The Source Clinic | Q&A with Founder Julie Brown

In this Q&A Julie Brown, founder of The Source Clinic, and skin care expert tells us about her exciting journey on setting up her own business, shares her top skincare tips and gives us a taste of her own favourite Hidden Edinburgh spots. Read on to find out more.

Please tell us more about yourself and your career.

I have worked in the Beauty & Aesthetic industry for 13 years in some of Edinburgh’s top salons and clinics and been in management for the past seven years. I was nominated for UK Therapist of the Year three years in a row and has treated several celebrity clients.

I started off very beauty orientated but developed a passion for skin and results driven treatments when I moved into working in Aesthetic Clinics.

The Source Clinic has recently opened in Morningside. What was the trigger point that made you decide to set up on your own?

I am really passionate about the Beauty and Aesthetic industry and have always had the idea to open my own clinic. I saw a gap in the market for somewhere that offers results driven treatments in a luxurious environment. Somewhere you can relax in the moment but continue to see and feel the benefits when you leave.

What have been the key challenges and your most memorable moments of the journey to date?

It has been a big project turning it from a shell into the welcoming and warm space it now is. I was lucky to have the fantastic team at Hanton Services to make sure any challenges that did come up weren’t too much to worry about! Ensuring the environment was right was a big thing for me because of how I want clients to feel when they walk in. I think we have achieved a clinical environment but with that relaxation and luxury added in.

The most memorable moment must be the first morning I opened to clients, walking in and seeing the clinic ready felt like a great achievement after years of thinking about it, and months of actual planning!

Tell us more about the offering at Source Clinic and what makes it different?

The Source is about encouraging skin confidence and ensuring every client feels the best version of themselves. Everything we offer in terms of treatments and products are medical grade and backed; this means we can treat skin concerns ranging from acne, rosacea, pigmentation, redness to anti-ageing and general skin health.

We offer individual treatments and courses as well as monthly memberships paid for by direct debit, so each facial is what you need at the time you come in – whether that is relaxation or more targeted skincare.

And what can a client expect from the Source Clinic experience?

The Source experience is about welcoming and understanding your needs and concerns. We offer simple and tailored consultations to empower you with positive skin attitudes and knowledge.

We are the step before becoming invasive meaning there is less need for invasive procedures; or you will have longer lasting and enhanced results from them because we have your skin in the best health it can be.

We want to build a community and ensure you leave us feeling rejuvenated, understood and glowing!

What is the one beauty product you cannot live without?

I cannot live without my Alumier MD Ultimate Boost Serum, it is a lifesaver for hydrating, plumping and keeping my skin feeling firm and fresh! I have been using it for 8 or 9 months now and have really noticed a difference in the texture of my skin, and less fine lines! Always a bonus!

Please share your top skin care tips.

Always wear an SPF. Even when there is no sun there are still UVA rays present which are the biggest cause of ageing – ensure you have a broad spectrum, unfortunately most in makeup do not protect against all the damaging rays.
Cleanse! Make sure you cleanse morning and night to remove dirt, pollution and make up/the days SPF from the surface of the skin.
Internal Skin health is just as important, supplements can be huge when dealing with skin concerns and problems. What we eat and drink is very often not enough to reach our skin so supplementing this can cause huge changes.
If you are concerned with anti-ageing using Vitamin C in the morning and Retinol in the evening are very important. You are helping to protect your skin against a lot of external damage and repair the cells internally.

Where is your own Hidden Edinburgh?

I love the Sky Bar at the Doubletree by Hilton – it’s still relatively unknown but the views and the cocktails are fantastic!