Introducing: Michelle Grayson, Head of Operations

What does my work involve?

Head of Operations involves me working across all areas of the company, including organising and coordinating events, as well as the team, networking and making new connections and introducing our work to new clients. I have a background in the business of both food (I had my own food manufacturing company for a number of years,) food commodities and fashion as well as over 10 years working in the charitable sector. I have been at The Red Tree working with Stirling for almost 10 years, so from the early days when the business was in its infancy, and have seen huge changes across the whole industry in that time, including the enormous influence of social media.

Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn

What are you most looking forward to over the coming months and beyond?

The launch of the new website; I have seen the impact that our earlier versions had and am excited to be able to share all the new innovation and ideas that we are now able to offer our clients across the globe. I am looking forward to seeing how new technology will change the industry going forward, hopefully for the better – there was so much negativity over the past few years and it is exciting to see how beauty continues to grow, influence and inspire all generations. Beauty always bounces back!

“Beauty always bounces back!”

What advice would you give to those starting out in the beauty industry?

Plan 2 years ahead with your finances and innovation and try to stay a few steps ahead of the curve. Follow every inspirational beauty business leader and founder, and some others that are out of the box. Network, network and network and, if you don’t love beauty and have conviction in your own products don’t even start!

Do you have any favourite beauty campaigns?

I was working as an international model in the 80's and was obsessed with beauty ads probably because I was casting for them at the time but, for me the most memorable and iconic ad was Harmony Hairspray: Is She Or Isn't She? (1981) closely followed by the Revlon campaigns - ‘The Most Unforgettable Women in the World’- not sure some of these ads would be allowed today though!

The Red Tree is the UK’s leading international beauty brand consultancy and a powerhouse of ideas, insight and inspiration. For an informal discussion on how we might help you, please contact us.