Interview: Lucy Patterson | Founder of MILK Beauty

Lucy Patterson is the founder of MILK Beauty, a life-saving brand that delivers a range beauty and wellness treatments to busy Londoners, wherever they are and at a time that suits them. The dream, right?! Well I recently got the opportunity to grill Lucy for career advice, beauty tips and crimes against beauty...

What inspired you to work in the beauty industry? And how did your career journey begin?

I was working long hours in corporate finance and travelling frequently, so I rarely managed to make a salon appointment. I realised many women shared my frustration in booking beauty treatments at a time which suits them.

In 2012 I decided to make the leap and retrained as a beauty therapist. Beauty school certainly was a lot more fun than accountancy college! I then started to develop the business model for MILK and the rest is history.

What is your career highlight?

I still worked weekdays in corporate finance while working on MILK in the evenings. Once, during a morning commute, I picked up Time Out magazine to find our very first piece of press coverage - a quarter page rave review. It was the first time I'd seen my little baby business in print.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to succeed in the beauty industry?

Customer service rules. We're in the business of making people feel good, so keep that close to your heart.

Who is the ultimate beauty icon?

It's got to be Kate Moss. Those cheek bones.

What are your makeup bag essentials?

Two classics: MAC Strobe Cream for an instant skin boost and Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers...they are simply the best.

What is the biggest beauty crime a person can commit?

It has to be fighting your eyebrow's natural shape. Brow trends come and go but what suits you will always rule.

What is your top beauty tip?

Save time and stress by setting up beauty subscriptions for your shellac and waxing appointments. We are all completely hooked at MILK!