FAMILY VALUES

With over 25 years' skincare experience, facialist and aesthetician Corinna Tolan is CEO of Monica Tolan The Skin Experts, which was founded by her mother in 1980, and was one of Dublin's first beauty clinics

What's your earliest memory?

I can remember my younger sister coming home from the hospital after she was born, and I just wanted my mother to cuddle me as I had missed her. I didn't understand why such a big fuss was being made about a baby.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

My daughters are who and what inspires me to be the best version of myself every day. I am very aware of how much my daily habits influence them. I hope to raise two powerful, strong and kind women, so to do that, I must show them how it's done.

What was your first job?

It was in Phibsboro in Dublin. I worked for L'Avenue, a Decleor Paris franchise. I used to record the Decleor content on the QVC shopping channel, then come to work and regurgitate all the information to my clients, resulting in massive sales and commissions for me.

Ideal holiday destination?

I have a huge affinity with Italy, I love its culture, food, coffee and landscape. I hope to retire in Puglia. Driving along the Amalfi Coast in a vintage Mercedes sports car would be ideal!

Favourite food?

I love salads and vegetables – lots of colour is key.

Favourite drink?

I enjoy a dry gin martini with an olive, in a fabulous setting and with good company.

How do you relax?

I am most chilled out when I am in the gym. I find my mind seldom wanders, and I usually leave feeling better than when I arrived.

'We have been constantly pivoting within the business since the pandemic, and will continue to do so in the months ahead'

What was the last great film or series you watched?

I just finished season one of Daisy Jones & The Six, and I loved it. I am a huge fan of Fleetwood Mac, and music and fashion from the Seventies. I really hope they make another season. Riley Keough was brilliant in it.

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

Stevie Nicks. She would be good for a sing-song at the end of the evening too.

Do you cook/bake and, if so, do you have a signature recipe?

Yes I do – Ifind it very relaxing. My pavlova is probably my most requested dish.

Best piece of advice you've ever received?

Don't be a busy fool. When it comes to my own business, I often ask myself if I am being this. I tend to emotionally attach myself to my business, but this advice keeps me more objective.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

If you always give what you always gave, then you will always get what you always got.

Have you changed the way you run your business/work since the pandemic?

We have been constantly pivoting within the business since the pandemic, and will continue to do so in the months ahead. I find business really challenging at the moment, but this happens every five years or so. I guess it's how a business evolves, and our ability to adapt and overcome is why we are still here over 40 years later.

Favourite thing about yourself?

I am very determined and hard-working. When I put my mind to something, I usually follow it through.

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

Environ's AVST Moisturiser 5. It contains all the vital nourishment my skin requires to be healthy, and it is photoprotective too.

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

I would tell her to stay on course because a wonderful, fulfilling life full of love lies before her.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who left people better than she found them.