DiscoverBeauty Business MattersBreaking the Stigma: Why the Beauty Industry Must Support Clients Facing Cancer
Breaking the Stigma: Why the Beauty Industry Must Support Clients Facing Cancer

Breaking the Stigma: Why the Beauty Industry Must Support Clients Facing Cancer

Update: 2025-11-24
Share

Description

Susan sits down with Sarah, a resilient entrepreneur and cancer survivor, to discuss her remarkable journey through the beauty industry and her battle with ovarian cancer. Sarah shares her experiences of starting a mobile beauty business at just 19, the challenges she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the life-altering diagnosis that forced her to re-evaluate her priorities. As they delve into the importance of mindset, self-care, and the power of slowing down, Sarah emphasises the significance of listening to one's body and the transformative impact of meditation and visualisation. With a focus on helping others navigate their own health journeys, Sarah now offers coaching and holistic treatments, aiming to empower individuals facing cancer and stress. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of nurturing both mental and physical well-being.




KEY TAKEAWAYS



Slowing Down is Essential: Taking time to slow down and breathe is crucial for mental and physical well-being. It allows individuals to become present and avoid getting lost in overwhelming thoughts or stress.




Mindset Matters: Identifying with wellness rather than illness is vital. The messages we tell ourselves can significantly impact our health, and maintaining a positive mindset can aid in healing.




Importance of Self-Love: Practicing self-love and self-validation is necessary for overall health. It's important to prioritize personal well-being and recognise when to take a step back for self-care.




Holistic Approaches to Health: Integrating practices such as meditation, breathwork, and touch therapy can help reset the nervous system and improve immune function, benefiting both mental and physical health.






BEST MOMENTS


"COVID for me was a bit of a lifesaver... I was in fight flight... I was very much in my masculine energy. It was just life, you know? That was how it was." - Sarah




"You do have to listen to your body because I think if you don't, your body at some point will stop you." - Susan




"I see having cancer now as my greatest gift... it really taught me how to live life differently." - Sarah




"96% of salons will turn people away when they're actually facing a cancer diagnosis... How shit is it when you need someone to go into a salon and say, can I have a massage?" - Sarah







HOST BIO


Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. 


Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.


Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2. 


She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.


Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.



USEFUL LINKS


https://susanroutledge.com


https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/


https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters


https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters






This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/




Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Breaking the Stigma: Why the Beauty Industry Must Support Clients Facing Cancer

Breaking the Stigma: Why the Beauty Industry Must Support Clients Facing Cancer

Susan Routledge