Starting with small batches in a home kitchen to delivering 18 pallets worldwide for The Body Shop, true brand resilience takes heart, hard work, and genuine adaptability. Join us for a warm, candid conversation with Rosie Candwella, founder of Sugar Coated and Aqua Natural. Rosie shares her incredible life journey, from growing up in Tanzania learning resourcefulness to arriving in the UK and navigating the highs and lows of the beauty industry. We delve into the science behind pure sugar syrup formulations, the environmental impact of plastic-based waxes and microplastics, and why salon owners should consider eco-friendly, water-soluble alternatives. Plus, Rosie reveals how mentorship and continuous learning helped her overcome burnout and step back into her passion with renewed purpose.
5 Key Takeaways
Adapting Roots into Resilience: Growing up in Tanzania taught the value of resourcefulness, providing the foundational mindset needed to navigate financial recessions and product setbacks.
The Power of Pure Chemistry: Standardising sugar-based hair removal requires mastering sugar chemistry to create stable, pure syrup blends that work without additives or synthetic polymers.
Reducing Salon Environmental Footprint: Traditional waxes contain plastic polymers and require harsh solvents; water-soluble sugar products allow easy cleanup and reduced landfill waste.
Ergonomic Safety in Treatments: Traditional hand-flick sugaring can lead to repetitive strain injuries, whereas strip-sugar application offers an easier, joint-friendly alternative for practitioners.
Mentorship Renews Energy: Business isolation and fatigue can affect anyone, but engaging with accelerator programmes and mentors brings fresh perspectives and renewed drive.
Quotes
"I had my son who was with me... he joined the business... but I think being a female brand, a female product, it was difficult for a young man to really put himself into a position where he felt comfortable."
"I had to learn how to purify water... and these are the sort of things I think that probably gives you that... you had to adapt to it, and I didn't think any different."
"When you mix sugar and lemon juice, you have to make sure that you get the pH right. So when it went into warmer countries, it started melting; when it was in the winter places, it started crystallising."
"We are the only company who make a product from blends of sugar syrups only. There are no additives, preservatives, anything. It's just how we process the syrup to get that consistency right."
"I am somebody even when I came to the UK, not a single glass of water goes into the sink. I collect and it has to be reused in the garden."
Chapter Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Rosie Candwella & Sugaring
02:28 – From Tanzania to the UK: Lessons in Adaptability
05:28 – The Body Shop Partnership & Product Recalls
16:13 – Sugar Chemistry: Refining the Perfect Formula
23:04 – Waxing vs. Sugaring: Plastic Polymers & Sustainability
30:05 – Strip Sugaring vs. Traditional Flick Techniques
41:18 – Education, Training, & Supporting Salon Practitioners
47:14 – Overcoming Fatigue, Mentorship, & Future Plans
SOCIALS & IMPORTANT LINKS
https://susanroutledge.com
https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/
https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters
https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters
How To Connect With Our Guest:
https://www.spa-well.com/about-us
https://uk.linkedin.com/in/sara-young-b2886162
SPONSORSHIP
Book your Opportunity Review with The Smart Group:
https://www.the-smartgroup.co.uk/opportunityreview
https://www.phorest.com/gb/
HOST BIO
Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication. Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1, 2 and 3. She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.
