Beauty & Advanced Skin Health Training Centre
Qualifications Levels 2-6
Meet The Team
Our team is made up of industry specialist who not only have a passion for education but also still working in industry bring he synergy of both to the learning environment.
Meet The Team
Our educators are experts in their niche sectors, each with finely honed skills and a deep understanding of the industry. With over 95 years of combined experience, our team has cultivated a vast professional network, offering invaluable insights and opportunities across spas, cruise ships, film, awarding organisations, salons, clinics, and more.
“Odessa's experience in various training establishments revealed crucial gaps in the industry that demand attention."
The Founder.
The Educator. The International CIBTAC Examiner. The BABTAC Judge. The Practitioner, and now the Higher Level Beauty Associate for VTCT; At what point does listing your titles become too much? I’m not sure, but every one of mine has shaped Beauty & Theory into what it is today, and it only feels fair to share them with you. Why? Because if you're trusting us to guide your career, you deserve to know what we’ve done to be here.
How It Started
At 16, I knew school wasn’t it. I didn’t love any subject enough to stay for sixth form, so I followed my instincts (and my French polish skills) to a globally renowned beauty college. I was also battling acne, deep into my "research era" before that was even a thing, and I knew I wanted to understand skin, properly.
I quickly realised beauty therapy wasn’t the easy route many assume. Learning full-body systems, treatment protocols, and the science of skin got me hooked. I graduated with a distinction and academic of the year award. A year after graduation I packed my bags for Australasia, blending spa work and travel in true gap-year spirit. 18 months later, in a massage hut in Bali, I made a life-changing call to the principal of my former college and just like that, I gained my place that would ensure I got to complete my teacher training and alongside this completed my assessor qualification, & gained a CIDESCO diploma (graduated with a distinction, and CIDESCO Student of the Year.)
Industry Roles
From there, I joined Dermalogica, a brand many know and love and was able to dive into ingredients, protocols, and professional training. Not long after, I was invited to lead on the Level 4 skincare aesthetic qualifications, that had just been approved. This led me into clinical practice, where I got hands on with clinical aspects such as laser, IPL, blemish removal and chemical peels and more advanced treatments working alongside advanced product ranges. This practice allowed me to develop clinical skills and confidently teach the level 4 framework in a college setting. During this time I enrolled to become a certified IQA. I then gained the opportunity of becoming a lead clinical educator at a award winning clinic in Leeds, sharing my knowledge and skills with medical professionals, during this time I also gained my contract as international examiner for CIBTAC, gaining insight into global standards by examining schools both in the UK and Globally. Then the pandemic hit, and our industry altered.
Interior Design, a Baby, and a Bold Idea
While the world stood still, I didn’t. I enrolled at Huddersfield University to study Interior Design BA (hons), all while working as a clinical educator, examining for CIBTAC, and birthing my first child.
I was shocked, to say the least, that I graduated with a First Class Honours Degree — how? well let me tell you my dissertation title...Beauty & Theory, of course!
That title stuck. It became a mission. A question:
I designed every corner of the space ( I created bespoke beds, a hybrid working environment that supported skills/ newcomers, professionals and a variety of sector business models. the more I worked on refining everything the more I kept asking myself the question Why not? Why not actually build something promotes sector overlap, why not build a space that promotes global standards, collaboration, and education that actually supports people — properly? WHY NOT.
Beauty & Theory Was Born
And so, July 2024 came I was 6 months pregnant signing a lease & in January 2025, on maternity leave Beauty & Theory opened its doors. A vision turned reality, built with everything I’d learned in industry, in education, and in design. We had the most exciting- slightly overwhelming open evening. Since then we've house level 5 qualifications in chemical peels and micro needling, Bespoke training dates for medical professionals, Level 2 Skincare Qualifications, Level 4 Laser and Pulse Light Qualification, Level 3 Assessors Qualification and Level 3 Epilation Qualification.
