Recently Maria had the pleasure in spending the afternoon with Rosemary Evans from Renaissance Products Ltd. Which was possibly one of the most interesting and relaxed interviews, spent chatting over afternoon tea she gave an insight on her career, her must have beauty products, and how she juggled her work and family life. Rosemary Evans is one of the most respected ladies in the beauty industry in Ireland. Read more of her story here…
Tell me about Renaissance Products, when and where did it all begin? Renaissance Products was founded in 1991 by my husband Tom and I. I had discovered Yon-Ka Paris while training as a beauty therapist with Bronwyn Conroy. Aromatherapy-based skincare was new to Ireland at the time, so I imported it directly to use in my home-based salon. I was impressed by the results achieved with the brand on all skin types and on all ages, and this resulted in a loyal and growing clientele.
When Tom retired from flying with Aer Lingus in 1991, Yon-Ka offered us the distribution for Ireland. We did the training and distribution from home in the first year. We targeted serious skincare-focused salons and spas. My newly qualified niece and I did sales and training, while Tom took care of the administration and dispatch.
As we grew out of our home base we moved operations to commercial premises in Howth, and some years later, we purchased a warehouse in Kilbarrack, which allows us to keep large stock levels of product.
Over the years, the business grew to a level where Tom and I needed help. Luckily at this time, our three children, seeing the growth potential, joined the company. The company quickly benefitted from their skills, and grew. In 2009, we were fortunate to secure the IMAGE Skincare brand, and expanded our client base into the clinic and medispa area. IMAGE Skincare has been hugely successful for us.
Have you always wanted to work in the beauty industry? I had skin problems over the years and I still had teenage skin in my thirties, so I decided to do a beauty course to learn about it and find a solution.
How did you juggle career and family? I was lucky enough to be able to work from home, which takes a lot of the stress out of being a working mother. As it grew and we moved the business out of home, I was lucky enough to have good home help.
What have been the high points? Two high points stand out in my mind. When our three children joined the business in 2002. Michael is the MD, Richard takes care of IT, logistics and distribution and Melissa is our graphic designer and works with our marketing team. And then, winning the IMAGE Skincare International distributor of the year awards for the past seven years in a row.
Were there many challenges? Finding the best cosmeceutical range after several years searching. And also finding and training, and keeping the best team at our head-quarters, training centre and field staff. Our staff play a large role in the success of the business!
What do you look for when hiring new staff? Passion for the industry, highly motivated, good work ethics and above all, good team players. We are very fortunate in having loyal talented staff working with us.
What values do you need to run a good business? Passion for your brands, a positive attitude, an open mind, constantly looking for trends and opportunity, good customer care, and stamina.
What changes have you seen in the industry? Salon treatments have moved from being an occasional guilty pleasure into being part of regular good grooming for both men and women. The growth in salons and clinics has been phenomenal since the early 1990s. Customers have become very knowledgeable about products and ingredients, and they need to see results instantly.
Who inspires you? Bronwyn Conroy was the first person to inspire me, when I first trained to be a beauty therapist. She was beginning to set standards in the beauty industry through the Society of Applied Cosmetology (SAC) at a time when there was no regulation in the industry. I am also very inspired by the founders of Yon-Ka, the Multhaler sisters, Francoise and Catherine, and IMAGE Skincare founders, Dr Marc and Janna Ronert. Their success with their family businesses is our inspiration.
What do you do to relax? I walk the Hill of Howth at least five days a week and I read and socialize. Recently, I have also started dabbling in painting.
What beauty product can you not live without? I have four! Yon-Ka Serum and Phyto 52 (nourishing and firming) IMAGE Skincare Max Serum with Plant Stem Cells and Daily Defense Matte Daily Protection.