My Business Journey, Chapter 10: A Family Affair

In Chapter 9: A New World After COVID, I shared how the business found its direction after lockdown. This chapter is about the people who have helped make it all possible: my family.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but I’ve learned it takes a dedicated family to raise a business. Neither I nor Karen Alexandra Beauty and Well-Being would be where we are today without my incredible support system. In Chapter 11: A Huge Change, I share how that support gave me the confidence to turn my dream of a shop in Tonbridge into reality.

Family at the heart of the business

When I started this journey over two decades ago, my family was my primary inspiration, though my son Will wasn’t even born yet!

From day one, my husband, Paul, believed in the vision. He has been my emotional rock and my practical partner in every sense. Whether it’s a 2 AM brainstorming session or a gentle reminder to finally take a break, he is the engine behind the scenes.

Paul, my tech man and packaging department

Paul built our online shop during lockdown so you could still access your organic skincare essentials. He remains my “tech man” and social media strategist for @karenalexandrabeauty.

If your order arrives beautifully presented, that’s Paul, the head of our packaging department, working alongside his own full-time career!

From stamping our bags to preparing parcels, there is plenty to do behind the scenes.

A true team effort

Every member of the family has played a part in our growth. My children have grown up with the business, moving from delivering leaflets and modelling for “dreaded” photo shoots to becoming our very own delivery drivers now that they can drive!

They’ve hung endless loads of laundry from the treatment room and made countless trips to the Post Office.

Perhaps the hardest job of all? The years they spent tiptoeing around their own home to ensure total peace and quiet while I carried out organic facials for my lovely clients.

Thank you to my precious gang

I honestly couldn’t manage the juggle without them. They have been by my side to celebrate every win, and I am so grateful for my “precious gang”.

While my name is on the door, this really is a family affair.

Read all 12 chapters of My Business Journey

1. Chapter 1: A Baby, a Beauty Couch and a New Beginning
2. Chapter 2: Sleeping Babies and Homemade Price Lists
3. Chapter 3: A Permanent Home
4. Chapter 4: Discovering the Skincare Range That Shaped My Business
5. Chapter 5: Finding Clients and Keeping Them
6. Chapter 6: The Ultimate Juggling Act
7. Chapter 7: The Pivot, Finding My Niche
8. Chapter 8: The COVID Years
9. Chapter 9: A New World After COVID
10. Chapter 10: A Family Affair (you’re here)
11. Chapter 11: A Huge Change
12. Chapter 12: On into the Future!

Previously: Chapter 9: A New World After COVID.

Continue to Chapter 11: A Huge Change, where I share how my dream of opening a shop in Tonbridge became reality.

Explore Karen Alexandra Beauty today

Want to see our family teamwork in action? Explore our online shop for skincare, makeup and wellbeing favourites, with personal advice from me in Tonbridge.

Thank you for supporting our family business and for being part of the journey.

Karen xxx

Karen Alexandra Beauty and Well-Being

2a Avebury Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent