Skin Deep talks to...

Amanda Connock, Founder of Connock London.
Connock London is a bath & body company which launched last year & is inspired by little known natural ingredients from across the globe.

SD: If you were to introduce Connock London to someone for the first time, which product would you recommend they try?
AC: Kukui Oil Body Lotion. It is packed full of deliciously nourishing ingredients such as Kukui Oil, Macadamia Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E. It sinks into skin straight away and has a light, fresh fragrance. This product has been my bestseller since launching and I am now seeing lots of customers coming back for more.

SD: What is the best thing about running your own company?
AC: That the sky's the limit! It is really exciting to think that there is no limit to how successful you could be. Running your own business is incredibly rewarding as you can see the result of every decision you make and you can operate how you want. I don't see it as work because I am doing what I've always dreamed of doing.

SD: What struggles have you overcome in setting up Connock London?
AC: I don't think setting up a business is ever easy because there is no way of knowing how things will turn out. When I started out, I knew what I wanted to achieve but I didn't have a clue how to go about it! There have been issues and struggles at every stage, mainly due to my lack of experience but I have surrounded myself with people I trust who I constantly ask for advice. Now, people are starting to come to me for advice, which is an amazing feeling!

SD: How do you envisage the business developing?
AC: It is still very early days so I don't want to make the mistake of taking on too much too quickly. I am putting all my energy into establishing a strong business in the UK and listening very carefully to the feedback from my customers. I am launching two more products in the Kukui Oil range later this year so that is keeping me very busy for the time being!

SD: Which celebrity would you love to see as a fan of Connock London?
AC: I would love to see Donna Air using a couple of my products.

SD: Where do you find your inspiration?
AC: I constantly find inspiration in the memories of my father who passed away seven years ago. He travelled extensively in search of exotic and innovative ingredients and he instilled in me a passion to seek out natural beauty secrets found in far flung corners of the world. I also feel inspired when I go for a long walk in the countryside on a bright, sunny morning.

SD: What would you be doing as a career if you weren't running Connock London?
AC: Before I set up Connock London I was working for my family business sourcing cosmetic ingredients so I would probably still be doing that. If not, then I have always wanted to be a florist- I can't think of anything better than being surrounded by flowers all day!

SD: If you could have created any beauty product, what would it be?
AC: YSL Touche Eclat is a genius product and I couldn't live without it but Connock London is definitely enough for me!

SD: What do you predict will be the next big thing in beauty?
AC: Sensitive skin. It is a very big concern which isn't fully accomodated for at the moment. I think the market place has some exciting innovations which will prove very interesting in the near future!

SD: Finally, what is your top beauty tip?
AC: The old ones are always the best- moisturise, drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep!

http://www.connocklondon.com/