Nu lease of life

Nuala Woulfe is the owner of Nu Aesthetics Skin Clinic and Serenity Day Spa in Glasthule, Co Dublin, which celebrated 25 years in business in 2019. With a mission statement to ‘create positive, remarkable experiences’, her business is the Irish flagship clinic for the SkinCeuticals brand

What is your earliest memory? 

I can remember being three years of age and being with my family on the beach in Ballybunion, Co Kerry.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My parents.

What was your first job? 

I worked as a waitress in a restaurant when I was about 15 and it was a great learning experience, especially in the area of customer service. I was lucky to work with very nice people. My first role in the beauty industry was a Saturday job in a salon in Stillorgan in Dublin while I was in college. I did not get paid, but I didn’t mind. I got to do treatments and I got lots of experience in dealing with clients, so it stood to me.

Best thing about lockdown? 

It gave me time! I had the opportunity to work on my business, and to design and make the Nu Safety Screen, which is a custom-designed screen that acts as a partition between the client and the therapist during facials and massage treatments. This has proven to be a great success with our clients and staff since salons had to be redesigned due to Covid-19. As a team, we used the time during lockdown to actively grow our online sales.

Worst thing about lockdown? 

I can’t say that I found it too difficult as I was busy throughout. Obviously it was not good for business. Overall, I know the pandemic experience has been very difficult for some people, and I sympathise with them.

Ideal holiday destination? 

Lake Garda in Italy. It is a beautiful part of the country; the sunrises and sunsets are phenomenal, and the people are friendly and welcoming.

How do you relax? 

I like to go walking. I also do yoga and transcendental meditation. Relaxation is very important for health and wellbeing.

Favourite food? 

I love Italian food.

‘Avail of all the training you can get, and learn from others; education and knowledge are very important in this business, along with other key qualities’

Favourite drink? 

I enjoy a nice glass of red wine.

Dream dinner party guest/guests (alive or dead)?

I would invite Ursula von der Leyen, Jacinda Ardern and Katie Taylor – three very interesting and strong ladies.

Best piece of advice you have ever received?

If you are going to work that hard, you might as well do it for yourself – set up your own business.

Best piece of advice you have ever given?

Avail of all the training you can get, and learn from others; education and knowledge are very important in this business, along with other key qualities. There are many great opportunities in the hair and beauty industry for those willing to commit to education and high standards.

Favourite thing about yourself? 

I like my honesty and my kindness to others.

What is the one beauty product you can't live without?

SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening SPF 50. Sun protection is the most important skincare product – skin ageing is primarily caused by UV radiation, with at least 50% of the damage occurring under the age 15.

What, if anything, would you now tell your 16-year-old self?

I would tell myself to work hard and become an expert in your area. If you do that, you can achieve whatever it is you desire to do.

How would you like to be remembered?

I'd like to be rememberd as someone who had high standards in business, and who had a good influence on the way our industry has changed and evolved over the years. I'd also like to be remembered as someone who was kind and offered people great opportunities, and had the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others.