Rebecca Elsdon is founder of RE Skin Limited.
Can you tell us a little about your background and your company?
From as early as I can remember, beauty was my calling. At just ten years old, I was sketching out designs for my dream salon in my bedroom, imagining the day I would bring it to life. Fast forward 20 years, and that dream became my reality. After spending years working in the beauty industry, I pursued advanced qualifications to become a skin specialist—because, for me, skincare isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about transformation.
The skin has always fascinated me; it’s a reflection of overall health, confidence, and self-worth. I became deeply passionate about helping clients who were struggling with problematic skin—people who often felt lost, frustrated, and defeated. My mission was to give them back their confidence, to help them look in the mirror and love what they see.
My business started humbly, from a spare room in my home. As demand grew, I transformed a space above my garage into a small but thriving clinic. Eventually, I outgrew that, too, and moved into a high-profile location on the high street. That was the turning point—the business flourished, and I knew I was creating something truly special.
What inspired you to start your business?
I knew I had the skills and knowledge to help people struggling with their skin, but what really drove me was witnessing the emotional toll that skin concerns can have on someone’s confidence.
I’ve seen clients walk through my doors feeling defeated, some barely able to look me in the eye because they felt so self-conscious. Many were at their wit’s end, having tried countless products and treatments with no success. But then, a few months into working with me, I’d see the shift—the moment they walked in with their head held high, smiling, glowing, and feeling like themselves again.
That’s what keeps me going. The transformation isn’t just in their skin—it’s in their confidence, their energy, the way they carry themselves. Knowing that I can play a role in that journey makes me incredibly proud.
How did you create awareness for your brand?
Starting out, I had zero marketing budget, so I had to be resourceful. I turned to social media as my primary tool, using it as a free platform to connect with potential clients. I created educational content, hosted Instagram Lives and shared my expertise in a way that made skin science easy to understand.
Word of mouth became another powerful asset. Happy clients became my biggest advocates, and a strong referral scheme helped my business grow organically. It was all about providing real value, building trust, and positioning myself as the go-to expert in my field.
What strategies helped you secure funding and scale your business?
I self-funded my business from day one, reinvesting every penny back into its growth. For the first four years, I didn’t take a salary—I was fully committed to scaling, expanding, and creating something sustainable. I was fortunate to have another property business that covered my living expenses, which gave me the financial freedom to focus solely on my vision.
At one point, I took out a small loan to invest in a high-quality device, but I made it a priority to pay it off quickly. Now, my business is completely debt-free and in a strong position for future investment opportunities if needed. That financial discipline has given me the freedom to grow on my terms without relying on others.
What have been your biggest successes so far?
One of my greatest achievements came during one of the toughest periods—lockdown. My business was still in its infancy when I was forced to close for six months. At the time, I was already facing challenges, trying to build my client base and establish myself. Suddenly, I was at a crossroads, let this setback crush my momentum or find a way to adapt and thrive.
I chose to pivot. I stepped completely out of my comfort zone and started showing up online every single day. I went live on Instagram, offered virtual skin consultations, and developed at-home facial kits that clients could purchase. I shipped products daily, staying connected with my clients and continuing to educate and support them.
By the end of lockdown, I was turning over more revenue than before I had to close. When I reopened, I not only retained my existing clients I had doubled my business. That experience proved to me that resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step into discomfort are the keys to surviving in business. If I could weather that storm while homeschooling my three children, I knew I could handle anything!
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Every stage of growth has presented its own challenges, from financial constraints and self-doubt to navigating the unknown. But I’ve learned that the only way to overcome obstacles is to face them head-on.
In the early days, I had to wear every hat, therapist, marketer, accountant, receptionist. It was overwhelming, but I embraced the learning curve. As I scaled, I had to shift from working in my business to working on my business, which meant trusting others and delegating. That transition was difficult, but it was necessary for growth, I had to work on taking the emotion out of it for me which was hard when its something that you have built from the ground up.
The biggest lesson I have learnt is that challenges aren’t roadblocks, they’re lessons in disguise. Each one has pushed me to evolve, improve, and strengthen myself and my business.
What are your plans for the future?
Scaling is my next focus. I want to expand into multiple locations, build a strong team, and explore online opportunities to make expert skincare advice even more accessible. I’m also passionate about mentoring other aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the ups and downs of business ownership with confidence.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
Never give up, no matter what obstacles you face. The road to success is never linear, and the challenges will test you, but if you truly believe in what you’re doing, it’s always worth it.
As an entrepreneur, work-life balance can feel impossible at times, but when you’re building something you’re passionate about, the sacrifices make sense. Trust yourself, stay committed, and don’t be afraid to bet on yourself.
What are your top three tips for entrepreneurial success?
- Focus. Keep your eyes on the goal, even when the journey takes unexpected turns. Success rarely happens in a straight line, but if you put in the work, you will get there.
- Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in your vision, no one else will. Confidence is everything.
- Step out of your comfort zone. Growth only happens when you push past what feels safe. If you don’t feel like an imposter, you’re not aiming high enough.
Who are five people who inspire you the most, and why?
• Victoria Beckham – Her journey from pop star to global businesswoman with an incredible brand is a testament to her resilience, and unwavering dedication. Moving into an arena where many would deem her unqualified, she has powered through and proved herself.
• Georgie Coleridge Cole – Her success in building the leading online platform SheerLuxe is inspiring, proving the power of digital media and branding. A cheerleader for women entrepreneurs using her platform to provide them with visibility.
• Richard Branson – His fearless approach to business, willingness to take risks, and understanding that the success to a business is down to the people you have around you.
• Michelle Obama –She uses her platform and to inspire, uplift and to be a true leader. She embodies grace, strength, and the power of meaningful change.
• Emma Grede – A leader in business, she’s built inclusive, powerhouse brands while breaking barriers for female entrepreneurs everywhere. Fighting tirelessly for the causes she believes in and using her influence to make a difference.
What are your favourite inspirational or motivational quotes?
“Nothing fabulous happens in your comfort zone.”
This mantra has guided me through every leap I’ve taken in business. The magic happens when you dare to push boundaries, embrace discomfort, and take action.
