Two of the UK’s top facialists share how to make your mark in beauty
Episode five of The Pro Beauty Pod Season 2 was recorded live at Professional Beauty London, with celebrity makeup artist and facialist Nathalie Eleni and holistic aesthetician and skin educator Abi Oleck joining Professional Beauty’s features editor Ellen Cummings for a discussion on how to carve out a successful, fulfilling career as a facialist.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your reputation and attract a high-profile clientele, this conversation is packed with practical advice from two industry veterans who have built thriving, multifaceted careers in beauty.
Listen to the episode on Spotify now:
From first clients to A-list connections
Both Eleni and Oleck have decades of experience working with celebrity and VIP clients, but they’re refreshingly open about how their careers started small, with word-of-mouth recommendations and a willingness to say “yes” to opportunities.
For Eleni it all began with one supportive client: “My first celebrity client was Emma Forbes; I’ve worked with her for over 25 years now. She really helped open doors for me, but it was also about having a can-do attitude. I did a lot of things for free early on, but only when it benefitted me and built my portfolio.”
Oleck, meanwhile, found her footing behind the scenes on TV sets like Dancing on Ice and Celebrity Scissorhands “Working on TV was my gateway to meeting high-profile clients. But the real foundation of my success came from education, understanding skin at a scientific level and continually learning.”
The power of social media
Both experts agree that social media is a vital part of building a modern beauty brand, but their approaches couldn’t be more different – and that’s exactly the point.
Oleck posts across several platforms daily, using social media to share her work, lifestyle and collaborations with other professionals.
She says, “I love showing not just my treatments, but my personality – little snippets of real life. It helps people connect with who you are.”
Eleni, however, takes a more focused approach, explaining, “Don’t feel pressured to be everywhere. Choose one or two platforms that feel authentic to you. Keep your content genuine – when it’s really you, it flows naturally. Everyone has an audience.”
Getting featured in the press
When it comes to PR, Oleck has long worked with an agency to help raise her profile, while Eleni has built her own connections organically through her work as beauty director at Country & Town House.
Eleni says, “I’m my own PR because I genuinely love what I do. I’m always talking to people about beauty – whether it’s at events, dinners or even at the bus stop! Passion and enthusiasm are the best networking tools.”
They both agree that media coverage doesn’t come from chasing fame, but from being seen as a credible expert who contributes to the industry.
Keeping celebrity clients coming back
Confidentiality, professionalism and emotional intelligence are at the heart of client retention.
“It’s about reading your client,” says Eleni. “Sometimes they want to chat, sometimes they want silence. You’re in their personal space – make it calm and comfortable.”
Oleck adds that it’s equally important to stay informed and confident: “Be on top of your game, not just trends. Understand your client’s needs, update your knowledge, and always deliver consistency.”
Diversifying your career beyond the treatment room
From teaching and writing to brand consulting, both Eleni and Oleck have turned their expertise into multiple income streams.
Oleck says education was a natural next step, commenting, “I love teaching and helping others grow. If you want to become an educator, invest in a teaching qualification and keep learning yourself.”
Eleni shares how she manifested her way into beauty journalism: “I started by writing a page for Country & Town House after working on one of their shoots. You just have to ask – editors always need good content. If you’re an expert, your insight is valuable.”
Continuous education and creating your niche
Both experts stress that education should be the backbone of any successful career, but they also warn against chasing every new trend.
“You don’t need to train in everything,” Eleni advises. “Master the basics, do them beautifully, and don’t feel pressured to spend thousands on every new machine.”
Oleck agrees: “Education has been the success of my career – it opens doors and gives you confidence. But make sure you do your case studies and really understand what you’re offering.”
Collaboration over competition
In one of the episode’s most memorable moments, both experts highlight the importance of community in the beauty world.
“There’s no competition – there’s enough for everyone,” says Oleck. “We support each other, share clients when needed, and celebrate each other’s success.”
Eleni adds, “Build a sisterhood or brotherhood within your industry. We work alone a lot, so having that support network is invaluable.”
Want more? Listen to the full episode
The Pro Beauty Pod: Season 2, Episode 5 is a must-listen for anyone serious about building their brand and elevating their facialist career.
From navigating social media and securing press coverage to cultivating lasting client relationships, Nathalie Eleni and Abi Oleck offer honest, hard-won wisdom that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take the next step.
Listen now on Spotify, and you can also check out all of our previous episodes on the Pro Beauty Pod page, including interviews with Caroline Hirons, Shea Osei, Karen Betts and more.
