Clare Anderson is named a Great British Entrepreneur of the year

Clare Anderson, the founder of Shared Beauty Secrets, which launched Lava Shells into the UK and Irish markets, has been named Great British Entrepreneur of the Year in the South East.

Anderson has been working in beauty and spa since 2009, when she founded Shared Beauty Secrets. Her very first account was Bali Leha Spa on Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island in the Caribbean.

Self-heating Lava Shells are now used in more than 2,000 spas and salons, and Shared Beauty Secrets has trained over 10,000 therapists in their use.

The annual Great British Entrepreneur Awards rewards the country’s most exceptional business leaders. Over 5,000 people entered this year’s awards.

Anderson was recognised for her contributions to the beauty and wellbeing industry at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel this week.

Speaking exclusively to European Spa after her award win, Anderson said: “It feels fantastic to have been recognised at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards and to have collected my award alongside a number of other amazing people running all kinds of different businesses.

“When Covid hit I had to dig deep and embody what I think it truly means to be a successful health and beauty entrepreneur – passionate, driven, determined, resourceful, creative and innovative but also compassionate and giving.

“So to win an award for entrepreneurialism, recognising the industry I love so much, is both a huge compliment and an achievement of which I’m immensely proud.

“None of this would have been possible without my incredible team. They gave me the support to achieve my goals and live my dream so this award is as much for them.”

Sensory retreats

During the pandemic Anderson launched two new products – self-heating eye and face masks.

Her brand Sensory Retreats sold boxes of self-heating scented masks – including the lavender-scented Luna Eyes and jasmine Dreamy Eyes – to afford spas and salons a way to provide clients with ‘at home’ spa experiences while their doors were closed.

The eye masks were highly commended in the 2022 ASOS Beauty Awards and her Divine Glow self-heating face mask won at this year’s Pure Beauty Global Award.

Anderson how now launched an unscented version especially for children under the new wellbeing brand Elfland UK.

“Moving into 2023, we’ll be celebrating our 14th year at Shared Beauty Secrets and I’m excited to be further developing my range of self-heating eye masks, which are doing so well in spas, along with my newest venture, Elfland UK, a portal of wellbeing products and services for children,” Anderson continued.

“This builds on my experience in the spa and wellness industry to deliver the wellbeing benefits of spa to children through multi-sensory products and creative experiences.

“As a mother I have seen how important it is for children to learn self care when they are young and Elfland UK gives them access to this in a way that is beneficial but also fun.”