In Conversation: Chelsey Aldridge, Anna Teal, Jae Won Jeong, in their own words

From global expansion ambitions to evolving consumer expectations and the urgent case for sunscreen as a healthcare essential, last month’s discussions highlight the ideas shaping the next chapter of the beauty industry. Here’s a closer look, with links to read more.

The Interview in partnership with CEW: Chelsey Aldridge, Beauty Director at Boots

"I've been working in the beauty industry for years, and I can confidently say the rate of change is faster than ever. There is so much innovation, invention and interest in beauty and wellness - and of course, Boots is at the forefront, bringing the latest, brightest and best products, brands and technology to shoppers." - Chelsey Aldridge

Chelsey Aldridge is one of those special retail success stories. She joined Boots UK in 2011 as an Assistant Buying Manager and has since risen through the ranks to become one of the key figures shaping the high street retailer’s beauty strategy. In an increasingly competitive beauty landscape, Saunders has become one of the driving forces behind Boots’ continued expansion and elevation within the category.

In this interview, she reflects on her earliest memories of beauty and the influence of her mother, discusses the trends currently resonating with UK consumers, and explains how Boots is differentiating itself in today’s fast-evolving market.

How I started in beauty: Industry expert and founder Anna Teal

"The next chapter is really about building on my own terms. A big part of that is AFIMA, which I am building in a space I care deeply about: women’s wellbeing. It is early, it is personal, and it is the clearest test of everything I have learned so far." - Anna Teal

From one female powerhouse to another, Anna Teal has built an impressive career, rising from an apprenticeship at Boots to become CEO of Australian skincare brand Grown Alchemist, a role she stepped down from in March after three years. Now entering a new chapter, Teal is also developing AFIMA, a new wellness brand.

In this interview, Teal looks back on her early career, outlines her plans for the future, and explains why she remains deeply inspired by brand founders.

How I started in beauty: Francesca Cherruault, founder & CEO of Filthy Brands

"Filthy Brands is growing. The next chapter isn't about reinventing what we are; it's about doing what we do best, better. We're focused on that growth - deepening our expertise, strengthening our brands, and building something really lasting. That's where all of our energy is going." - Francesca Cherruault

Also in our How I Got Started in Beauty series this month is Filthy Brands founder Francesca Cherruault. Founded in 2020, Filthy Brands supports the growth and retail placement of independent fragrance, home and wellbeing brands. Combining strategic guidance with hands-on representation, the company helps brands connect with retailers while maintaining clear positioning and identity.

She discusses how she entered the industry, her first role at a well-known fragrance brand, and the next stage of growth for Filthy Brands.

The Interview: Haruharu Wonder founder Jae Won Jeong on scaling towards $80m in 2026

"For me, the gap was not simply product. It was also about values. We wanted to create a brand that respected skin, respected daily ritual, and respected the consumer enough to be transparent and thoughtful." - Jae Won Jeong

The big ambitions continued throughout the month, with Haruharu Wonder founder Jae Won Jeong telling TheIndustry.beauty about the brand’s global growth within the evolving K-beauty landscape, as it moves towards projected growth of $80 million in 2026. She also explored its origins and philosophy, born from a desire to create skincare that is both effective and gentle.

The Interview: Atelier Rebul CEO Nuket Filiba on its latest launch and UK expansion plans

"For us, the UK is not about scale alone. It is about relevance, depth, and permanence. Our goal is to establish Atelier Rebul as a culturally embedded, highly desirable fragrance house - one that feels not imported, but meaningfully present and organically part of the UK fragrance landscape." - Nuket Filiba

With a focus on expansion in the UK market, our co-founder Antony Hawman also sat down with Nuket Filiba, CEO of Atelier Rebul, on a lovely spring morning in London to celebrate the launch of the brand’s newest fragrance, Golden Hour. They discussed the brand’s origins and Nuket’s unwavering passion for making it a global success, her exciting plans for the UK market and how this new launch came to be.

UK's 'sunshine tax' is costing lives - it’s time policy caught up

"Money is tight, as ministers often remind us, but this is one of those rare policy moves that is socially beneficial, economically sensible and widely supported. It has the potential to reduce pressure on the NHS, support families and ultimately save lives." - Francesca Elliot

And sharing her opinions in an exclusive thought-leadership piece for TheIndustry.beauty, Francesca Elliot, CEO of THG Beauty Retail, explored why sunscreen should be recognised as an essential healthcare product rather than a luxury item, amid renewed calls for policy reform around UV safety and skin cancer prevention.