BLUSHKA'S IMPACT ON THE BEAUTY COMMUNITY: INSIDERS MEET FOR DINNER

2 min read

Community is a buzzword these days; a lot of people boast that they have a community of thousands across their social channels. The core definition of community is ‘a group of people who share common values, interests or beliefs’. Why are communities so important for people these days and how do you foster one?

Blushka’s founder, Bella Cary wanted to bring people who had a shared interest in the beauty industry together, to enjoy dinner and make new connections.

I wanted to create a safe space for people who work in the industry to share experiences, both the good and bad so that we can support one another and grow together. My vision was to bring people together to share contacts and resources to help other beauty brand owners and beauty professionals. I’d love to know that one day, we helped a small brand get stocked in a retailer because of someone they met at one of the dinners. This was my intention, but it has now grown beyond that into a wonderful Community, where people come to connect with like minded people in a safe but sophisticated environment. I get to meet so many incredible, inspiring women doing incredible things and what I love is that these guests wouldn’t ordinarily cross paths with one another.

"I hope that one day this group will grow into thousands of individuals who continue to meet and make new connections”

What started as a dinner of four people at Ottolenghi (restaurant) back in August 2022, has now grown to almost 200 women. People who work in the beauty industry or have an interest in it, meet at a new restaurant in Central London once a month.

The dinners are intimate and small for a reason with an average of six guests. The setting and space allows for flowing conversation between all guests; the key factor is that all attendees are able to listen to one another and are given space and time to talk.

The unique introductions set the tone for vulnerability and connection, stating that some dinners the introductions can last up to two hours. “For me, I find that if you give a short introduction (similar to an elevator pitch), it doesn’t allow us to get deep into our challenges, hopes and dreams. I begin by setting the scene and sharing a long back story on me, Blushka’s uniqueness and my ambitions with these dinners. This way it allows for every personality type to speak up and have their moment. It's a nerve-wracking thing coming on your own and not knowing anyone so it’s important we make people feel at ease”.

At each dinner, there have been a mix of beauty founders, makeup enthusiasts, beauticians and professionals. The group is not exclusive and invites anyone to join. Each month there are new joiners that attend and familiar faces who keep coming back.

Events are currently limited to the Central London area, but the future could see them extended to other major cities throughout the UK and beyond if there is enough interest.

If you would like to join this community and network with other beauty industry lovers, please email hello@blushka.com to join the list.

Kavita Kumari, who works in further education but also has a love of the industry, is a regular guest at these dinners; “The commitment to building connections and camaraderie among fellow makeup artists and beauticians is truly inspiring. The intimate gatherings provide a space for creative minds to network, share insights and learn from one another. The vision has not only united professionals but has also kindled a sense of belonging in a competitive industry.”

Hafsa Issa-Salwe who is a facialist and clinic owner also shares her experiences as a regular attendee; “I’ve worked in the beauty industry for over ten years and these beauty dinners have easily been a highlight in such a short amount of time. I’ve connected with like minded women that I’m still in touch with and I believe it’s because the dinners are a great way of facilitating true connection between everyone, irrespective of your background - if you love beauty, you belong. If you’re interested in great food and beauty chat with incredible women, I’d absolutely recommend going to at least one of these dinners, after which you’ll want to go to every single one after!”