The Elemis co-founder, Noella Gabriel, on how she runs a huge beauty business
Most mornings I wake up at 5.30am and head to the gym for a swim. I love the ritual and it helps clear my head before work. I take all of my beauty products, including my own Frangipani Monoi Body Oil, and blow-dry my hair, too. I have the routine down to a fine art and can get ready in 30 minutes.
On the way to the office I stop by the Baker Street branch of the Natural Kitchen for poached eggs and avocado, then I’m usually in meetings all day.
My management style is open-door. If someone needs 10 minutes from me, I won’t leave without giving it to them. Stress comes with the job, but I’ve learnt how to cope with it. If I notice my breathing patterns change, I know my stress levels are going up – as a classically trained singer, connecting to my breathing comes naturally. I also go walking in the woods for a few hours at the weekend.
On weeknights I might work late, and I rarely go straight home. My daughter Kate is in her second year at Manchester University, so I usually make dinner plans with friends and I have a singing lesson once a week. I go to the theatre when I can, too. I love musicals – I saw the recent production of The King and I twice – but otherwise I’m in bed by around 10pm.
When Kate’s home we have lots of mum-daughter time. We’re great shoppers; even when she was very small she would count how many shopping bags I had and say, ‘Mum, you have six and I only have four.’ She still won’t buy anything until I look at it. I like to think I’ve a good eye.
Though I’m in my 60s, I don’t dress like it. I love colour and don’t have any black in my wardrobe at all. Taking a look in the mirror in the morning and seeing colour is a much brighter way to start the day.
Noella’s five rules to live by
Stay hungry to learn – it will drive you. If you lose that hunger, it’s time to do something else.
Don’t always strive to get it right. As a single mum, I teach my daughter that not being perfect is OK.
Don’t buy too many cosmetics. Keep life simple – bathroom cabinet included.
Remember that it’s never too late to improve your skin. You can give it a kick-start at any time.
If you feel overwhelmed, take time to stop and breathe. It gets you into a different headspace.
My style staple is…
A pair of cropped trousers by Theory. I recently bought this lovely wool pair. £260
My make-up bag essential…
Stila Smudge Pots, used as a gel eyeliner or shadow. I pick them up on my travels. £13
I couldn’t live without…
Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix night cream. I apply it on long-haul flights. £145
My guilty pleasure is…
Green & Black’s 70% Dark Chocolate. I allow myself a square every night. £2 for 100g
When travelling I always carry…
Chanel Chance. An absolute staple, I have it in travel- and full-size. £55 for 35ml edp
I’m currently reading...
A Keeper, by Graham Norton. I’m interested to read this as we both grew up in Cork. £20
