Introducing Francesca Ogiermann-White, Tatler’s Health & Beauty Editor-at-Large, and Founder of The Beauty Triangle
Francesca, Founder of The Beauty Triangle
Meet Francesca Ogiermann-White, Tatler’s Health & Beauty Editor-at-Large, and Founder of The Beauty Triangle.
Join us as she shares her insights into the world of the beauty industry, the importance of working with true experts, and her top tips for managing your finances.
Francesca is passionate about bridging the disconnect between patients and practitioners – while steering a new dialogue that informs and inspires. Helping others to discover new routes to wellness, while bringing a practitioner’s expertise to life for modern audiences, is what makes her tick.
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“I’ve spent the past 13 years writing about aesthetics and wellbeing for Tatler, where I’m still Health & Beauty Editor-at-Large, before setting up The Beauty Triangle. The idea was to create a platform where consumers could get the same expert advice from the best practitioners out there - for example, the most sought-after dermatologist, hormone specialist or psychotherapist - as I would as a journalist… via inspiring panel discussions and intimate, in-person events. But we also wanted to connect them: to break down the psychological barriers surrounding seeking treatment, and to empower our audience to take charge of their health.”
What are your areas of focus within The Beauty Triangle?
We cover all aspects of health and wellbeing; however, our main objective is to keep our conversations holistic - after all, the best outcomes always come from a 360-degree approach. Being reactive to what consumers want is also key: which means our discussions veer from bio-hacking to the menopause; from how to prepare for a surgical procedure to how to preserve mental health. And we’re always open to suggestions…
Who are your typical clients or collaborators?
There is so much misinformation out there - so I strongly believe in only collaborating with genuine experts, in order to ensure that we’re giving our audiences the most accurate information possible. Which means trusted doctors and holistic practitioners, as well as the most proven, efficacious brands – both aesthetic and holistic - in the world of wellbeing.
Did you have any doubts before you started, if so how did you overcome them?
Yes – and there were countless times when I told my husband that I’d abandoned the idea; that it didn’t have legs – and luckily, he managed to talk me around each time! Confiding your fears in someone who you genuinely trust can be mind-altering: often, you’re too close to an idea, and too afraid of failure, to truly take the plunge.
What types of challenges do you tend to see with your clients?
As with many high-performing professionals, our TBT clients are incredibly time-poor – they run busy, sometimes multiple, clinics and pinning them down can be a challenge… especially as so many are still battling long waiting lists post-lockdown.
What do you wish you had known before you started?
That often, you just need to get going. After all, you never know which direction an idea will lead, or what shape it will eventually form… but that’s all part of the process. And watching an idea blossom into something you never imagined is so incredibly rewarding.
Francesca, Founder of The Beauty Triangle
What were the main steps to setting up your business?
Initially, it was two-pronged. I had to identify the venues which would hopefully host our events (we started off at members’ clubs such as Allbright and The Ned, who already had an established database of clients) - and I also had to convince the practitioners who I knew to take part in this new venture, without TBT having much of a track record! It was a little “chicken and egg” to start with, but we were fortunate to receive incredible support from both sides.
What are some of the key themes you are currently seeing in aesthetics?
Health-span and enhanced longevity. Many of the procedures that we speak about have an aesthetic outcome – be it brighter skin or a more streamlined physique – however, we’re seeing more and more treatments that optimise our inner health: from muscle-stimulating tightening devices which strengthen our pelvic floors and improve posture, to next-generation injectables which accelerate collagen production and even reduce redness.
Confidence and appearance are strongly linked, what do you see as being the impact of social media filters on someone’s self-image?
Social media today plays a huge part in our perception of what is “normal” – and overzealous filters and apps to alter one’s appearance are only contributing to poor self-esteem amongst consumers. More and more frequently, we’re hearing people call for hashtags to acknowledge where filters have been used, which is a fantastic initiative – however, what would make the greatest difference is to continually champion diversity: of body shape, size, colour, and age. Inclusivity, whatever that looks like to an individual, has to be the way forward.
What changes do you want to see in the beauty industry?
Better regulation in the aesthetics industry. It’s scary to think that someone with no formal medical training can book onto a one-day course and the very next day, open a clinic offering injectable treatment such as Botox and fillers. Our industry is ground-breaking and innovative, and it has the potential to genuinely change the way that people feel about themselves – for the better. However, right now, it’s a dangerous place: there’s still not enough in terms of regulation to safeguard the patient, and prevent them from making ill-informed choices and that has to change.
