ESSENTIAL ROLE

Agnes Gajewska is a Dublin-based skincare therapist who works in Essentials Beauty & Skincare Clinic and Planet Beauty in Brown Thomas. She also runs Face Yoga by Agnes and Sculpt Pro Face training for professionals

What’s your earliest memory?

I remember summer days playing outside with my friends, and dinners with my family – almost everything we ate was from our garden or from local farmers.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I am very lucky to know some incredible Irish women who constantly support me.

Everything I have achieved has been with their help, motivation and loyalty.

What was your first job?

I worked as an Avon and Oriflame consultant under my mother’s name. My parents owned a gift shop and a bookies so I worked regularly for them when I was in secondary school.

Ideal holiday destination?

My mother used to work in Italy so I got to go there regularly. It’s my favourite place.

Favourite food?

Thai and Japanese cuisine. I also can’t live without sourdough bread, butter and fresh tomatoes with basil.

Favourite drink?

Matcha latte. I also enjoy a mojito on summer days and a glass of Rioja with dinner.

How do you relax?

A good massage, an interesting book, sunny days, and dinners with my family and friends all help me to relax. And I always switch off properly when I’m on holiday.

What was the last great film or series you watched?

I loved the series Bad Sisters, and the last great movie I watched was Oppenheimer. We don’t have a TV, so we are very selective about what we watch. We have movie nights with the kids most Saturdays.

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

I would love to have had a last proper dinner and chat with my father – he was a very interesting man.

‘Don’t compare yourself to others – your strengths and weakness are your own, so find your voice and then don’t be afraid to use it’

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

I don’t have to because my husband is a professional chef/nutritionist. I'm spoiled! He cooks delicious meals, such as fresh rice paper rolls with prawns for starters, and turbot with vegetables for our main course.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Never stop learning and growing as a person, and be kind and listen to people.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever given?

Don’t compare yourself to others – your strengths and weakness are your own, so find your voice and then don’t be afraid to use it.

Have you changed the way you work since the pandemic?

My work has expanded hugely since Covid-19. I launched Face Yoga by Agnes, which includes online and in-person workshops and events. I also launched my personalised face and body tools range and Sculpt Pro Face training for professionals. I still work in Essentials and Planet Beauty, providing my signature facials. My husband had to reduce his work hours to help me with everything. It’s not easy, but I love what I do and I believe we still have great a work-life balance with our kids.

Favourite thing about yourself?

I like that I am honest and passionate.

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

SPF, obviously. But I would also choose active toners, which are skin changers.

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

Agnes, be kind to yourself.

How would you like to be remembered?

In my profession, I would like to be remembered for my enthusiasm and passion for skincare.