Advanced aesthetician, educator and salon owner Lola Dansu will be speaking on the Skin and Advanced Treatments stage at Professional Beauty London on Monday, March 3. Ahead of her session, she spoke to Erin Leybourne about what we need to do to encourage new talent into the beauty industry.
How did you begin your own journey into the beauty industry?
“My journey began with a passion for skincare, wellness, and empowering others. I first started a non-profit organisation after traveling to West Africa, where I partnered with women producing shea butter and connected them with business partners in the UK. This experience deepened my appreciation for beauty’s global impact, leading me to train as a beauty therapist, and I haven’t looked back since.
“Over the years, I’ve worked closely with brands, professionals, and aspiring beauty entrepreneurs, witnessing first-hand the transformative power of education and industry access. My experience in schools, career mentoring, and community engagement made me aware of the gap between young talent and real career opportunities, which ultimately inspired me to take action.”
What is the ASME Collective?
“It is a social enterprise dedicated to bridging the gap between young people and career opportunities in the beauty and wellness industry.
“We focus on building awareness, education, mentorship, and industry access, helping students understand the diverse roles available beyond traditional beauty therapy.
“Through workshops, career talks, and partnerships with brands, we provide young people, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, with the tools, skills, and networks needed to enter and thrive in the industry.”
What inspired you to start the ASME Collective?
“I saw first-hand how many young people love beauty and see the massive growth as consumers but don’t know where to start when it comes to turning it into a career. A lot of their career opportunities.
“The industry is rich with opportunities, yet there’s a lack of structured pathways that connect students with real-world experience. Many don’t realize that careers in beauty extend beyond salons and makeup artistry to include skincare science, brand development, sustainability, and technology.
“I wanted to create something that not only educates but also provides direct access to brands, experts, and opportunities, so ASME Collective was born.”
What do you think the biggest challenge is entering the beauty industry right now?
“One of the biggest challenges is breaking into the industry without clear pathways. Many young people are passionate about beauty but struggle to find work experience, apprenticeships, or career guidance.
“There’s also a lack of representation and inclusivity in certain areas, making it difficult for diverse talent to feel seen and supported. At ASME Collective, we’re working to change this by creating access to industry professionals, fostering mentorship, and helping young people build career confidence.”
What advice you would give young people wanting to enter the industry?
“Stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to network. The beauty industry is evolving rapidly, and success isn’t just about mastering a single skill, it’s about understanding trends, innovation, and the business side of beauty.
“Attend events like Professional Beauty London, ask questions, follow brands you admire, and explore career paths beyond the obvious. Most importantly, envision yourself in the industry and build connections. Mentorship and relationships can open doors you never knew existed.”
Lola Dansu is an advanced aesthetician with expertise in skincare tailored to diverse skin tones. She is a speaker, trainer, and advocate for the connection between skin health and mental wellbeing. Want to see Dansu in action? Come and watch her session: "How to use cannabinoids (CBD) for skin rejuvenation and treating pigmentation" on March 3 at PB London.
