Karen Sinclair launched herself into unknown territory and a new career.
KAREN SINCLAIR
From banking to beauty
What were you doing?
I was in banking and finance for 11 years, based in Tauranga and Auckland.
What are you doing now?
I’ve been in the skin and beauty industry for over 30 years. There are two aspects to my business: clinical treatments and recommending ingredients/products; and, distribution, contacting clinics to become stockists, and training clinicians. I’ve learnt from dermatologists, plastic surgeons, a bio scientist and skin mentors.
What do you love about your work?
Helping people find a solution to their skin concerns using powerful ingredients that are safe without compromising on results. I have never recommended a product or a treatment to a client unless I truly believed they needed it.
What did you have to do to make the change?
After working in banking for 11 years I felt I needed a change. I had always had a huge interest in skin so I took a job as a medical typist/PA for a dermatologist. During my 17 years there, the business grew into a busy appearance medicine and cosmetic surgery practice where I was office manager. My interest in the industry grew under the guidance of my dermatologist boss, who was a fantastic businessman, mentor and friend. I had it all – an amazing husband, a great job and two beautiful children. Then my life changed forever – my husband was killed in a car crash. I moved back to Tauranga with my children and worked for a dermatology clinic for the next 10 years. During this time I attained my Diploma in Beauty Therapy and became a Specialist Medical Beautician and Sales Consultant/ Trainer for a specialised cosmeceutical skincare line.
What challenges have you faced?
I have had a few challenges in life but another life event turned my world upside down. I remarried but had to deal with a marriage breakdown, the related financial outcomes and then the worry of insecure employment. But my breaking point was a turning point. I managed to keep my home and I found my driving force again. My faith grew, and it gave me inner strength to get on with the task ahead. There was no room for self-pity.
A US company approached me to represent its product line – 302 Professional Skincare – as a distributor for New Zealand. I didn’t know how, but I knew I had to take this amazing opportunity and make it happen. A second Australian product line, Aderm, followed soon after, also with exclusive New Zealand rights. It was a huge boost to my morale. So I set up a distribution business before opening my own clinic. There is no back-stop when you are doing it on your own. There were financial challenges setting up and I knew no bank was likely to give me a business loan. I sold items and had just enough to buy a laptop using some money my late grandmother had left me. I was determined not to get myself into further debt. I joined a business networking group and surrounded myself with positive, like-minded people – one of whom said, “Karen never spend what you know you don’t have”. There’s a big difference between working for a business and running one yourself.
What would you say to other women thinking of making a career change?
It’s never too late to make a career change – don’t spend your life wondering “what if?” Follow your gut feelings. When I started in the skin and beauty industry I never imagined it would lead me to where I am now. Sometimes outside circumstances become the driver of change. I probably wasn’t prepared but I always recognised an opportunity. Also, be brave – courage is important. If what’s in your heart is truly what you want to do, it doesn’t let go – I am proof of that, and today I’m passionate about what I do and love helping people get the skin results they want.