5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Over the last two decades, Abi Cleeve has been recognised in the health and beauty industry for her wide ranging expertise. She is a passionate spokesperson for raising public awareness of preventable health and skin issues. She is best known for launching Swiss sun-care brand Ultrasun in the UK over 20 years ago, and steering it to its current position as one of the UK’s leading professional sun protection brand. Her regular appearances on QVC as a skincare expert have made her a trusted face with the public. Frustrated that the beauty industry often relies on old technology, Abi decided to use her knowledge of sunscreen formulations to create a brand that utilises game-changing technology. SkinSense by Abi Cleeve launched in 2016, a range using patented lamellar technology that locks ingredients onto the skin so that they work longer and better. The range sold out on launch, resulting in sales that were 220% above target, and received nominations in the QVC Beauty Awards for “Best Beauty Product Innovation” and “Best New Beauty Brand”. The range was also on the Pure Beauty Awards shortlist in the “Best New Skincare” and “Best New Anti-ageing Product” categories, and the Leave On Mask won best mask in the same awards in November 2018.
In 2020, Abi launched ARCLight, an initiative to support change by helping Black-Owned Skincare brands achieve the mainstream platform they deserve. Each year ARClight will offer an independent Black-Owned Skincare brand access to a 12-month suite of free business support assets. Skincare brand Freya + Bailey, was selected as the first annual “ARClight” initiative recipient. Abi is a full-time working mother of twins and lives in Surrey with her family
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
I think women-led businesses hold a vital and incredibly special place in society and the marketplace. Don’t underestimate the potency of the important intuitive strengths that we have as women, that really are assets to a business. Kindness, awareness of other peoples’ environments and stresses. I’m passionate that people should feel good about themselves personally and professionally and would encourage any woman with a smart idea and a passion to jump in. We are all different, we all come from different backgrounds and have different aspirations but we should really be the best that we can be and be really happy and proud about that. I think that many of us have only dipped into our talents, and the depth and breadth of our skills can result in innovation, problem solving and successful business ideas. Matched with our ability to juggle, passion for sharing and an innate sense of what really works, I believe there are female businesses needed and just waiting to launch. Let go of misplaced self- doubt, get the idea on paper and you’ll quickly see how much you’re capable of.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
1. Don’t Cut Corners – the time prior to going to market to really understand every aspect of the business in every scenario and customer segment is crucial – you only have the “launch” floor once
2. Live every day in business as if it were your first. That passion, dynamism and dedication are vital every single day
3. Listen to people – your team and customers. Everyone has different experiences and perspectives. We all view things in a different way and this can often shed light on a problem where an answer isn’t obvious
4. Schedule rest – running on empty isn’t noble or effective – it’s an obstacle to the long game of entrepreneurship
5. Be yourself, authentically. Always
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
1. My Mum: She taught me everything I know about business and a lot more. She has always worked very, very hard all her life to give her family the best possible environment.
2. Margaret Dabbs – has been an inspiration and now a friend. She followed her passion and created a worldwide business success
3. My daughter – She has faced her own adversity and battled with strength and dignity
4. Olivia Coleman – her amazing talent and success have not changed her genuine and kind outlook
5. Phoebe Waller- Bridge – any mind that can create Villanelle has to be admired
What are your favourite sayings/inspirational quotes?
My Mum – “The boots of the truth walk around the world” – be honest, be true to yourself
My daughter – “Be kind you never know what people are battling elsewhere in their lives”
Website & Socials
@makesskinsense
@abicleeve
5 March 2021|Latest Posts, Meet the Successful Founder
Over the last two decades, Abi Cleeve has been recognised in the health and beauty industry for her wide ranging expertise. She is a passionate spokesperson for raising public awareness of preventable health and skin issues. She is best known for launching Swiss sun-care brand Ultrasun in the UK over 20 years ago, and steering it to its current position as one of the UK’s leading professional sun protection brand. Her regular appearances on QVC as a skincare expert have made her a trusted face with the public. Frustrated that the beauty industry often relies on old technology, Abi decided to use her knowledge of sunscreen formulations to create a brand that utilises game-changing technology. SkinSense by Abi Cleeve launched in 2016, a range using patented lamellar technology that locks ingredients onto the skin so that they work longer and better. The range sold out on launch, resulting in sales that were 220% above target, and received nominations in the QVC Beauty Awards for “Best Beauty Product Innovation” and “Best New Beauty Brand”. The range was also on the Pure Beauty Awards shortlist in the “Best New Skincare” and “Best New Anti-ageing Product” categories, and the Leave On Mask won best mask in the same awards in November 2018.
In 2020, Abi launched ARCLight, an initiative to support change by helping Black-Owned Skincare brands achieve the mainstream platform they deserve. Each year ARClight will offer an independent Black-Owned Skincare brand access to a 12-month suite of free business support assets. Skincare brand Freya + Bailey, was selected as the first annual “ARClight” initiative recipient. Abi is a full-time working mother of twins and lives in Surrey with her family
What would you love to share to encourage other women to start their own business?
I think women-led businesses hold a vital and incredibly special place in society and the marketplace. Don’t underestimate the potency of the important intuitive strengths that we have as women, that really are assets to a business. Kindness, awareness of other peoples’ environments and stresses. I’m passionate that people should feel good about themselves personally and professionally and would encourage any woman with a smart idea and a passion to jump in. We are all different, we all come from different backgrounds and have different aspirations but we should really be the best that we can be and be really happy and proud about that. I think that many of us have only dipped into our talents, and the depth and breadth of our skills can result in innovation, problem solving and successful business ideas. Matched with our ability to juggle, passion for sharing and an innate sense of what really works, I believe there are female businesses needed and just waiting to launch. Let go of misplaced self- doubt, get the idea on paper and you’ll quickly see how much you’re capable of.
What are your 5 top tips for entrepreneurial success?
1. Don’t Cut Corners – the time prior to going to market to really understand every aspect of the business in every scenario and customer segment is crucial – you only have the “launch” floor once
2. Live every day in business as if it were your first. That passion, dynamism and dedication are vital every single day
3. Listen to people – your team and customers. Everyone has different experiences and perspectives. We all view things in a different way and this can often shed light on a problem where an answer isn’t obvious
4. Schedule rest – running on empty isn’t noble or effective – it’s an obstacle to the long game of entrepreneurship
5. Be yourself, authentically. Always
Who are the 5 women who inspire you the most?
1. My Mum: She taught me everything I know about business and a lot more. She has always worked very, very hard all her life to give her family the best possible environment.
2. Margaret Dabbs – has been an inspiration and now a friend. She followed her passion and created a worldwide business success
3. My daughter – She has faced her own adversity and battled with strength and dignity
4. Olivia Coleman – her amazing talent and success have not changed her genuine and kind outlook
5. Phoebe Waller- Bridge – any mind that can create Villanelle has to be admired
What are your favourite sayings/inspirational quotes?
My Mum – “The boots of the truth walk around the world” – be honest, be true to yourself
My daughter – “Be kind you never know what people are battling elsewhere in their lives”
Website & Socials
@makesskinsense
@abicleeve