What are your 5 go-to tips for a healthy relationship with yourself?
Don’t compare yourself to others. You are the best version of yourself.
But also, be tough on yourself - occasionally. The biggest changes are never the easiest.
Cultivate an awareness of what you need to function at your best: be it the foods you eat, to how much sleep you get at night.
If a new regime doesn’t work out, or you have a rubbish day, start over - don’t believe you have failed. There’s always tomorrow.
Find joy in the little things. Life is too short to only ever worry about the bigger picture.
WEALTH
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words?
Creative, forward-looking, evolving.
How do you define wealth?
Contentment.
What is the best financial decision you have ever made?
Making the move away from a monthly salaried role and setting up my own company. It was nerve-wracking to begin with, but it immediately made me much more accountable financially, and reminded me of the value of saving and investing - rather than spending everything on pay day!
What did you learn about finance and money when you were growing up?
That to earn money, you have to put in the work. My parents owned an airline servicing company and worked all hours under the sun – I suppose that was my benchmark, and I quickly learned to associate financial success with being heavily invested both in terms of your time, but also your energy. On the weekends, I would often help out folding blankets or sealing headsets inside plastic bags in the main laundry to earn pocket money – and that definitely taught me the value of time.
What is the best piece of financial advice you've ever received?
To know your numbers – whether that’s in your business or in your personal remit. Setting budgets, and knowing how much you expect to spend, save or sell each month not only helps you forward-plan, but it puts you in control of your money, and relieves an awful lot of anxiety.
What tools or systems do you use to manage and organise your personal finances?
Excel spreadsheets, which are colour-coded and probably only make sense to me. And Xero accounting software for my business, which I’m still trying to get to grips with…
Who manages the finances in your household?
My husband and I, jointly (though, being German and hyper-organised, he definitely takes the driving seat). From time to time, or when something big is on the horizon, we’ll sit down with laptops and spreadsheets and have an honest conversation about what’s needed, what’s not, and ultimately how we intend to get to the next stage. It’s always a good feeling afterwards.
How often do you talk about money with your friends?
Pretty often – especially with those who, like myself, have set up on their own. Sometimes it might be to give support, sometimes it’s advice on next steps or ideas for professional growth… Getting input or creative ideas from others is always beneficial; you never know what you might pick up.
What was your first investment, and where is it now?
My flat in Fitzrovia, which I lived in from university, right up until three years ago, when we moved to our current home in Islington. At first, I was tempted to sell it outright, assuming it was the “safer” option; however, my husband maintained that renting it was smarter, long-term. He was right, of course, and that’s exactly what we’re doing now.
What tools do you use to manage your personal finances?
Nutmeg, which helps me to manage my ISA and pension. A brilliant accountancy firm, to stay on top of personal and professional finances and investments. And countless reminders on my iPhone so that I don’t forget any important dates by which to do various things…
What is your most valuable possession?
Financially, our home. Emotionally, my engagement ring. It’s an emerald set east-west by Jessica McCormack, which my husband designed (helped by one of my best friends, it has to be said).
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about?
The stock market.
Francesca, Founder of The Beauty Triangle
WELLNESS
Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
My mother has always been a huge source of professional and financial inspiration. She set up her own company straight after leaving school, went on to have three children, built a thriving business, and then retired very happily in her early 50s. She has an incredible work ethic and professionalism that I deeply admire.
What are your go to beauty products?
Burberry Fresh Glow highlighter – it makes you look like you’ve just had a facial, every time.
Glossier Boy Brow – it bulks up brows naturally, and without clumping.
Chanel 1932 – light, flowery and so romantic I wore it on my wedding day (I still do).
Skincare in general – I stockpile Dr Levy, Alumier MD, Skin Better Science and Orveda.
Susanne Kaufmann bath oil – skin softening and super-restorative.
Where do you love to shop and source beauty products from?
Cult Beauty, Glossier, Goop.
I also love Into The Gloss for content and general beauty inspiration…
What’s next for you?
We’re exploring options to host TBT events on a much larger scale which could be really exciting… as well as e-commerce. The ideas are constant, it’s just finding the time to implement them!
What are you currently reading and listening to?
I’ve just finished Beautiful World, Where Are You? by Sally Rooney – I couldn’t put it down. And at the time of writing this I’m 33 weeks pregnant, so my current audiobook collection is, rather boringly, very baby-focused!
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