Name: Amanda Shayle
Business: Acuregen Acupuncture
Website: https://www.acuregen.com/
Amanda Shayle trained in the art of Acupuncture following the hospitalisation of her three-month-old son who had suffered a serious skin reaction after his immunisations.
The search for a gentle, effective way to deal with his allergies motivated her to explore complementary therapy. Having personally already experienced the healing benefits of acupuncture when her teacher employed these to rectify old sporting injuries. This inspired Amanda to learn acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
Amanda, what is the inspiration behind Acuregen? I am Inspired by the potential use of acupuncture for enhancing health and beauty, so developed a system that is being taught worldwide. As part of the research I quickly realised the importance of natural skincare for home use and in clinic. This has become a significant aspect for patient satisfaction in their treatment outcomes. Acuregen’s mission is to deliver clinical excellence as well as ethical, safe, enjoyable treatments so that our clients do, indeed, feel loved and look loved.
What are the key foundations of your brand? I found that most of the creams in the market contained compounds potentially harmful (due to the massive absorption into the skin after needling) and I needed something safe, yet effective, to offer my patients. I wanted to deliver a British-made range which fulfilled my requirements for no animal testing and the use of raw ingredients I could trust.
Of course such products needed to be effective and after years of clinical use and reformulation my expectations have been met. My recollection of my son’s needs and those of my clients’ for pure dermatology skincare, influenced me to develop the Derme range in 2015.
How has your business grown since you first launched? For over a decade our focus and my passion has been in training what has become an international network of medical professionals. The development of Thrive needles, skincare and clinical package has satisfied years of feedback and demand.
We have also added the latest technology in skincare and Led Light Therapy with partners and have significantly improved clinical outcomes. The Anti-Aging Show, Olympia was a great platform for a successful launch of our clinical package to the consumer. This and the growth of our export business has brought the Acuregen Brand to the forefront. It is so very exciting.
What have been your biggest struggles since launching? The costs of doing things properly with legal work and product testing have been challenging. I have launched and grown this company during a divorce and a house purchase nightmare with the challenges of high bridging loan costs and unscrupulous professionals. This has driven me to make this business work and given me the tough tools to be a successful entrepreneur.
I actually don’t regret this tough learning experience. Amusingly in a recent meeting with another driven colleague, we completed our discussions late into the evening and laughed as we realised we were both going back to our clinics to sleep, once again, on the floor!
What have been your greatest achievements? The support and growth of an incredible network of professional people around me who have supported me and continue to do so. To this day I have self-funded – so I can follow my vision without interference from investors.
I still can’t believe I have achieved all this and now with the opening of my Company home, academy and clinic in London my dream is coming true.
What differentiates you from your competitors? Acuregen is a privately-owned company with innovation, ethics, quality and effectiveness all topping our list. We are a ‘small’ producer and can make the choice to only include the purest ingredients in our products without a board of directors pressuring us about our bottom line.
Fancy packaging, heavy marketing costs are not on our agenda – the value is in the product itself. Organic apples are often not as pretty as those mass-farmed – but consumers know what they are buying. Our skincare performs, containing cold-pressed essential oils and other natural ingredients that retain their therapeutic value and natural fragrance. Our bottles are simple but still lovely and repeat purchases speak for themselves whether for home care or during a course of treatment.
How would you encourage someone who wants to use your service? I always say to my patients “you will never be the same again – in a good way!” They laugh and remind me later that my words were true. I am confident that anyone trying our skincare will not believe how well and easily they absorb. Our cleansing products leave no greasy residue or tight skin after using. Our feedbacks cross generations with mums, dads and their teenage sons and daughters loving the products.
The only way to find out is to experience even one product….
What are your goals for your business over the next few years? The continued development of an international network of stockists and certified teachers and clinics offering the Acuregen experience. Even more important is now to drive the UK and export potential with the skincare ranges and the professional sales of my Thrive Intradermal needles worldwide.
What is your message to the reader? My tag line is” Look Loved, Feel Loved”. We all need that and hope to that the wider consumer will understand how we can help them achieve this. Beauty comes from within and even a face full of wrinkles can be beautiful if you feel loved. My USA family live in the Rockies. I have photos of some of the elderly local people living there totally reflecting beauty from within.
Thank you
Thank you Amanda, for the interview.
We are proud to learn about the work you do, the inspiration behind your business and the vision you hold in your heart.
We wish you great success!
If you want to be part of the Hidden Figures series, please contact info@marketingwithlove.co.uk for more information
Nicola Loves Life 