Published on inCity Magazine
In the heart of Stafford, a town often overlooked in the bustling landscape of England’s beauty industry, one woman’s passion has sparked a revolution. Meet Hannah-Curlita Dennis, an award-winning entrepreneur whose journey from a disenchanted project manager to a beacon of empowerment in beauty is nothing short of inspiring.
“I’ve been in love with beauty since I was ten,” Hannah recalls, her eyes lighting up with the memory. “I was mesmerized by my mum getting her nails done—the transformation of something looking nicer fascinated me.” This early enchantment laid the foundation for a career that would eventually redefine beauty standards and inclusivity.
The Leap of Faith
Stuck in the monotony of a 9-to-5 job as a project manager, Hannah felt a persistent void. “It was a good job with a good salary—it ticked all the boxes you’d want from a corporate role. But it was just boring and unfulfilling for me,” she admits. The turning point came when she realized that her side hustle—providing beauty treatments to friends and family—was her true calling.
“I remember being in my 9-to-5 and thinking, ‘This is not it,’ and I quit,” she says with a confident smile. Despite the initial worry, Hannah devised a strategy to attract more clients. Within a week, she was working from home, and a few months later, she was renting a room in a salon. “Here I am now with my own HQ, clinic, and academy,” she beams.
Faith as a Guiding Light
Central to Hannah’s journey is her unwavering faith. “The Bible and God guide us to be good people,” she explains. “I’ve realized that God’s blessed me with a gift—it’s not essentially for me; it’s for other people around me to help them in life, to teach and guide them.” This profound belief infuses every aspect of her businesses.
Her faith also played a pivotal role in her unexpected venture into education. Despite initial resistance—”I didn’t want to do that AT ALL!”—a series of experiences convinced her otherwise. Attending poorly conducted courses, particularly one where incorrect advice was given about treating black and brown skin, ignited a fire within her. “I left there thinking, ‘Hannah, you need to teach,’ and that’s what started my teaching journey,” she reveals.
Championing Inclusivity with Winnie Beau London
Feeling perpetually “left out” in the beauty industry, Hannah launched Winnie Beau London Cosmetics to provide accessible cosmetics for all skin tones. “Being from a town like Stafford, it’s hard to access specific cosmetics immediately without traveling to another city,” she explains. “So I created a solution.”
But Winnie Beau was more than just a makeup brand—it was a platform for community empowerment. “From the influencers we used to the graphic designers and video editors, we worked with people trying to make it big,” she says. “If I’m going to come up, you’re going to come up too!”
This inclusive approach propelled Winnie Beau to international acclaim, working with talents from the US, Canada, Dubai, and beyond. “We sold around the world, which grew the brand to be internationally known,” she notes proudly.
Transforming Lives Through the Curlita Academy
As an Advanced Skin Expert, Hannah noticed a significant gap in client education. “The most common challenge is the lack of education,” she says. Clients often overlook lifestyle factors affecting their skin, from diet to environmental allergens. “Our skin tells us a story,” she emphasizes. “Treating my patients and clients is the easy part; getting them to understand their bodies is the challenge.”
This realization fueled the expansion of the Curlita Academy, where she mentors aspiring beauty professionals and entrepreneurs. “I saw the lack of care and knowledge in the workplace, especially towards black skin,” she explains. “I thought it’s my duty to step up and create something accessible.”
Her commitment to education extends beyond technical skills. “I create a safe space, especially in my buildings, for women to be themselves,” she says. “I remind women or help them see who they truly are, and that they are good enough to be whatever they want to be.”
Balancing Roles with Authenticity
Juggling multiple roles might seem daunting, but for Hannah, it’s a natural extension of who she is. “I’m 100 mph 90% of the time; the other 10% I’m sitting on a beach,” she laughs. “I’ve created multiple businesses from being my true authentic self.”
She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in her success. “No one can be me, and it’s my personality that makes me different and stand out,” she says. “In a world where everything is becoming the same or AI-generated, being yourself is the only way you stand out.”
A Mentor’s Triumph
One of the most rewarding aspects of Hannah’s career is witnessing the success of those she mentors. She shares the story of a 17-year-old student who was seven months pregnant and eager to build a better future. Hannah tailored courses to fit her schedule, and the young woman excelled beyond expectations. “She worked so hard; I’m so proud of her,” Hannah says, her voice filled with emotion. “She became fully booked with waiting lists, all while being a mum to a newborn!”
Receiving a heartfelt message from her former student, who had just bought her first car, Hannah felt overwhelmed. “I sat and cried,” she admits. “These are the impacts I want to be making on people’s lives daily.”
Looking Ahead: An International Vision
The future is bright for Hannah and her brands. With plans to launch international learning programs and mentoring, she’s set on expanding the academy’s reach. “Look out for me, America, because I’m coming!” she announces enthusiastically.
She is also passionate about incorporating her programs into government initiatives. “We help some young women coming out of prison and foster care to gain skills so they can re-enter society,” she explains. “I’d like that project to be accessible worldwide.”
Conclusion
Hannah-Curlita Dennis is more than a beauty expert; she’s a force of nature transforming lives one person at a time. Her journey from a dissatisfied project manager to an influential entrepreneur is a testament to the power of faith, authenticity, and an unyielding commitment to helping others.
“Honestly, I’m so grateful I get to help people achieve their dreams,” she reflects. And in doing so, she’s not just changing the face of the beauty industry—she’s empowering a global community to embrace their true selves.
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For more information about Hannah’s work and upcoming international programs, visit Curlita Beauty Clinic & Academy and stay tuned for her global expansion.