Every October, Olympia, London plays host to one of the largest beauty shows in the UK. This iconic venue is packed full of every beauty treatment you could possibly imagine. Trade shows like this are the perfect way for Therapists to gain inspiration, research new products and services, or even enter one of the biggest nail competitions in the world.
For me though, this year was slightly different… I’d been invited to spend the day with the fabulous team from Sienna X. My own tanning journey had begun with Sienna X at an event similar to this, Professional Beauty, also in London, almost four years previously. Since then, I have gone on to train with Sienna X to the highest level and can honestly say, I love it just as much today, as I did then.
Now, to give you some background… When Sienna X approached me and asked if I would like to be a part of their show campaign “Hear it from a Therapist.” I absolutely jumped at the chance! Then it dawned on me… The date of Olympia was Sunday 2nd October and I was returning back from my holiday in Mexico the day before…
There was no time for me to even think about jet-lag, I was not going to miss this amazing opportunity! After a lovely holiday, we left Cancun at 4.30pm, (10.30pm here in the UK). I knew I couldn’t allow myself to think too much about the whole time difference though. In my head, I was already trying to get myself back into UK time zone so thought; I’ll have some dinner on the plane, then pop on my eye mask, get cosy and go to sleep for a few hours… Wow, did that work. I woke up an hour before we landed back at London Gatwick! I then stayed awake all day Saturday until about 9.30pm when I just couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore.
My alarm was set for 6.50am and I woke up feeling refreshed and excited for a great day ahead! I arrived at Olympia and was greeted by the team, who were all so lovely. They made me feel so welcome and really part of it. After being on the stand for about ten minutes and familiarising myself with the “show deals” for the day, Sally (one of the lovely ladies from Sienna X) approached me saying “Are you ok to do a live demo?” I was completely blown away…(I think she could tell, as she said “Or if you’d prefer, you can talk on the mic”) “No, that’s no problem, the demo will be fine, thank you” (If you are anything like me, I can’t even listen to my voice on an answerphone message, let alone, over a microphone)
I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with the show visitors, hearing their stories, sharing my own and offering advice, tips and inspiration where I could. Being given an opportunity to do a live demonstration was just one of the best feelings ever! On the train home, I was just buzzing, thinking about what an AMAZING day it had been and apart from a very dry throat from all the talking, I was on cloud 9!
A huge THANK YOU to the Sienna X show team for having me. Each and every one of you made me feel extremely welcome, at ease and part of the team! (Amy, Charlie, Daniella, Emma, Holly, Laura, Mandie, Sally and Steve)
So what has this taught me? Well, firstly it’s taught me to believe in your dreams; you never know when they will come true. It’s also taught me to feel the fear and do it anyway (great book by Susan Jeffers, definitely worth a read) and finally grab every opportunity that comes your way, because life is too short for regrets!
Love,
Nina x
Eileen Burns says
Great Blog, love the pictures gives you a feeling of being there 🙂
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Ah thank you so much Eileen, I’m really glad this came across. Hope you are well x
Liliana Patricia says
Thanks for sharing. I loved what it taught you and great reminders to all of us.
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Thank you so much Liliana, really glad you enjoyed it x
Sian says
Well done for grabbing that opportunity Nina! Great tip for long-haul travel too! Sian
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Ah Thank you Sian, it was such an amazing day! Glad the tip will help too x
Kim Marshall says
Such a lovely read Nina. Thanks for sharing x
Be Beautiful Hair & Beauty says
Thank you Kim, I’m really glad you enjoyed it x