Gateway Workshops offer a wide range of courses and worshops for beauty therapists. Their tutors both use and recommend Botanicals, and appreciate the benefits of using products made from natural and organic ingredients. Rhian Thomas ( above left) has her own central London salon and is an experienced Gateway tutor. We asked her why she likes Botanicals...

I've been using Botanicals products within my facials for over four years now. I love the fact that they are organic and have the Soil Association trade mark. The products feel lovely on my clients' skin, and people are always saying how much they like the feel and smell of them. They are always easy to work with, and work with all skin types. The customer service is always excellent, with nice and quick delivery. I cannot praise Botanicals as a company enough.

I've worked within the beauty and massage industry for over ten years now. I started my own therapy company in 2005 by providing a range of treatments at clients' homes, work places, and at events. During this period I built up a large client base which allowed me to invest in my own treatment room. From here I work with other therapists to provide a wide range of massage and beauty treatments.

Fulfilling my ambitions

I've always been interested in the beauty industry, but chose a different career path after leaving school in 1998. I studied Performing Arts and Music at college, and then worked in many areas of the media industry until my early twenties. Having thoroughly enjoyed my time within the industry, I decided to fulfil my ambition and go back to college to study something I knew I was going to love doing each day; beauty therapy.

As my company grew, I expanded into corporate business where I developed stress relieving seminars and workshops teaching to large numbers of clients in the City of London. I introduced ‘On-site Massage’ which became very popular with employees and has been requested by many companies since.

I have endeavoured to keep myself involved within the industry by working freelance, and for some of the biggest beauty and spa names in London. This has enhanced my knowledge and helped me to develop - both as a therapist and a teacher.

I've worked in two of the largest further education colleges in the beauty department where I assessed beauty and massage students of all ages; one of these being The London College of Beauty Therapy.

I have always had a passion for learning and decided early on that I wanted to pass my knowledge on to other people through teaching. I acquired premises in Central London last year which I called 'Oh So Lovely'. This has enabled me to create a salon environment for my students so they can enhance their learning experience. 'Oh So Lovely' is now a CIBTAC accredited training venue where a range of their evening courses are delivered.

Informative, fun and inspiring

The courses at Gateway Workshops are all informative, fun and inspiring, and such a pleasure to teach. I enjoy writing new and exciting beauty courses for Gateway so our students are able to keep up with the latest industry trends. We have created a lot of unique beauty courses that only Gateway Workshop tutors offer.

In 2012 I developed my own range of products for eyelash extensions which are now supplied to students, salons and spas in the UK and abroad. I am an avid reader of Louise Hay, Wayne Dyer and Doreen Virtue to name a few, all of whom have helped me to develop personally and professionally.

I am excited about the growing health and beauty industry and enjoy every aspect of teaching the amazing courses Gateway Workshops offer. We are dedicated to providing courses to small groups so that each individual receives the attention they need to the highest standard.

To book on to one of Rhian's London courses, simply visit the Gateway Workshops website.