Alongside running the centre this year I couldn't pass up the opportunity of a third year as a BABTAC Awards Judge, these awards shine light of true industry professionals,
I'm currently still celebrating a recent Higher-Level Associate opportunity for VTCT/iTEC that I gained.
And while I’ve achieved a lot, I feel like I'm only just starting - I still don’t feel “done” and maybe that’s the beauty of this industry and my naturally restless nature.
What I Stand For
Beauty & Theory has been created because we need more than just qualifications. We need a supportive community, we need clarity, and we need confidence in education.
We need to break silos between beauty, skincare, aesthetics, and holistic sectors — and work together in the interest of client care and practitioner longevity.
My intention for beauty and theory is more than a training centre or an academy— it’s a movement based on my own experience, insights and a nod to my younger self who searched for somewhere just like this.
I hope if any of this resonates with you, you reach out and connect, join with us and together we can unify the industry with professionalism and raise the bar for clients, patient and working professionals.
Thanks for being here,
Odessa x
“Victoria not only has a passion for education but also for building a voice and presence on social media for beauty therapists."
Victoria Holmes brings over 25 years of diverse experience to the beauty industry, having transitioned from a successful career as a dental nurse and salon manager into beauty education. For 13 years, Victoria honed her skills as a therapist, gaining a deep understanding of client care, business operations, and hands-on techniques.
Driven by her passion for education, Victoria pursued a teaching degree through Huddersfield University, equipping her with the advanced skills and credentials to deliver exceptional training. Upon completing her degree, she secured a teaching position at a prestigious internationally recognised beauty college. Here, she has taught students at all levels, from industry newcomers to advanced therapists, providing high-quality qualifications designed to build technical expertise and confidence.
Her passion for skincare and all-around beauty knowledge has made her a sought-after educator who is deeply committed to fostering success across all areas of the beauty profession. In addition to her educational career, Victoria has continued to work in salon
as a hands-on therapist, allowing her to stay connected to the industry's practical side. This dual focus ensures her teaching remains relevant and grounded in real-world experience, offering students valuable insights and preparation for professional challenges.
Victoria’s interests extend into social media management, where she provides strategic support to salons and clinics. Her tailored advice helps businesses elevate their online presence, engage with clients effectively, and grow in the digital marketplace.
Victoria’s blend of teaching expertise, industry knowledge, and dedication to personal and professional growth makes her a respected and inspiring figure in the beauty sector. Whether teaching in the classroom, managing a salon, or advising on digital strategies, she is passionate about empowering others to build successful and sustainable careers.
“Lindsey is committed to elevating industry standards and sharing her invaluable expertise.”
Lindsey McDonald has built a remarkable career in the beauty industry, from working as a brand educator, college tutor and onset technician for a industry media programme to overseeing the Internal Quality Assurance for the past 20 years, leading a team of educators and assessors. Her vast expertise allows her to share invaluable insights with other industry professionals.
Lindsey is dedicated to enhancing professionalism and refining industry standards to ensure the highest level of client care and best practices.
“Winona blends passion and expertise to promote a supportive, client-focused team."
Winona began her journey in beauty 7 years ago, developing a deep passion for client care, people, education. and modalities. Her commitment to excellence led her to a successful dual career with the NHS as a band 7 Sonographer as well as skin practitioners offering progressive treatments, Winona gains invaluable experience in patient care, professionalism and clinical practice.
As HR Manager and working toward full teaching qualification Winona combines her industry knowledge and firsthand experience as a former student to effectively support and guide newcomers. She oversees recruitment, staff development, clinical practice and creates a positive work environment, ensuring that every member is well-equipped to deliver exceptional client care.
The Contact Details
Chat with us to discuss how we can support you achieve your career goals!
101A NEW PUDSEY COURT
STANNINGLEY ROAD
PUDSEY
LEEDS
LS28 6AT
INFO@BEAUTYANDTHEORY.CO.UK
+44 7748581920