Between running her busy clinics and performing managerial duties, it’s hard to catch a free moment with our lead clinician, Tanya Lambert-Culling. Nevertheless, after a few weeks of trying, we manage to find the time to sit out in the gorgeous early-summer sun to go over some questions for the blog.

For those of you who don’t know her, Tanya has been Clinical Lead at Sarah Dale Aesthetics for the past nine years. Her wealth of clinical experience and knowledge has allowed her to build a strong reputation within the industry and the notoriety of her appointments has lead to her treatments being sought after by many. On a more personal level, her kind and caring nature meant that it was a real pleasure to talk to her on this sunny afternoon.

J: What brought you to Sarah Dale Aesthetics in the first place?

T: When I started, nearly ten years ago, I liked the fact that this was an innovative concept. I think that what made me want to join Sarah Dale Aesthetics was that I believed it was a business of authenticity. I liked that Sarah’s mission was to not capitalise on vulnerability and I really liked the idea of naturally accentuating rather than augmenting people.

J: Did you have that interest in the aesthetics industry before joining the business?

T: I did, I had always found skin fascinating – the fact that it’s the largest organ of the body, that it can regenerate and renew itself. The idea that the body can naturally synthesise and grow all that it needs to without much intervention was interesting. I would read a lot of articles about skincare and preventative measures to counter skin deterioration. As the industry has changed, it has become even more fascinating to see how specific active ingredients can help you get the best out of your skin.

J: What was your experience like during those initial formative years as a clinician?

T: When I started, I trained in Hammersmith at a specialist medical laser academy. It was brilliant because it enabled me to be around likeminded individuals. After completing my laser training, I did a lot of shadowing with Sarah to see how she performed with her clinics. It is really important for Sarah and I that the team have extensive experience. It took me a good two to three years to initially establish my knowledge within the industry.

J: And now being clinical lead, you’ve put in an enormous amount of work to make sure your knowledge is extensive enough to call yourself an expert in the field, what further training did you pursue?

T: Working with the laser platforms we have, we get access to laser doctors and specialist training. This can help us to learn how to get maximum benefits in as few sessions as possible. After my initial training in Hammersmith, I did advanced training with Doctor Bloxsome, who wrote the protocols for our laser. Subsequently, I went on to complete my foundation degree in specialist medical-grade lasering, to discover the benefits and other medical uses – it was so insightful to learn about how laser wavelengths are utilised so readily in different industries. That allowed me to gain further experience with other laser specialists and to submit case studies. This enabled me to become more of an expert in the field. I like to read clinical papers to see the latest studies and to do extensive research so that our clients don’t have to. When clients come in, I like to explain the technologies to ensure understanding of how lasers and light-based treatments can enhance.

J: That comes down to a lot of hard work, where do you think you found the motivation to succeed?

T: I just really believe in maximising knowledge, whatever field you are in. The more you know, the more clients can make an informed decision. If I can equip myself with the latest industry standards, it can give people confidence to come into the clinic. That is something I have instilled in the team as well. I want to do everything I do with integrity, I want to establish that trust, so that my clients know I will give them the best possible care and the best possible advice. In terms of success, in any field, you want to give yourself the best qualifications you can, because that is what sets you apart.

J: Having worked with you, I can see how important it is for you to inspire that confidence in people. Recently, Alex and Lucy have stepped up clinically, and you have consequently become a trainer for them, how have you found the responsibility of that role?

T: I’ve enjoyed adapting my role to incorporate that advanced training. They all train as per manufactured guidelines but you learn more when actively using the machines, so I also get each clinician to obtain a certain amount of experience and case studies, just so I know our clients will be in the best hands. It has been a challenge to adapt my skills into teaching, but actually it is something that I really enjoy because I believe if you can impart your knowledge onto someone else, you get the most consistent and thorough treatments. Our clinicians have a long background history in the industry anyway, so although I’m leading their specific training on certain platforms, they all bring their own wealth of knowledge to the clinic. Sarah has initially invested so much time in the training side for me and I recognise the huge value in this!

J: What does it mean to you to feel confident in your colleagues’ abilities?
 
T: I have enormous confidence in the clinicians we have here because they understand each platform and why they are using it, and also, they care. They are equally passionate in their own ways and they all want the best for each client. That, for me, is how I know they are outstanding at the service they provide.

J: Which laser platform would you say you enjoy using the most?

T: I would say the Nordlys IPL laser is my favourite platform, purely because of the science and medical backing behind it. It’s so rewarding to see immediate change in the skin but also the long-term benefits. We believe in treating for longevity, creating the building blocks of collagen and transforming the skin over a period of time. The Nordlys treats 25 different skin conditions, from leg vessels to sun damage to acne to pre-cancerous skin cells… It has a plethora of benefits.

J: I think that as well as valuing your laser knowledge, clients also value your knowledge of products. What does your current skincare routine look like?

T: I like to make it my priority to use the majority of the products we stock in the clinic, at least once, because I think the most ethical way of selling skincare is to recommend something you have tried and liked. Currently, I’m using Medik8’s Lipid-balance Cleansing Oil, it really helps to clean off any oil-based SPFs. I always use Vitamin C, in its purest form L-ascorbic acid, because it is really great for brightening and protecting from free-radical damage. At night, I like to use Medik8’s Crystal Retinal so that if I get any hormonal break outs, its antibacterial formula will help and increase cell renewal. I started at the clinic when I was very young, and now I’m hitting my thirties, but I believe that prevention is better than cure. If you can start early and use science-backed products, rather than a ten-step routine, you will get the best possible results. My skin is quite fair so I also use Medik8’s Clarity Peptides to help with any post-breakout marks. For SPF, I use Heliocare’s Pigment Solution Fluid which also helps with that pigmentation. Because I also work on the managerial side of things, I use a laptop and I like to make sure I am protecting my skin from blue light as well as every other type of exposure. I tend to change my routine seasonally.
 
J: It’s a great achievement to also work as clinic manager – what advice would you have for other young women looking to progress in their career?

T: I would say that being a woman within a business and management can be tough in the sense that there is that pressure to prove yourself. Feeling confident in your own abilities, as hard as it is to acknowledge your strengths, is important, but also reflecting on weaknesses as well. I am quite good at being vulnerable and grounded in areas that I need to improve, but like many people, I am my own worst critic. I would say embrace your skills, learn as much as you can, and don’t be deterred.

J: Nowadays, what would you say your favourite part of the job is?

T: I love meeting the people I get to see in the clinic. I love that I am trusted in a position where I can be a small part of making a difference in someone’s life. People regularly comment that they feel like they are being heard in the clinic, which is very important to us. If someone has chosen to spend their hard-earned money and time in an appointment, I don’t take it lightly. I feel humbled that I still get enormous amounts of gratification in results now like I did when I first started. I get real fulfilment from being in a field where we can embrace skin health and natural accentuation. In a world where there is pressure to look a certain way, we can celebrate individuality and I enjoy putting that across in my work. We encourage that positive mindset rather than a feeling of ‘needing’ a treatment, which implies that you have an obligation.

J: As clinic manager, what is your vision for the future of Sarah Dale Aesthetics?

T: I would love to see the business expand to enable further clients to experience what we have to offer. To see the team of clinicians grow and gain further experience. It is important for the clinical team to maintain the standards created by Sarah and her investment in excellent platforms that could benefit clients, in keeping with the idea of non-invasive aesthetics. I want to see people ageing in a way that feels graceful to them and encourage outreach to different ages and genders. Currently, around 30% of our clients are male; all are welcome here! Finally, it would be brilliant for the team to see the business’ continued organic growth over the years to come.