Shepherd’s Bush

2011

Moved to Belsize Park and operated from her home salon, building up her celebrity client base

2016

Opened her first standalone clinic in London’s Notting Hill

2017

Moved to new premises in Kensington and launched her residency at Viva Mayr detox clinic in Austria

2018

Launching a residency in the Huvafen Spa in the Maldives and a homecare product line