Tell me about you and your family/where you live
I’m a 33-year-old mum of two and stepmum of two. I love food, baking with my children
and the odd half marathon! We’re outdoorsy people and love nothing more than a bike or scooter ride around the local park, or an adventure in the local woods! We live in the lovely town of Woodley in our family home of seven years. I grew up in Maidenhead and my family still live here.

What's so good about the local area? Where are your favourite places to go?
It wasn’t until I had children that I fully came to appreciate all that the local area has to
offer! There is so much on for young families – from toddler groups to playgrounds,
big open spaces, such as Dinton Pastures, to great sporting facilities, and a whole lot
of aviation history!

Tell me about your business
I run my cosmetics and skincare business, Spirited Beauty, by sharing my love of Younique products, mainly through social media, and started it just over a year ago. Initially it was the amazing kit that drew me in, and I had no intention to run a business from it. Then I realised the concept wasn’t so much selling, but more helping women find renewed confidence, uplifting them and reminding them of their worth.

Have you always been interested in doing this? What do you like about it the most?
I liked the idea of a business that I could work around the children and from my phone! But
I guess I never thought I had it in me to record any demos or run parties, let alone go ‘live’
on Facebook! I choose my strategy, what my targets are and how I achieve my goals – no pressure is put on me to do anything.

What prompted you to decide to take it that bit further and start your own business – was it when you had your first/second child?
I hadn’t really worn much make-up since having my two children, and as my second was approaching three years old, I decided I couldn’t play the ‘I have a baby’ card for looking a bit of a wreck each day! It was time to get my confidence back, do something for myself and see how far ‘little shy me’ could possibly get in a business like this!
   Once I’d had a play around with the products from my kit I immediately fell in love with them and decided I’d be silly not to make a business out of it! It was a no-brainer, getting paid to show off my favourite products!

What did you do before you had children?
I was working full-time as a Customer Service Manager with Waitrose, where I continue to work now, since 2000! I love my job at Waitrose, being part of the team there and interacting with customers. Having been with the company from the age of 16, it’s a big part of my life!

Did you have to do any business courses or training for your business?
As soon as you purchase your Presenter Kit with Younique, you immediately acquire your own website, which contains much of the training needed to get your business off to a great start. The best source of training for me was in the fantastic Team Group I became part of on Facebook. I’ve worked hard and now have a team of my own, whom I’m so grateful for.
   I have no past experience with make-up and no formal make-up artist training. I just love trying new things out and having a little play with colours and new looks! That’s the joy of this business – you can be totally successful without being an expert or even wearing make-up every day.

What is the best part of it? And the worst?
For every order placed with Younique, a donation is given to the Younique Foundation
– a healing retreat for women who have been victims of sexual abuse in childhood. The Younique Foundation was the reason the company was started and is a huge part of the company’s vision and statement.
   I would say the worst part of running my business is the temptation to buy all the products rather than wait to earn them for free! In addition to your commissions, you also earn product credit!

What's your fave product?
My favourite product has to be the Epic Mascara, closely followed by the Touch Mineral Liquid Foundation and Splash Liquid Lipsticks! You have got to try these!

Who is your idol?
My idol is a beautiful lady called Kara Lewis Newton. She is one of the top leaders with Younique. She is passionate, confident and really ooozes everything this company stands
for. She is so successful that her husband works for her in her business! #goals

Anything else we don't know about you?
I met my husband, Steven, at Waitrose, he proposed at the Odney Club, Cookham, and this was also our wedding reception venue!!

Find Amy on Facebook “Spirited Beauty” or have a browse at her website:
www.youniqueproducts.com/amyhardy

Mob: 07793678046

Amy runs one-to-one consultations, online classes or ‘Bubbles and Blush’ evenings with groups of ladies in someone’s home.