Women in business: Sharon Hilditch, MBE

Have you heard of Sharon Hilditch, MBE? If not, you’re about to learn a lot about her!

She’s has invented and founded Crystal Clear an award-winning skincare line as well as developing facial systems which are used in salons and spas across the UK. In her career, not only has she been awarded an MBE but she’s also treated many popular celebrities - and when we say celebrities, we mean business (did someone say, Madonna?), so you know this stuff is good.

More recently in 2020 during the coronavirus lockdown, Sharon has steered her company through the pandemic and supported her salon community with a number of successful initiatives. It’s no surprise then that we wanted to get up close and personal with Sharon to hear more about how she has become a national figurehead for the beauty industry in the UK, and what the future holds for Crystal Clear.

Why did you originally start Crystal Clear? 

It was after working within a cosmetic surgery practise that I really felt there had to be alternative treatments to chemical peels, so I set about developing treatments that bridged the gap between the surgeon and the salon. Somewhere in between. Hence, our first system Microdermabrasion was born! 25 years later, it is still the number one resurfacing treatment. 

What first got you interested in beauty and the beauty industry?

I was never the kid that played with lipstick, my favourite toy as a child was a red fire truck which I took apart to see how the wheels worked. 

I have always loved anything to do with how things worked, and I have a natural inventive mind. I suppose working within the cosmetic surgery sector really exposed me to vast array of various treatments and products and this really triggered my inner innovator ,so I suppose this is where I started to feel I could make difference. 

Which other women inspire you/do you admire?

Anyone - from our amazing Queen for her utmost loyalty, total devotion and service she has given to her country in what must have been some quite testing times! Let us not forget she is only human and must also feel strains of family life. To the local cleaning lady in the hospital who is making sure everywhere is super clean to protect us. 

What has been your career highlight to date?

Surviving 25 years!

When you first launched the COMCIT machine, did you have to go through a rigorous testing period? And how was the product received?

Yes, of course, all our products go through all the regulatory tests and more. I would not launch anything unless it actually did what it said on the box and made a true difference to the skin.

COMCIT was and still is received with glowing reports and my best feedback is when I see ours salon partners talking to each other on the Salon Partner Facebook Page sharing what amazing results they achieve with such a vast array of skin concerns, from ageing skin, to softening acne scarring to brightening and helping lift pigmentation. They share stories of how well they are doing with the treatments and products and I have to say that is my best feedback as I know it’s genuine. 

What’s been your biggest challenge as a female entrepreneur?

Juggling family and growing a business!

What’s your favourite Crystal Clear home product to use?

I would not live without my Easy Lift Facial Wand and Hyaluronic Acid as it takes me 60 seconds every morning with a quick roll over the face to instantly lift, firm and wake up my skin. Results are amazing and I developed that product with every busy woman in mind that needed results and needed them fast. 

Crystal Clear now has a sort of cult status within the beauty industry, what has the journey been like to get there? 

Honestly – lots of wine has helped!

Haha! I’m sure it has! You were awarded an MBE for your services to the beauty industry, how did it feel getting that kind of recognition for your work? 

Truly – I felt like a fraud, as just cannot understand why I would be awarded the MBE - however, not going to turn that one down!

What do you do to combat stress now and over the years?

Great a pair of trainers on and run, run, run.

Certain celebrities are known to have used Crystal Clear treatment technologies and products, including the likes of Gwenyth Paltrow, Madonna and Kate Moss- how did it feel to see your products being used by women in the spotlight?

Actually, it feels amazing to know such famous ladies are using products and treatments that little old me developed.

What are the future plans for Crystal Clear in 2021?

As always, I am launching some new technology into the industry as well as working on exciting product launches. However, I do have something new that I am pushing out but I am keeping that completely under wraps but it is something everyone can get involved with … watch this space!