Sunday 12th November 2017

By Michelle Hammond

Q&A

Q1 - How did your childhood influence your work ethic and attitude towards business?

Learning how to have enough to survive was really important. Also, it showed I have choices – either stay and live a particular life or have a plan for the future and set goals.

Q2 - What do you believe the principles of a successful business are today?

Emotional intelligence. There's no right or wrong but the focus has to be meaningful to 21^st century living.

Q3 - Looking back, what was your best business decision?

To not be ashamed. I don’t know what I don’t know.

Q4 - Who has influenced you the most through your career?

I have had the most amazing mentors….  During my teenage years there was Tracy Jadda, in my 20s Eileen Border; my 30s Hilary Dart, Caroline Neville and Daniela Rinaldi. My 40s was George Hammer and in my 50s definitely my son (25 yrs) my daughter (16) and my team!

Q5 - What was your most difficult / worst business decision?

I have tried to learn from every mistake, so they have not been bad decisions as such. I do regret not working in another country.

Q6 - What would you say was the single most advantageous character trait for success?

Learning that there is always more than one way to do things. As a team you can always find solutions and no one person is bigger than any brand if you get the plan right.

Q7 - What happens when you’re stressed or overwhelmed?

I’m miserable and feel concerned which is why I practice what I preach.  Eat less (not always easy to do), move more and remember when challenged right is better than might.

Q8 - How do you invest in your own wellbeing. How do you look after yourself?

I try to visit Buchinger wellness retreat for two weeks each year.  I love walking with my dog (whilst I’m carrying 15kilo weights), I keep a cosmic shopping list and enjoy spending time with my family.  I try to be kind to myself and others and always remember grace is everything.

Q9 - If you could change one thing about the spa and wellness industry what would it be and why?

Make it more meaningful in its tone of voice.  I believe selfcare is healthcare - everything you need to support this sits within spa.  We have a lot of work to do, it’s not beauty its empowerment to be the best possible you. Everyone is beautiful and wellness is about the inside not just the outside.

Q10 - Finally, What’s your favourite quote or the best advice you’ve ever been given?

From my mum (originally Henry Ford) #Whether you think you can or you can’t, you are right!

 

FLASH FACTS - FOR FUN SECTION

1. What’s your favourite book 

Looptail by Bruce Poon Tim

2. What’s your favourite film of all time 

As Good as it gets, with Jack Nicholson

3. If you could have dinner with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why? 

Elvis Presley or Grace Kelly – the king and queen of reinvention and change

4. You get taken to your favourite place to be, where are you taken?

Home

5. Your perfect dinner is? 

Chicken paillard with rocket, parmesan and caper salad. But if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would have to be potatoes

6. Your go to drink is? 

Water either sparkly or still

7. Your favourite sweet treat is? 

Rasins or Montezuma’s Dark Chocolate Buttons

8. What’s your favourite essential oil /scent? 

Neroli

9. You go for a treatment - what do you have and why?

Two hour massage

1. What’s your favourite flower?

Casablanca lilies

1. You  want to sleep deeply, what do you do? 

Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax bath and reading a book 

2. You want to energise fast, what do you do? 

Laugh!! Fake it until you make it!

3. The theme tune to your life is?

Move on up by Chris Mayfield – it will also be my funeral song

4. What makes you laugh to your belly? 

My kids

5. What’s your favourite season? 

Autumn

6. What’s your favourite colour? 

Navy Blue

7. Your favourite time of day is? 

8am if I have it to myself

8. Ifyou could have been anyone or anything else, what / who would you be? 

I would still be me, but I would have liked to have been more academic. I’m truly grateful to have been able to develop my EQ, its been a gift. I would have liked to have been in human right laws.

9. What’s your current TV guilty secret? 

Top of the Lake and Bessy

10. Magic dust - you can learn one new skill instantly, what is it? 

         Mind reading

 

A beauty industry veteran, Global CEO of Aromatherapy Associates, Tracey Woodward has worked with major global brands including Donna Karan, Aveda, Marks & Spencer and Urban Retreat at Harrods, and was brought in to Aromatherapy Associates in 2016 to get the company back on its feet after the devastating loss of founder Geraldine Howard. 

A shining light for entrepreneurship and a huge advocate for connecting with brands and the people that drive them on an emotional level, Woodward is an exceptional and authentic leading force for 21st century business success. 

FIND OUT MORE

Contact Details:

Tracey Woodward
CEO, Aromatherapy Associates
http://www.AromatherapyAssociates.com
Connect with Tracey on Instagram @traceylwoodward