The concepts in the beauty arena and academic environments are rather contrasting and usually are not connected, but Diana Richardson is an example of a person who combines them. She is not only a beauty expert with over 25 years of experience, but she is also a scholar who has studied at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Greenwich University, and Oxford University. While studying at the Oxford SAID Business School, Diana discovered ways to build new and superior strategies for companies during one of their key business courses called the Strategic Innovation Program. What makes Diana special is how she uses her university knowledge combined with industry experience to make her own and many other’s beauty businesses better. She has won many awards for her work, which shows that her unique approach is really effective.
Today, we will have an interview with Diana Richardson, a great example of a beauty entrepreneur and a mentor at the same time.
1. In what ways has your academic background in Strategic Innovation helped shape your view on entrepreneurship in the beauty industry?
One of the key strategies I developed after attending the SAID Business School’s Strategic Innovation Program was to create an individual ACTion Plan for each of our clients. This strategy incorporates Accountability, Cadence and Time management both on a personal and professional level. Introducing this form of a road map to our clients enables them to utilize this strategy amongst their teams to ensure there is a scoreboard to ensure their businesses scale their success.
2. Could you state in detail how you have used theories or models learned in your academic times in your businesses to address real-life problems?
I have a new book coming out next month that goes into a lot more detail. It’s called the Glowgetter’s Guide to Running a Blooming Business: 10 Secrets to Salon Success. For the release date and to purchase a copy of the book please visit our website www.dianarichardson.uk
We have introduced several innovation theories, success strategies and business models to our clientele. The wonderful way our services help each client is that every meeting is bespoke for each business. Every entrepreneur has a slightly different concern for their business, there are many ways to adapt our advice and expertise ensuring each member of our community receives customized care.
3. Your online CPD program has received much recognition from people around the world. In what ways can it help to resolve the conflict of theory and practice of the business market?
We offer a hybrid approach to learning and coaching with our continued professional development program. Each participant has an onboarding call to discuss their goals and aspirations for the program. An Action Plan is created to ensure they maintain accountability, cadence, and time management to learn and implement the innovations and expertise obtained whilst on the program.
Our program offers a learning library and freedom framework to access the course work at a time suitable around their busy schedules. We have group sessions to support and share ideas and innovations with our global community along with access to attend in-person events and live online monthly masterclasses.
4. As someone with both industry experience and academic training, what do you think beauty schools should be teaching but aren’t?
From my experience in the industry and having been a Beauty Therapy Tutor, Lecturer and Assessor, one of the main missing subjects is teaching business acumen. The National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) (May 2021) states that 65% of workers in the UK beauty industry are self-employed, and 60% of hairdressers are self-employed.
Students aren’t taught about running businesses, how to write a business plan, price for profit, basic bookkeeping skills, and other skill sets required as an entrepreneur. This is why our course and coaching services were created. We help those just starting in the industry and setting up their first business through to multiple six-figure executives wanting a structure and exit strategy or to further scale their business.
5. In what ways has your academic methodology supported you in being named the Best Business Strategist in 2024?
Each university chapter has supported different aspects of becoming a business strategist and gaining international recognition. At UNLV I studied communications including marketing, branding and public relations, this has been invaluable through every chapter over the past 25 years of my career. University of Greenwich was focused on education creating several different teaching methods and strategies along with all of the foundations and infrastructure required to set up a coaching and mentoring program.
Oxford University was an inspiring opportunity that encouraged independent ideas, and philosophies and the creation of customized business strategies from different companies. The combination of methods has enabled me to develop bespoke business strategies and innovative ideas for our community.
