Innovation in the beauty industry !

Innovation in the beauty industry !

Entrepreneurship, Modeling, and Beauty :

A Multifaceted Career of a Woman

FAYE FINARO an experienced businesswoman who has led various companies over the years, developed a career in modeling, and created the SOS Beauty app. Her passion for entrepreneurship and education has led her to advise universities and training providers in the UK on sales, partnerships, and marketing. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she prioritizes learning for herself and others in her projects. Today, we’ll talk to her about her multifaceted career and inspiring journey to success.

1. What prompted you to get involved in the beauty industry and how long have you been doing this?

When I was 18, I was fortunate enough to be noticed by a modeling agency in Milan. I worked as a runway model and participated in photoshoots. I pursued a professional modeling career until the age of 31, during which I also worked as a TV presenter, dancer in music videos, and posed for Maxim magazine, even winning the title of the UK’s Top Bikini Model in 2016. After years of success in the industry, I decided to make a change. Battling with a skin condition led me to a new direction – in 2019, I launched my own dermatology clinic, but unfortunately had to close it quickly due to the pandemic. This prompted me to bring to life an idea I had while still in the modeling industry – the SOS Beauty app, connecting clients with beauty services. I invested everything into its development, combining my technical and managerial skills.

2. What are the main goals of your proprietary SOSBeauty application?

My main goal when launching the app was to make the beauty industry more accessible. Despite the increasing hustle and bustle, people still prioritize their appearance. The UK hair, beauty, and aesthetics service industry is worth £12 billion and continues to grow. There are many booking tools that focus on making the process easier for salon owners rather than prioritizing customer convenience.

3. What features does your beauty salon application offer that distinguish it from others on the market?

The app has two versions: one for customers who can send requests for urgent bookings, eliminating the need to post on Facebook. Requests go to all registered hairdressers within a specified distance, who then send individual offers. Photos and information about allergies or other requirements can be attached, ensuring offers tailored to the customer’s needs. Another tool is the “Shout Out” feature, allowing businesses to send last-minute offers to customers within a 20-mile radius, enabling them to quickly fill cancelled appointments or promote services.

4. What are the biggest challenges associated with creating and maintaining an application for beauty salons?

The biggest challenge in app development is the new rules from Apple/Google, requiring frequent updates, and adapting to changes in devices, like the new Samsung, which may cause issues with functionalities. Providing excellent customer service in case of problems is necessary, involving costs and time. It’s important to have a contingency budget for unexpected updates.

5. What are the most common needs of beauty salon owners that your application aims to meet?

The most common needs are:

• Increasing the number of clients: The SOS Beauty mobile app enables you to connect with clients in your area who may not be aware of your services.
• Lack of marketing budget: Many small businesses lack the funds for marketing and struggle with using Facebook and Google ads. SOS Beauty provides marketing support, attracting clients to the app, allowing business owners to focus on sending quotes in response to service requests.
• Cancellations: The increase in cancellations in the beauty industry post-Covid-19 is predicted to cost the economy £1.2 billion annually. The SOS Beauty app allows businesses to charge fees for cancelled appointments and send last-minute notifications to recoup some of the lost revenue.

6. What are the latest trends in beauty industry technologies and how do they influence the development of your application?

Artificial Intelligence is taking over, and it’s something we’re considering leveraging in our app to further enhance our processes and user experience. It seems a bit late for adoption in the beauty industry, and so far, I’ve seen AI-powered apps recommending skincare products, etc., but it hasn’t been widely used in booking systems. However, I’m confident this won’t last long, and we’re striving to stay ahead of the curve in this regard.

7. What marketing strategies do you use to promote the salon beauty application?

Without revealing too much of our strategy, the main way we reach the market is through direct engagement with beauty enthusiasts via active social media communities. I’ve also built up a significant following, including entrepreneurs and clients who follow my story. Collaboration, such as with QUALIFI, a leading body awarding beauty accolades, enhances brand credibility and boosts our visibility.

8.  What are the key skills that have contributed to your success?

I am extremely resilient. Currently, I am writing a book about my life journey and the challenges that have led me to where I am now. I believe that obstacles make us stronger, teaching us quick thinking and flexibility. I have a natural talent for problem-solving, likely stemming from my upbringing. If I lack something essential, I will find a way, even if it means learning new skills. Personal development is an ongoing journey for me, and my ability to enjoy it plays a crucial role in my success.

9. What steps do you take to maintain customer trust in your brand in the face of changing competition?

I am open and regularly keep users informed about the company’s development and my personal growth on social media, which helps them identify with me. I also participate in podcasts with Insync Insurance and Qualifi, discussing standards in the beauty industry and strategies for small businesses. Additionally, I collaborate with industry leaders regularly to stay updated on new regulations. Knowledge is power; the more engaged you are, the quicker you adapt to changes.

10. Are you an entrepreneur, or do you have any other businesses?

Over the years, I have run various businesses, also engaging in modeling and directing SOS Beauty. I also provide advice to colleges and training providers in the UK on sales, partnerships, and marketing. With 20 years of experience in this industry, education is my true passion. In my projects, I prioritize learning for myself and others. I have had a modeling agency, clothing store, clothing line at London Fashion Week, training company, and recruitment platform. Entrepreneurship is my passion, but maintaining focus and resources is a challenge. I love the diversity of development in SOS Beauty and am working on securing investment for new features. Continuous technological progress enables me to pursue entrepreneurial ambitions.

11.  Do you currently feel fulfilled as a businesswoman?

Yes and no. Yes, I have achieved a lot, including winning the Innovation Award for the SOS Beauty app and being a finalist in many other competitions. In 2021, I was among the Top 100 Female Entrepreneurs according to Proctor and Gamble and was admitted to their global women leadership program. I am also an approved business mentor under the government’s “Help To Grow” initiative and hold other awards and accreditations. People say that my story inspires them and often seek advice from me, knowing that I have experience. Although it has been a challenging journey, I have overcome many personal problems and traumas that made my professional life difficult. Despite these challenges, I still feel that I haven’t fully realize my potential. Now, as my son finishes school and I approach 40, I feel that this is just the beginning, and my real achievements are still ahead of me.

12. Congratulations on your Innovation Award and New Business of the Year; it’s a huge success. How do you feel about it?

Thank you! Winning the innovation award was a tremendous honor for me. There are many booking apps on the market, but none operate in the same way as mine. Being recognized for introducing an innovative approach and achieving success in this field was incredibly rewarding. The fact that over 1500 businesses registered with SOS Beauty within the first year further strengthens my confidence in the continued development of the brand.

13. What are your long-term goals as a businesswoman in the beauty industry and as a creator of salon beauty applications in the UK?

I want the SOS Beauty brand to go global. There is yet to be a household name like Uber, Airbnb, JustEat for the beauty industry and I feel that SOS Beauty could be it if I can secure the right level of investment to continue to develop it. I have been accepted by Seedrs to run a public crowdfunding campaign and I am eligible for up to a £2million InnovateUK grant. The next few months for me will look at mapping out our five year journey outlining the global takeover, so watch this space!

IG @faye.finaro @sosbeauty_mobileapp