I just spent a really inspiring, great week in L.A. surrounded by brilliant women who have forged a way in the beauty industry and founded great brands, all outside of the realm of the traditional 'corporate' atmosphere. These women are doing it all their own way and making huge successes as they go.

Between the jetlag and the time in the hotel room, I get a lot of thinking time when I'm travelling alone, mainly because I don't have about 10 people saying 'Mum', or 'Love, have you seen my phone/wallet/keys"'.

After every meeting on this trip I came away thinking 'Wow. This is how I want to do it.' These women are a formidable force.

Petra Strand, founded Pixi and opened their flagship store in London over 15 years ago and now runs the company from their LA offices, where they service their main account in the USA, Target. The UK business is surging ahead with the launch of the Skintreats range in Marks & Spencer and QVC opening last year to immediate sell-outs. The business continues to go from strength to strength, with Petra guiding the way based solely on her instincts and her knowledge of her customer.
May Lindstrom - I met May for the first time on this trip, and like Petra, May is obviously the Boss in the office, and her staff treat each other like family. Last August May shut down her entire business, including the office and online sales, to give her staff a two week complete break from work. She plans to repeat it this year, acknowledging ...