She used to be a mime artist and calls Shania Twain her guilty pleasure. Meet Karen Betts, founder of HD Beauty Group and all-round industry guru…
Where is home?
A little village in Yorkshire called South Elmsall. I’ve lived here all my life and it’s quite the cliché, but there really is no place like it.
When are you at your happiest?
Working in my Harley Street clinic, tattooing clients with the sun shining through the balcony window.
When did you join BABTAC?
So many years ago! It represents everything I love about the industry and most of all encourages people to explore new avenues and sectors.
Would you change anything about your career?
Nothing. Even when there’s been bumps in the road, the toughest of business times have shaped me and pushed me to do better. But some days I wish it was possible to have more than six hours sleep!
What does beauty mean to you?
One of the most understated effects of beauty is how the quickest of appointments can make a woman (or man) feel about themselves. And I say ‘feel’ because it’s not just how people look, its how people feel that animates me the most.
What’s exciting you in the industry at the moment?
I’m still so excited by brows. The colour and textures that are coming through only show that the power of the brow is still growing within the industry.
What’s the last thing you learnt?
I’ve recently been in the lab working on some really exciting new products and have learnt a lot about ingredients and product systems.
Who inspires you?
My mum. She pushes me to do bigger and better in and outside of business.
Tell us the three things you always have in your make-up bag:
HD Brows Fluid Foundation, a pack of Nouveau Lashes and a lipstick.
Where was the last place you went on holiday?
I’ve just been at the Monaco Grand Prix - my partner and I love to travel.
Does that mean you own a flash car?
I’ve got a Jaguar F-Type, it was a treat to myself a couple of years ago and I’ve loved it ever since.
What would surprise people about you?
I used to be a part of a family mime act alongside my mum and dad when I was younger. It’s a good job I mimed really because I’m not a very good singer!
Would you call yourself a music fan then?
My partner loves music, so there’s always a massive variety of music playing at home or in the car. Our cat is called Strut as he named her after a punk group! I love Elbow and Shania Twain is a guilty pleasure of mine.
