Welcome back to Inside UKLASH, our blog series where we lift the lid on life behind the scenes and introduce you to the amazing people who make the magic happen here at UKLASH.

This time, we peeked inside the beauty bag of our CRM Executive, Nia, and let’s just say, she did not disappoint. She’s our go-to girl in the office when it comes to beauty recs and honest opinions. If Nia loves a product, you know it’s legit. From her everyday must-haves to the one thing she never leaves the house without (spoiler: it’s lash-related), she’s giving us the lowdown on what’s really in her bag and how she keeps her routine real, fuss-free, and totally her.

1. Firstly, do you mind telling us a little bit about your background and what an average day looks like for you at UKLASH?

I was a fashion marketing grad but happened to be doing some CRM on a voluntary basis at the time and that’s how my career in CRM started. On an average day, I’m trying to keep a great relationship with our customers by creating campaigns that will educate, entertain and inform them of all things UKLASH. I analyse data to learn what has worked well and work with my manager to come up with new strategies for retention and communication. And of course, I have a cup of tea with me 24/7.

2. What made you want a career in CRM? And for someone looking to get into it as a career, what would be your top tip?

After trying it out on the side during uni, I found I loved CRM due to it’s combination of creativity and logic. I get to have fun with design, campaign concepts etc, and I also get to be quite formulaic, data-driven and strategic. It’s a really great blend of the two, and I also get to collaborate with lots of teams from PR to data analytics.

3. Have you always been interested in beauty, and how did you steer your career in this direction?

Absolutely! From the early days of YouTube hair and makeup tutorials I have always been obsessed with beauty. I’m quite the nerd and I know every skincare ingredient, every new launch and every new trend despite this being my first role in the beauty industry. I had used the original UKLASH serum in the past and when I saw the role pop up I just had to apply! 

4. As you already know, UKLASH’s motto is to Never Stop Growing. How do you feel this relates to how you experience beauty?

I can be quite experimental with beauty and tend to adopt new things quite early and always like to try new things to enhance my beauty routine. Back when I was in college, it was the beginning of the Natural Hair Movement, and I was one of the first people to chop off all my relaxed hair and wear my coils out 24/7 despite it being very unpopular at the time. I managed to grow my natural hair to around waist length and people were shocked. I really resonate with the Never Stop Growing motto, as I always try to innovate and try something new if I feel that it’s what is best for me.

5. Have you ever had a turning point in your beauty journey? A moment that reshaped how you view yourself or beauty in general?

Yes! One big turning point for me was when I chose to wear my natural coils to a university ball. Back then, straightening your hair for formal events was the done thing and I even had some people say “aren’t you gonna do something to your hair?!.” Choosing to wear my hair natural was daunting but it made me feel a lot more confident in my own skin, and shifted the way I think about beauty standards and ideals. Now I love to be inspired by trends but I don’t let them dictate the way I see my own beauty,

6. Let’s dive into the beauty bag; what are 5 products you never leave the house without?

My UKBROW Brow Gel Sculpt - the laminated brow look is essential
UKLIPS Plumping Lip Gloss - I never leave the house without gloss!
SPF 50 - Come rain or shine
A vanilla-scented perfume - I love a gourmand! It’s my signature scent profile.
A skin-tone concealer - to spot conceal and hide my under-eye bags 

7. What’s your current lash routine?

When I first joined UKLASH I used the original serum and saw some serious growth. Right now, i’m obsessed with the Complex Peptide Eyelash Serum to maintain my lash length. I try to limit extensions except for on special occasions.

8. If you had to choose between the two, would you opt for skincare or makeup?

Skincare! I’m a 10-step skincare routine kinda girl and couldn’t go without it. And the results of your skincare will never wash off.

9. Would you say you’re more of a beauty minimalist or maximalist and why?

I’m a beauty maximalist in a minimalist kind of way. I’m not a light makeup kind of girl and I do a full skincare routine every morning and night. However, I try to keep things as efficient and cost-effective as possible. I choose quality over quantity and i’m quite considered when investing in my beauty staples

10. How often do you swap things in and out of your bag? Do you have seasonal switches?

I’m so bad for this - I never switch things out. I use them up until they run out. I’m stuck in my ways no matter the season.

11. Are there any products you keep in your bag that you’d consider your “secret weapon”?

My secret weapon is a pressed powder. It can instantly take my face from tired to put together, brighten my under eye and even be used as a cool-toned eyeshadow.

12. How has working at UKLASH changed the way you think about beauty or self-care?

UKLASH has made me consider my natural beauty more and do whatever I can to make sure that my daily beauty routine is as low-effort as possible. One of the first things I noticed was that everyone in the office has super thick, long natural lashes and brows and it seems to make their everyday that little bit easier. Working here has also made me feel a bit more comfortable on my makeup-free days, as in my last job, I would put on a full face of makeup even when working from home.

13. What does your ideal self-care evening look like?

Watching nostalgic movies and cartoons, eating salted popcorn, using my UKHAIR Scalp Massager and my back massager to wind down after a stressful day without having to go to a spa.. And of course, a large cup of tea!

14. Are there any beauty habits you’ve picked up from friends, family, or colleagues?

Our Social Executive, Isabella, leaves her UKLASH Eyelash Serum by her bedside so that she doesn’t forget to apply it at night. I picked this up from her and became a lot more consistent with my lash routine.

15. Are there any new exciting products that have just come onto the market that you’re looking forward to trying?

In the spirit of low-effort beauty, I have my eye on two things: a lip stain as I hate reapplying my lip combo throughout the day and a liquid eyeshadow stain!

And that’s a wrap on our little rummage through Nia’s beauty bag (and her career journey too!). We loved getting to know how she blends her love for beauty with her role in CRM, and of course, her must-have products that keep her routine fuss-free and fabulous!
One thing’s for sure, whether it’s a glossy lip, a lash serum, or a never-ending cup of tea, Nia knows how to keep her essentials close.

We hope this Inside UKLASH post gave you some inspo for your own natural beauty journey, whether it’s inspired you to rock your natural hair, or to keep a serum by your bedside for consistency.

Got a question for Nia? Or maybe a beauty hack (or tea rec!) of your own to share? Drop it in the comments below; we’d love to hear from you!