How Samia Chaudhry Business is helping people navigate ageing

Founded in July 2025, East London-based Samia Chaudhry Business specialises in aesthetics, offering facial and hair treatments designed to support clients through the ageing process.

Here, Samia talks about what prompted her to start her own business, the challenges she faced as a new business owner and how Grow London Local has supported her business journey.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a part-time locum dental nurse working within the NHS and I launched my aesthetics business out of a desire to explore additional income streams.

Since 2020, I've been undertaking various courses to build my knowledge and ensure I can offer a viable and professional service.

So far, I've received numerous enquiries and positive feedback from the clients I've worked with, which has been incredibly encouraging.

What inspired you to start your business?

A deep desire to create meaningful change in people's lives.

Whether it was addressing a gap in the market, offering a more compassionate service or empowering a specific community, I saw an opportunity to make a difference.  

I've always believed that business can be a force for good – one that uplifts, supports and transforms.

This belief has shaped everything about my business, from the services I offer to the way I treat my customers.

How has your experience working in the NHS helped you shape the beauty services you offer?  

It has exposed me to patients dealing with a wide range of medical issues, including the emotional and physical challenges of ageing.

This inspired me to explore alternative health services that could help people feel better about themselves.

I believe that maintaining good skin and preserving our outward appearance can have a powerful impact on our motivation and overall wellbeing.

What have been the biggest challenges you've faced since starting your business?

One of the biggest hurdles was managing financial uncertainty such as covering startup costs, maintaining cash flow and figuring out how to secure funding.

Building a customer base was also difficult, especially in a competitive market where gaining trust and visibility takes time.

As a solo founder, I've had to take on multiple roles, from marketing and operations to customer service and compliance. This has been overwhelming at times, especially while balancing my dental nursing job alongside the business.

I've also faced moments of self-doubt, dealing with impostor syndrome and the fear of failure.

Navigating the legal and regulatory side of things, including licences, insurance and compliance, was another challenge that required a lot of research and patience.  

How did you discover Grow London Local and how has it supported you?

I was introduced to Grow London Local by my work coach at Canning Town Job Centre Plus.

Shortly after, I was contacted by Frank Moran, a Business Support Manager, who took the time to understand my business goals and key concerns.  

At the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey, Frank provided a comprehensive pre-start action plan.

This included a curated selection of resources, including a free online course that helped me build a foundational understanding of the key elements needed to move forward with my business idea.

Once my business was formally registered, Frank continued to support me by referring me to a specialist marketing service provider.

This opened the door to tailored guidance on business planning and marketing strategy, including one-to-one mentoring sessions that offered practical insights and personalised support.

He also recommended a free digital skills course with Digital Boost, which helped me improve my online capabilities and communication with potential customers.

This support has been instrumental in giving me the confidence and tools to move from concept to trading. I also have mentoring sessions booked in to work on my marketing strategy.  

I'm incredibly grateful for all the help I've received. I feel more confident and a little less lost about how to move forward and make my business a success. So thank you, truly, thank you.

What's next for your business? Are there any exciting plans or developments on the horizon?

My sole focus is growing it. I plan to build a strong and loyal client base, create a website to enhance my online presence and expand my services through ongoing training.

I also want to introduce loyalty service vouchers and offer a wider range of treatments to meet diverse client needs.

What do you love about being your own boss?

I love the freedom to shape my own path and make decisions that align with my values. Being my own boss allows me to create a business that reflects who I am and what I care about.

What advice would you give other small business owners in London?

Stay adaptable and informed. Trends change quickly, so it's important to keep learning and evolving.

No matter what challenges you face, there's plenty of support and resources available to help you move forward. 

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