THE owner of a Richmond-based holistic skincare clinic is celebrating winning two prestigious industry awards.

Kathy Scott of Ginger Tree Holistic Skin and Lifestyle Clinic won the Individual Salon and Facialist categories of the The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and The Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC) annual awards.

BABTAC is the main membership organisations and insurance provider for professionals working in the beauty, holistic and sports therapy industries.

The awards which recognise and reward excellence within the industry both nationally and internationally, have been put on hold since 2019 when Kathy Scott was a finalist.

There were 22 categories and an award ceremony was held in Windsor last week.

Kathy said: "People often say “it means the world to me”, and in my case it is absolutely true. I am my work. I am 100 per cent committed to my business. My head, heart and soul are Ginger Tree. Working alone for so many years, it’s a morale booster to receive external recognition from a well-regarded professional organisation like BABTAC, which has been representing our industry for the last 45 years."

She has been running her salon for 17 years and offers a range of high quality specialist skincare services and holistic wellbeing treatments and has recently taken on another therapist.

She added: "There have been some very tough times over the years for Ginger Tree and I sometimes wonder how I managed through the set-backs, but I have never wavered from my goal of creating an outstanding business in my chosen field, where I work constantly to be the very best therapist I can possibly be. These awards tell me I have succeeded and given me the impetus to keep going as we face the challenges ahead."

Like many business owners, Kathy was forced to think creatively during the pandemic and was able to sustain an income through online consultations and selling skincare and beauty products. She also offered free facial tutorials to clients to maintain her relationships.

Kathy, who has an extensive background in advanced skin and alternative therapies including homeopathy, massage, reflexology and aromatherapy, also used the time to diversify and has recently launched the Ginger Tree Academy through which she provides regulated national standards courses to therapists.

She concluded: ‘The awards will give those wanting to enter the industry through my new venture Ginger Tree Academy, the confidence that they are learning from one of the best.’

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