In the fast-paced world of beauty and aesthetics, it’s rare to meet someone who combines such passion, expertise, and authenticity. Sarah Ballantyne, the founder and CEO of Sarah Catherine Cosmetics, has built a thriving business from the ground up, offering her clients not just treatments, but a sense of empowerment and confidence. We spent some time with Sarah during the ‘Crimbo Limbo’ to talk about her journey, the ethos behind SCC, and her vision for the future heading into 2025.

So, let’s start simple. Who is Sarah?

To describe Sarah in one sentence, she’s a mum of two, a VERY loyal friend (known from first hand experience), and someone who’s always willing to tell it straight. Her personality shines through in everything she does. “If I had to answer with 3 things, I’d say my friends would describe me as bubbly, outgoing, and always down-to-earth,” she says. “I’m passionate about helping people, both in their beauty and in their confidence. I love seeing people walk out of my clinic feeling better than when they came in - just like how I love to leave a catch-up with an old friend!”

A Passion That Began Early

Sarah's journey in the beauty industry began at the age of 16. “I’ve been in the industry for 22 years now. It feels like a lifetime, but I still love it as much as I did when I first started.” Her initial motivation? Her dad's advice. “He always told me to have a ‘trade’—something I could fall back on no matter where life took me. Luckily, I fell in love with beauty while studying it at college, and despite a few office roles along the way, beauty has always been a part of my life.”

The Birth of Sarah Catherine Cosmetics

In September 2013, Sarah decided to take the plunge and start her own beauty clinic, Sarah Catherine Cosmetics. “I knew I wanted to create something that would make people feel good about themselves but I wanted to take the control into my hands rather than working under someone else's ethos. At SCC, it’s about more than just treatments; it’s about helping clients become the best version of themselves, both inside and out.”

What Makes Sarah Catherine Cosmetics Unique?

When asked about the ethos of SCC, Sarah summed it up perfectly: “I always want my clients to strive to be the best versions of themselves. My goal is to help them achieve that natural glow

so they can truly ‘wake up feeling beautiful’ every day. I’m a big believer in how we feel on the outside, will seep inside.” This philosophy is central to every treatment Sarah and her team offer.

A Diverse Career Path

Before diving fully into the beauty industry, Sarah had quite the diverse career. She worked in various roles, including positions at Harrods, an audiovisual company, and head office roles at both Clarins and Tesco - I mean, they both sell skincare I guess?!. “I’ve had a bit of everything, really, but beauty has always been my true calling,” Sarah admits.

The Treatments Sarah Loves Most

When it comes to treatments, Sarah has her favourites. “My favourite treatment to do is Botox. I love the results, and I find it so rewarding to see clients leave with a boost in confidence. I also adore microblading because of the profound impact it has on a person’s self-esteem. I’ve had the absolute privilege of treating cancer patients who have lost their natural brows, and seeing their joy and sense of ‘there’s the old me’ after a session makes every challenge I face worth it.”

The Beauty Industry: What Sarah Loves and What She’d Change

What Sarah loves most about the beauty industry is how it makes people feel. “Even something as simple as a fresh set of nails can make you feel like you can conquer anything. I love that my work helps people feel empowered and beautiful.”

However, Sarah also has a strong opinion about something she’d like to see change: the stigma around beauty professionals. “When I was younger, beauty therapists were often seen as not as academic or knowledgeable. But that’s simply not true. The amount of theory, human biology, and expertise we need to have today—especially in the aesthetics sector—is just as intricate and essential as any healthcare role. I think it’s time the industry gets the credit it deserves.”

Building a Business from the Ground Up

One of Sarah's proudest achievements is building SCC from just a simple idea into a successful business that not only supports her family but also gives her a career she’s genuinely passionate about. “I’m proud that I’ve created something from scratch. It’s not just about the business—it’s about the lifestyle it gives me and my children. I love the work I do, and I’m proud to put in the hours because I know that we will benefit from everything I’m building.”

Learning From Mistakes

Of course, no journey is without its challenges. Sarah recalls one business venture she would rather forget: teeth whitening. “I don’t regret anything in business because I believe you learn from every mistake and grow from it. But one thing I would change is my experience with teeth whitening. The company I worked with was a scam, and I learned the hard way,” she laughs.

Behind the Scenes: Fun and Surprising Facts

When asked about a random fact not many people know about her, Sarah had a funny (but slightly unbelievable) answer: “I ran myself over about 10 years ago!” she shares, laughing. And surprisingly, that is 100% true - we heard the story! We highly recommend you ask about it at your next appointment because it’s a good, yet absolutely ridiculous one! “But I also want people to know that beneath this straight-talking persona, I’m actually soft as anything!”

What Makes Sarah Catherine Cosmetics Stand Out

For Sarah, it’s not just about offering a service—it’s about creating a relationship with her clients. “I want my clients to know that when they come to me, they’re getting more than just a treatment. I offer a natural result and am always on hand for post-treatment care. And if you want a treatment with a side of therapy sessions, then I’m your girl!”

The Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Sarah has big dreams for the future of SCC. “If money was no object, I’d love to have a few salons dotted around the UK. But for now, while my children are young, I love the flexibility my current business offers. I’m very much focused on keeping things local, so I can be present for my family while continuing to grow my brand.”

Plans for 2025

When it comes to 2025, Sarah has both personal and professional goals. On a personal level, she hopes for “lots of love, happiness, and inner peace,” and for her children to continue thriving. On the business side, she’s excited to continue offering the best possible care to her clients and hopes to graduate with her Level 7 qualification in Aesthetics, which she’s been working toward in the background - the woman really doesn’t stop!

A final note from the Interviewer