top of page

My Story

Following Instinct, Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Fears

My journey in the spa and wellness industry began at 16, working in a 5-star hotel spa. From therapist to business owner, teacher to speaker, I’ve spent over 25 years evolving with the industry and collaborating with incredible professionals.

Oliver Charles collaborating for his workshops and talks

My Story

Starting as a gym attendant and receptionist at Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel Spa, I quickly grasped the importance of exceptional service coupled with the leading in spa and beauty therapies. My passion for treatments like Guinot’s Hydradermie Facial, E’spa rituals, and Reiki led me to become a beauty therapist.

Initially set on a marketing career, I changed course after losing my grandmother while studying A-levels. Turning down a role at GlaxoSmithKline,

I trained at The London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) and landed a coveted junior therapist role in London. The whole process was a whirlwind and thus began my unexpected media journey on C4's reality show,  The Salon.

Oliver Charles sitting outside profile picture
Oliver Charles in the community offering free make-up tutorials
Oliver Charles on Channel 4's The Salon
Ollie B product range by Oliver Charles
Oliver Charles in hair and makeup getting ready for his motivational talk

My career took off—becoming a Brand Ambassador, launching my own spa product range (Ollie B), and gaining media attention. Overwhelmed, and with some major life lessons quickly learnt, I took a step back and worked at Heathrow Airport, where my leadership skills led to a promotion as Training Manager. This role inspired me to earn my CIPD Associate Level in Personnel & Development.

After several years in corporate training and HR, my love for the spa industry drew me back. I became Lounge Manager for No.1 Traveller, later managing its spa division. Collaborating with Spa Consultant Debbie Green, I launched three travel spas, developing teams, partnerships, and strategies for profitability.​​

Life then led me to Australia, via Teaching in Thailand and immersing in Buddhism, where I embraced the progressive beauty and wellness scene. Working with leaders like Gillian Adams and Jacque Layton (GrayClay Medical Aesthetics Education), I expanded into formulations, marketing, and spa consulting. While lecturing at The College of Natural Beauty, I took on a corporate turnaround for Aquarius Health and MediSpa, winning ASpa Best MediSpa Australasia in 2014.

My consultancy grew, leading me to roles with OmVeda, Liquid for Men, and Synthesis Organics. Passionate about high standards, I opened my own destination day spa and wellness retreat on a 140-acre estate, forging partnerships with industry experts and Indigenous communities.​​

Oliver Charles volunteering in rural Thailand teaching English to children
Oliver Charles ASPA Award for business coaching and consultancy
Oliver Charles with his graduates from coaching and mentoring
Oliver Charles with his graduates from coaching and mentoring
Oliver Charles with his graduates from coaching and mentoring
Oliver Charles ad Yogi Noel on their 140 acre wellness retreat
Oliver Charles ASPA Award for business coaching and consultancy
Oliver Charles volunteering in rural Thailand teaching English to children
Oliver Charles with his graduates from coaching and mentoring
Oliver Charles setting up his day spa, workshops and talks
Oliver Charles and Team Australia at his own day spa and wellness retreat
Oliver Charles at his creative workshop, speaking
Oliver Charles at his creative workshop and talk with Shoe Apartmento Collaboration
Oliver Charles with his Shoe Atilier Maestro Angelo Imperatrice in Florence, Italy
Oliver Charles Behind Scenes Filming for Business Growth and Outreach

A personal loss prompted me to step away again, rediscovering my creativity through a Shoemaking Atelier in Florence under Maestro Angelo Imperatrice. This detour led to a role at Christian Louboutin, where I streamlined processes before returning to spa and wellness management.

At SkinSmiths (formerly Caci), I explored the membership-based clinic model, but COVID-19 forced their UK exit. With a plethora of skills and experience, I then pivoted to a Communications Leader role with the DWP, spearheading strategies to enhance internal culture and industry recruitment.​​

Seeing the post-pandemic struggles of beauty and wellness businesses, I knew it was time to step in and bridge the gap between inner and outer beauty. And so, Oliver Charles Coaching and Consultancy was reborn—offering expert-led coaching to help individuals and businesses align with their true purpose and thrive, whilst giving back to communities around the world with philanthropy.

 

Success—whether in life or business—should feel fulfilling, not like a constant struggle. Through a powerful mix of workshops, talks, one-to-one coaching, and online courses,

I help individuals and businesses gain the clarity, confidence, and momentum they need to thrive.

Oliver Charles at SkinSmiths
Oliver Charles charitable works in South Africa
Oliver Charles charitable works in South African townships

Whether you're launching a business, refining your direction, or seeking personal transformation, my expert-led coaching will guide you toward alignment and success. Let’s chat and take the next step toward a business—and life—that truly reflects who you are and what you’re meant to create.

Techniques and Qualifications

Methods and Tools include:

  • Psychological & Coaching Models including the GROW Model, SMART Goals and Cognitive Behavioural Coaching (CBC).

  • Mindfulness & Emotional Mastery including Breathwork & Meditation, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT/Tapping) and Somatic Coaching.

  • Behavioural & Habit Change Strategies.

  • Business & Productivity Coaching Tools.

  • Visualisation & Manifestation Techniques.

  • Shadow Work & Inner Child Healing

  • Energetic & Spiritual Tools

Education Overview:

  • Life Coaching Practitioner Diploma. 

  • Counselling Skills and Theory.

  • CIPD Personnel and Development.

  • Business Management and Clinic Management

  • Holistic Philosophies and Therapies, including Ayurvedic Medicine, Energy Work and Transformation.

  • Level 4 Beauty Therapy, Health and Exercise to Music.

Fully Registered & Insured. 

bottom of page