Business

It's more than skin deep with Victoria . . .

Victoria Shields
Victoria Shields Victoria Shields

In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Victoria Shields, owner and clinic director of The Skin Health Clinic in Newry, the only dedicated skin clinic of its kind in the north offering bespoke and customised skin treatments and products.

What was your first job?

My first job was working in a very busy restaurant as a kitchen assistant and waitress. I think hospitality is one of the best places to learn what hard work is. It taught me so much about communication and working with the public which has helped me in every job throughout my career.

What qualifications do you have?

I hold a HND in beauty and related therapies along with many other specialised skin and nutrition related certifications. In this industry you simply never stop learning.

What do you attribute your success to?

My genuine passion for what I do and my eagerness to give everything 110 per cent. I believe if you are going to do something then do it to the absolute best of your ability. I love what I do and I measure my success by helping my clients achieve amazing results with their skin.

How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?

I would say I am genuine, thoughtful and hard working. They would probably say I find it hard to switch off from work, but I think that comes with being self-employed from the age of 19, I’ve known no different!

Who do you look up to in business?

I have been blessed to work with some fantastic business mentors over the years who have worked in the industry and progressed to sharing their knowledge and experience with others. Their help and knowledge have been invaluable to how I run my business today.

How do you get the best out of people who work for you?

I am passionate about helping my staff to grow and to see their own potential. I think being relational with staff is so important. My team know I am there for them at any time and I will offer support in any way I can.

If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?

I love doing business in Northern Ireland but at times I feel our industry isn’t taken as seriously as other parts of the world. As someone who has dedicated the last 18 years to the beauty and skincare industry, I am so passionate about promoting this industry to others as a career path. I just love how diverse and rewarding it is and want to see that more accepted and promoted in Northern Ireland.

What website or app could you not do without?

Instagram for sure! I love it for showcasing my business and my client success stories plus a on a personal level I love it for creating a gallery of memories on my grid of my family to look back on.

What was the last book you read?

To be honest I don’t read as much now as I tend to listen to podcasts especially on my journey to and from work when I have no distractions of my three kiddies! I tend to listen to business podcasts and inspirational coaches.

What car do you drive?

Audi Q7 S-line Quattro

Tell us something interesting about yourself?

I was awarded an education award for having 12 years full attendance across both primary and secondary school. I used to cringe about this, but I think it has helped me to always be dedicated to showing up even on days when you don’t feel like it!

What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?

Spending time near the water. We have a holiday home in Fermanagh, and I love walking by the lakes and soaking in fresh air. Saying that, I love to head abroad and escape from the never-ending rain.