Nubian Beings: Sherrille Riley

Can you take us to how your entrepreneurial journey began?

My career began with training as a beauty therapist in Yorkshire after finishing school. In the late nineties, I moved to London where I was fortunate to land a role at Harrods, specializing as a facialist for La Prairie, for five years. Coming from a lineage of female entrepreneurs—my mom, grandmother, and great-aunt all had their own businesses—I eventually felt prepared to venture out on my own. In 2002 or 2003, I left Harrods and relocated to Mayfair, initially subletting space within a flagship salon for a decade, and I started my first business 'Nails and Brows'.

Is there a pivotal moment that you would say led you to where you're today?

My defining moment was moving from Yorkshire to London to work at Harrods. Coming from Jamaica, where opportunities were limited, and then from a coal mining area in Yorkshire, I had big dreams and a love for luxury. Working in the opulent environment of Knightsbridge and Harrods, with its inspiring customers and experiences, made me realize I could achieve more if I worked hard and smart. This move was a major turning point in my career.

Can you tell us what inspired you to start Beauty Edit Mayfair?

Beauty Edit Mayfair was inspired by my personal health journey. At 24, I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis and learned that toxins in products and a poor diet contributed to my condition. This realization sparked my interest in healthier living and understanding the ingredients in our products. Over time, I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences to help others make better choices.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to enter the beauty industry?

The beauty industry is full of limitless opportunities in aesthetics, products, and services. Find your passion and follow it. If you want to start a service-based business, ensure you're well-trained. For launching products, understand formulation to know what unique value you're offering. Be prepared to work hard and smart, stay aware of industry changes, and align yourself with successful people in your field.

What do you do to take care of your wellbeing and your creativity?

I do many things. I really try to reserve my weekends exclusively. For me, I try not to make commitments. That's me time, that's my time. And so at the weekend, Saturday and Sundays, I listen to podcasts, I attend meditation, I do Pilates. I cook what I want really while being foods. And I really just have time out for me.

How do you stay motivated when there are challenging times?

I'm very, very solution driven. Anybody that comes to me with a problem, I find a solution. There's always a solution. If I panic, I cannot think clearly. If you're not in an anxiety, panic mode, your brain will function and it will be resourceful.

What's a surprising or unusual beauty tip that you've picked up over the years?

The best beauty tip I can give is to get a good night's sleep. Sleep rejuvenates your mind, skin, hair, and body. Stay hydrated because water is essential for healthy skin and hair. While Beauty Edit Mayfair offers various products and treatments, the most important free advice is to sleep well and maintain a good diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and water.

What's one beauty trend that you actually love right now and one that you're like, 'that needs to go'?

I love LED light treatment; it's amazing for reducing inflammation and pigmentation with immediate results and no downtime. It's convenient and great for healing skin issues caused by phone use. I believe it will go globally viral due to its effectiveness and accessibility, like at-home LED masks. On the other hand, I don't like dermablading, which involves using blades to exfoliate the skin and remove fine hairs. I don't think it's a good practice.

What is your favourite Nubian Skin piece?