The individuals who inspired us

Six aesthetic practitioners speak to contributing reporter Becki Murray about the people who have inspired them in their careers

THE MENTOR

Nominated by Raina Scott, Founder of aesthetics clinic Skin Lab London

The who: “Dr Jamie Durrant-Fellows – who I worked with before I moved to London about eight years ago. I used to live in a small town, and I worked in cosmetic dentistry in a clinic with him, while he was offering facial aesthetics. Because it was a small town, there weren’t many practitioners offering those services, so I really enjoyed getting to shadow and work alongside him.”

The why: “When he moved to London, to Harley Street, where we both are now, he invited me to watch him conduct training for nurses and dentists. I just enjoyed every moment of it. He has always been a mentor to me and to this day he is there for when I want to ask questions about facial aesthetics or skincare. I am also constantly inspired by the way he approaches treatments. He will never do a treatment for the sake of it and won’t be afraid to turn people away if he thinks that’s what’s right to do.”

The impact: “I took his focus on the client’s best interests away with me and decided I wanted to be someone like that in this industry. It’s defined my approach too, which is all about educating my patients when they come to see me because that doesn’t always happen within the industry.”

THE BUSINESS BUILDER

Nominated Dr David Jack Leading aesthetic doctor

The who: “Dr David Colbert is probably the person who inspired me most to go into aesthetics. He has a stellar reputation in dermatology in New York, a very stylish clinic, and an incredible skincare line.”

The why: “I have always been impressed by doctors who are entrepreneurial and manage to successfully combine this with their own unique branding and style - something I try to do with my own clinics and brand. In fact, although I have a background in plastic surgery - I also have a keen interest in interior design and architecture (I’m in the final year of an interior design degree alongside my clinical work). This has allowed me to design my clinics myself.”

The impact: “I wanted to create inviting spaces that make patients feel at home, without the feeling of sterility that is often associated with more clinical spaces. I’ve also created a small but impactful line of skincare products and supplements, working with an exceptionally talented team, from world-leading formulators to one of London’s best design studios to create this world.”

THE GLASS CEILING BREAKER

Nominated by Dr Ahmed El Muntasar GP and award-winning aesthetician

The who: “I want to name Dr Yusra Al- Mukhtar. She is someone who inspired me when I was just getting started and was watching her social media. She wore a headscarf and looked like people I grew up with, including my sisters.”

The why: “She looked like someone that I could relate to, and I think, at a time where the aesthetic industry felt very unwelcoming to others, it was nice to see how she was so visible, and apologetically visible, as a brown woman and as a hijabi woman. It taught me to be unapologetically myself.”

The impact: “I want to inspire people starting in the aesthetics industry, particularly a lot of people that are LGBTQ+, and people that are from my background. I want to show that you can be openly gay and be Arab and be successful in the aesthetics industry. It’s not like there’s only room for one person in each specific category.”

THE PIVOTAL ROLEMODELS

Nominated by Dr Paris Acharya, leading aesthetic doctor

The who: “There have been many inspirational people behind my training including Jason Niggli, Simon Holmes, Andrew Stewart, Memo Manisali, David Courtney, Judith Stocker, Mark Singh, Fey Probst, GB, Anna Silsby and Norman Waterhouse. These figures all played pivotal roles over the course of my training and helped me become the person I am today through their guidance and support.”

The why: “All of these specialists impacted my life and shaped my pathway. I am dual-qualified in medicine and dentistry and have been mentored by these individuals along with many others over the course of my career. Each one played a vital part in my life and guided me into the field of facial aesthetics in one way or another. Through their mentorship and training, I have learned how to be the best I can be for my patients, my family, and myself. [Through them] I have learned numerous operative techniques that directly impacted my aesthetic knowledge and experience, as well as how to manage complications and how to ensure a smooth running of my clinic and patient satisfaction.”

The impact: “Much more importantly, [they taught me] how to be an empathetic, caring doctor. This is fundamental to my practice. I strive to achieve the very best for my patients and go above and beyond to stay updated and at the forefront of practice. My biggest success will always be the happiness and gratitude I see in my patients; it drives me, and I love each day. I have always loved teaching and have had various roles in medical and surgical education over the years, including mentoring aspiring aesthetic doctors, dentists, and nurses. For me, the best way to learn is from an inspirational teacher and I like to think that I have been able to impact the lives of many colleagues from varying medical backgrounds to pursue their passion.”

THE PARENT

Nominated by Dr Sohere Roked GP, functional medicine and hormone doctor

The who: “My dad is a doctor, and he came from quite a poor background in Zambia, so he went to medical school on a scholarship and then moved to the UK after he graduated. In those days, he found it very hard to reach a consultant post due to cultural and ethnic biases, however, he became a GP and has provided the NHS with service for over 40 years.”

The why: “The reason my dad is so inspiring is because he has always had a passion for helping people. He didn’t become bitter when he couldn’t become an obstetrics and gynaecology consultant, but instead used his skills to become a local village GP and build networks and community in a small town in South Wales. He has had a very varied career working in respiratory clinics, in minor surgery, and as a police doctor. It encouraged me to think of different ways of practising being a doctor and encouraged my interest in more holistic and integrative medicine, which eventually led me to find my path in hormonal health.

The impact: “I’m very lucky to live in a time where my ethnicity doesn’t necessarily hold me back and for the opportunities I have. [My father’s example] has encouraged me to act as a mentor and teach other doctors about hormonal health and functional medicine, which is looking at the root cause of illness. It also encouraged me to think laterally about how I can help people such as developing the Skin Depth Hormone Analysis, which I do to help support aesthetic doctors alongside their treatments.”

THE TOXIN PIONEER

Nominated by Dr Sophie Shotter Multi-award-winning aesthetic doctor

The who: “I have to say that the person I’ve found most inspirational in my career has been Dr Jean Carruthers, [the woman who pioneered botulinum toxin for cosmetic use]. Through her and her husband’s observations and insights, she committed to research and development in an area where many of her peers were shocked that she would be using the most potent poison known to man in this way. But through her commitment to science and her support and mentorship of others, she founded a new industry which continues to grow and thrive.”

The why: “Jean has been a true pioneer, pushing the boundaries of our speciality. She’s never been afraid to stand on stage and have opinions that have stretched the limit of contemporaneous understanding. She’s a strong and inspiring woman who still maintains her humility and is committed to R&D, teaching, and sharing knowledge. She is also humble, kind, and genuinely interested in those around her. The biggest impact she has had on me is that despite having achieved so much in her life and career, she is still driven to innovate, educate, and pioneer.

The impact: “I hope that throughout my career I stay as ‘in love’ with what I do as she has. I also hope that I can continue to share and collaborate like her, to grow and nurture this medical speciality, which Jean has co-founded.”