In my line of work, I have had the great opportunity to work with a number of beautiful and inspiring women. Launching Ultimo in 1996 stemmed from my own discomfort as I wore a very uncomfortable cleavage enhancing bra on the evening of a dinner dance, I was very conscious and aware all evening therefore lacking in confidence and presence, and it was then I had a lightbulb moment.
My motto has always been simple: "Give women what they want", and women want to feel confident in themselves and look fantastic. For me, Ultimo Lingerie was all about providing support, sculpture and femininity in one, and Ultimo Beauty came together from the same logic.
Shooting over the years for lingerie and working with a number of women including Kelly Brook, Luisana Lopilato and Helena Christensen, I would hear the regular moans and groans of self-tan with the potent tan odour, unfortunate streaking as well as the white clothing issues, and with that, another lightbulb.
I started the Ultimo Beauty process in 2009, and three years of research later and £1million pound investment, here we are.
UTan launched nationwide on Friday, promising more than just tan in a bottle. I wanted to deliver a product that stood out from other ranges, and with a carefully thought out blend of ingredients, I developed a range that not only delivers amazing colour, but also takes the process a stage further by re-sculpting and reshaping the body's contours, making skin smoother, and firm. As women wear it, they won't only look amazing, they will feel fantastic too.
The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I make women look and feel better, and Ultimo Beauty was developed with that purely in mind.
Living in this day and age, where the pressure to look good, particularly for women, is a daily occurrence I wanted to ensure that everything Ultimo and Ultimo Beauty delivers was made easy. UTan is easy to apply, odour and streak free as well as infusing those who wear it with confidence through it's sculpting and toning properties.
UTan was never just about a darker skin shade, from personal experience, I always feel at my best when I have a healthy glow. I've noticed an air of confidence, or even a wardrobe change to women with a tan, and I think it is amazing that women embrace their figures and body shapes more with a bit of colour.
Being just the start to Ultimo Beauty, I intend to continue empowering women in their female form, all starting off with the lingerie, and now with Ultimo Beauty.
Ultimo Beauty is available through leading department stores, Boots and www.ultimobeauty.co.uk