The future is looking beautiful for a Macduff-based business that has recently topped the Amazon beauty bestsellers list and undergone a makeover of its own.
Launched by Britta Krueger in 2003, the company now known as “Flirties” provides beauty products and accredited training to salons and beauty therapists across the globe.
Ms Krueger has penned a number of professional guides to the beauty industry, with her most recent, ‘Flirties A-Z Guide to Lash Extensions,’ spending time at the top of the, ‘Beauty Therapy,’ and ‘Most Gifted,’ lists on onlin book retailer, Amazon.
Originally from Germany, Ms Krueger was working in the sunbed industry until 2003 when she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. This experience gave her a new outlook on life and following her recovery she decided to launch a venture of her own.
“I realised that I had the right skills to set up my own business, and had identified that UV tanning was on the decline, while spray tanning was becoming more popular,” said Ms Krueger.
“Initially spray tanning was our main focus, although as time has gone on, and more people are tanning at home, eyelash extensions have become our biggest seller.
“When I first set up the business it was purely based on UK customers but over the years we’ve grown reputation and followers worldwide. Now we export our products to many countries throughout Europe and beyond and our portfolio includes products and accessories for spray tanning, waxing as well as brow and lash treatments.”
The business is currently incorporating a new look, updated labelling on its products, and turning its focus to social media, as it moves away from its former name, Beauty Trix, to Flirties, which is the name of its eyelash extensions.
“The beauty industry moves so quickly that it’s a constant challenge to stay up to date,” said Ms Krueger. “Not only is it essential that we provide our customers with the most innovative products and treatments, but we must keep developing the business.
“I’m currently working with a number of international partners who are keen to copy the Flirties business model, and I’ve also enjoyed sharing my knowledge of the beauty industry through a number of publications which were released this year – it’s exciting times. ”
Flirties employs a small team of staff in its Macduff headquarters, plus a further 10 trainers across the UK and Ireland, who offer GUILD of Beauty Therapists, approved courses in a number of treatments.
Business Gateway Aberdeen City and Shire has been on hand to support her venture as it undergoes a major rebrand and prepares for further expansion:
“Over the past two years the company has changed considerably and is stronger than ever, however I contacted Business Gateway as I’m hopeful that, with that extra level of support, we will continue to grow,” said Ms Krueger.
Gillian Macdonald, Business Adviser, Business Gateway: “Flirties is a well-known business that has already seen a great deal of success. Britta contacted us as she was keen to develop even further and we have started the process by offering a free website review and email support, we are looking forward to continuing to work with Britta as the venture develops.”