Reading Chronicle caught up with Caversham based owner of ‘Brides and Beauty’ Joyce Connor, to see what 2010 has in store for the beauty therapist and entrepreneur.

“2009 was a transitional year for me” said Joyce. “Brides and Beauty continued to perform well, especially towards the end of the year when the wedding bookings picked up as the economy recovered from the worst of the recession.”

“Around August 2009 I noticed that a gap existed in the market for hair, beauty and skin care products for women of darker skin tones, so I set up www.BlackandMixedSkin.com to meet this need. I passionately believe that all women should have access to gorgeous grooming products, so I decided to make it possible! Blackandmixedskin.com acts as a one stop shop for all the beauty needs of black and mixed raced women and is proving very popular – I’ve had a steady stream of orders from all over the country.”

Joyce has also started 2010 with big plans for the future. “Towards the end of last year clients were coming to me asking for a radical makeover – they wanted to improve their appearance by shaking up their look and trying new styles and colours. Whether following a divorce, weight loss, starting a new job or simply to have a much needed change, clients wanted to know what combination of beauty services would create the best effect. I thought long and hard about what my clients were asking for and decided to formulate a brand new service, to be launched in February, which address all their problems. It’s called ‘Transform Me’ and will combine skin treatments, hair styling, a fresh new make up palette and make up lesson, and even fitness and styling. Think ’10 years younger’ with a twist.”

To book a ‘Transform Me’ session with Joyce Connor see: www.bridesandbeauty.co.uk

For hair and beauty products for all skin tones see: www.blackandmixedskin.com

Jan 2010

Welcome to the all new blackandmixedskin.com, your one stop shop for all hair and beauty needs. blackandmixedskin.com has had a new year makeover – offering the same great products but now with easier navigation and a fresh new design. We are now pleased to be stocking celebrity favourite ‘Youngblood’ cosmetics, loved by Cheryl Cole, Alexandra Burke and Hollywood stars. Also, be sure to check out our new DermaQuest skin care range and get your skin gorgeous for the new year. Let’s make 2010 our most beautiful year yet!

Joyce Connor and the blackandmixedskin.com team.

Joyce Connor regularly appears in the media offering expert beauty advice. See below for some recent press highlights:

- Black Hair Magazine, December/January 2010: “Hot new website alert”

- Reading Chronicle, November 2009: Time for Christmas – “Flawlessly Ready for the Floor”

- BBC Radio Berkshire, November 2009: Sofa guest – Susanne Courtney – How to look glamorous at Xmas

- The Voice, November 2009: “Site Launched to fill beauty product gap”

- Black Heritage Today, November 2009: ‘’Men and MakeUp”

- BBC Radio Berkshire, September 2009 – Business Lunch with Sarah Walker – discussing latest beauty products

- Professional Beauty, September 2009: “The Web Entrepreneur – Helping hundreds of frustrated brides inspired Joyce Connor to develop her own website for black and mixed race skins”

- Professional Beauty, August 2009 – Questions with celebrity make up artist Daniel Sandler

- Reading Evening Post, August 2009 – Taking the stress out of looking gorge

- BBC Radio Berkshire, July 2009 – Sofa Guest Louise Chandler – discussing the new website

- Reading Chronicle, July 2009 – “Joyce puts her faith in her products on the line

- BBC Radio Berkshire, June 2009 – Business lunch with Sarah Walker

- WeddingsFromScratch.com, May 2009: “Make Up on a budget”

- Professional Beauty, April 2009 – Reader Panel – Bridal tips

- UK Wedding Directory, April 2009: “Top Tips for Bridal Hair”

- WeddingsFromScratch.com, March 2009: “asking your make up artist the right questions”

- Reading Chronicle, February 2009: “Make This Valentine’s Extra Special”

- WeddingsFromScratch.com, February 2009: “the pros and cons of fake tan”

- TheAfrowoman’s ezine.com, January 2009: Joyce Connor interviewed for the ‘Spotlight’ section

- The Reading Chronicle, December 2008: “Have a Glam Christmas and a Glowing New Year.” Joyce Connor tells readers how to get that glamorous Christmas party look.

- Your UK Wedding Directory, December 2008: “Beautiful Hands on Your Wedding Day.” Joyce Connor guides readers through a salon perfect home manicure.

- Credit Crunch Couture, November 2008: Joyce Connor, resident beauty expert, provides a step by step guide to achieving a salon facial in the comfort of your own home.

- Balance Life Magazine, October 2008: “Buff, polish and moisturise your way to beautiful winter skin.” Joyce Connor offers top tips and advice on achieving great winter skin.

- Reading Evening Post, October 2008: “Shades of Beauty.” Joyce Connor and team make-over three lucky Reading women for this full page feature.

- BBC Radio Berkshire, The Louise Chandler Show, August 2008: Joyce Connor spends the hour as the sofa guest on BBC Radio Berkshire’s flagship black interest show, offering advice to listeners on beauty and skin care topics.

- Reading Evening Post, Friday Business Profile, August 2008: “A Special Service for that Special Day.” Full page profile on Joyce Connor and Brides and Beauty.

- In2Town.co.uk, September 2008: “Beauty Care Tips with Joyce Connor.”