BeautyTalks with Nicola Dickinson, Founder of Fresh Therapies

Tell us the backstory behind Fresh Therapies!

It used to be a beauty salon where only natural and organic products were used. Then one day I realized I didn’t have a nail polish remover in the salon. After much searching and research, I realized I had to bring it to the market myself. The natural nail polish remover was born and eventually the products side of the business got really busy, so the salon was closed and the name carried over to the products.

“Then one day I realized I didn’t have a nail polish remover in the salon. After much searching and research, I realized I had to bring it to the market myself.”

Nail care is often overlooked, how important is it?

Very! People don’t realize how many germs gather under the nails.  Which makes cleaning them top priority.  Especially when you wear polish, you can see the dirt. Then there’s the surrounding skin like the cuticles. They’re purpose is to protect your nail, stop germs penetrating under the nail and causing infections

Tell us more about the Nourishing Nail Elixir!

With only four ingredients it packs a punch. Nourishing and moisturizing, it’s great for nails that are going through change.  Maybe later in life for ladies or being effected by medication.  It absorbs very quickly and locks in moisture, keeping nails in a healthier condition.

In what ways does Fresh Therapies give back to the environment?

We use plastic free packaging, reusable/recyclable packaging for our products and our shipping packaging too. When there’s’ time, beach cleans are something to take part in too.

What inspired the name “Fresh Therapies”?

I left working in salons and started up my own salon with a friend, he did the sports and remedial massage, I done the beauty treatments.  So we had to find a name that suited male and female clients that told we used only products with natural ingredients.  We gave therapies and the natural side made us green in our ethos. Fresh Therapies was born.

Could you share with us some tips for nail growth?

Well obviously don’t bite them LOL.  Keep your fingers moving, this keeps fresh blood flow, so get crafty, knitting, play and instrument, typing all help. Keep them moisturized. Dry nails will break easily.

Give us a run-down of your self-care routine!

I only drink green tea no milk or sugar (as my hot drink). A walk for 40 minutes every morning before I start work and gym classes 5 days per week.

I wear minimal make-up.  But always cleanse and tone morning and night.

I’m quite lazy and don’t always practice what I used to preach in the salon.
so exfoliation and face masks are not frequent, but I love to body brush before my shower.

I’m a bit rubbish at drinking water, so I have bottles placed around the house, which reminds me drink when I see them.

What has been your favorite part about building this business?

Bringing the natural nail polish remover to market, it helped so many people.  The people I’ve made long term friends with and proving to myself I can.

Share with us how you believe the introduction of sustainable beauty options has affected the market and consumers.

I do believe that the smaller indie brands really brought the sustainable beauty to the forefront. As people’s knowledge grew regarding ingredients that are good and bad for people and planet, their voices got louder and they knew what they wanted and wouldn’t accept.  The corporate beauty brands are of course now following suit.  The indie brands I think will always lead the market, because they can switch, adapt to change quicker.  Consumers can talk with the Indie’s direct, really get to know the owners and they live their brand.

“As people’s knowledge grew regarding ingredients that are good and bad for people and planet, their voices got louder and they knew what they wanted and wouldn’t accept.”

Do you see Fresh Therapies expanding into other products?

We have just launched a new hand cream, Citrus Burst rejuvenating hand cream and the hand wash will follow soon. 

What is your staple Fresh Therapies product and why?

It has to be the nail polish remover sachet wipes.  Because they are so convenient.  Allowing you to remove nail polish anywhere, even on public transport without the lingering odor.  I keep some everywhere, car, handbag, desk, holiday luggage.  So no matter where I am, if my polish is not looking great, I can just take it off and my nails will look great in a few seconds.

Besides Fresh Therapies, what are you passionate about?

Recycling things.  I hate to throw away anything. I’m learning to weave with old strips of clothing to make rugs. I’ve decided when we move home it will be furnished with nearly all recycled products.    Dyeing materials with colors from flowers and plants, is my latest passion, hobby.  Being by the water is a favorite too.  Either boating, paddleboarding on it or walking by it and helping to keep them clean.