“ I founded Acorn Health Food Shop in County Cork with my sister and was able to work closely with customers on the benefits of nutrition and the science behind it ,” she shares . “ My love for holistic therapy took me to New York in my early 20s , where I qualified as a beauty therapist in shiatsu , reflexology and aromatherapy — which , back then , was considered a bit eccentric ! From then on , I fell in love with the world of touch , aromatics and well-being — and , of course , skin as my first love . My idea of heaven was being in the treatment room with one client for two to three hours , just to be able to take that client on a whole new journey .”

The Elemis Team

After returning from the U . S . to manage the beauty department at Harvey Nichols in London , Gabriel caught the attention of Linda Steiner , an industry entrepreneur who wanted to create a nature-focused skincare company . Steiner called Gabriel , along with Sean Harrington and Oriele Frank , to serve as co-founders of the new company whose vision is that “ healthy skin starts from within .”

“ This pivotal moment gave me the opportunity to be cofounder of Elemis ,” Gabriel recalls , noting her early focus was on treatment and product development . Thirty-five years later , “ I am continuously proud of the fact Sean , Oriele and I have built a global British brand that is available in over 100 countries ,” Gabriel reflects . “ Every year , we work with many millions of clients across the globe — in our spas , in our stores and via virtual consultations .”

A Legacy of Mentorship

Gabriel is known at Elemis and throughout the spa community as a mentor .

“ It is so important to me to inspire every team member I work with , sharing my way of thinking , knowledge and passion for education and training ,” she says . “ I have always encouraged an open-door management style and welcome opportunities with new talent in the business where we can learn from each other .”

Gabriel also notes the necessity of close partner relationships . “ Collaboration within the spa industry is key , brands need great synergy with their partners offering quality and integrity to the client ,” she says . “ I have always embraced a collaborative working style with our partners , underpinned by a shared customer-centric philosophy .” n

— NOELLA GABRIEL

Founders is an occasional series in which Pulse profiles and celebrates individuals whose leadership elevates the spa experience and has served as an underpinning for the spa community ’ s ongoing development . Know a Founder in the spa industry whose story should be shared ? Contact the editor : scot . gillies @ ispastaff . com .

44 PULSE n MARCH 2024