Behind some of the most recognised beauty brands is a CEO who thrives at the pace of the beauty industry. However, Laura Bradford is also a quiet achiever, modest and thoughtful. Her proven results, she credits to her epic team, and the drive needed to succeed is her passion. Her business, Regional Heath & Beauty, has earned the respect of local retailers and global brands. Here she shares her career story and magnificent home with editor Trudi Brewer.

Laura Bradford knows her talents, yet she is the last person to share them. Hard work is her motto, and while she can credit the company's staunch competitiveness to her team, she is a leader people admire. Her career started as a pharmacy technician in New Zealand and London. Then, she moved to the beauty industry to manage some top global hair care brands; the next step was Regional Health & Beauty. It started as a small division of a large dental company, run by her husband over 25 years ago. Growing organically, Bradford is pleased to say the brands that were there at the beginning are still in the business today. Fast forward to 2023, and with 30 health and beauty brands to manage and distribute, including acquisitions, Bradford's company is still in growth mode.

Laura Bradford at home.

Career

How did you become one of New Zealand's biggest beauty distributors?

By offering good service to our suppliers and our customers. Being honest and loving our brands. We are so lucky to work with brands like Burt’s Bees, Tangle Teezer, Sebamed, Nude By Nature, MOR Boutique, and Hask, to name a few.

What's been your career high to date, and what do you still dream of achieving?

There have been a couple of lovely moments – winning five beauty industry awards in one night (and quite a few since then). Also, building our beautiful office, showroom and warehouse facility felt pretty good.

What's a typical working day for you?

The first thing I do is walk our dog, Daisy; then I’m in the office by 8.30 am and from there, there’s no typical day. Lots of emails, lots of meetings, and lots of decisions to make.

What have you been most surprised by working in the beauty industry?

How fast-paced it is and how quickly trends can come and go.

What would you say is the #1 key to success in your business?

Sheer hard work – not just from me, but everyone in our team. Some days the pace we work at astounds me.

If you could choose one lesson you have learned in business to pass on, what would that be?

That the road to anywhere good is hard. So keep going.

Laura Bradford in her favourite room at home with Daisy.

Beauty

Who is your beauty icon, and why?

Audrey Hepburn for her eyes, Adele for her skin and Marilyn Monroe for her smile.

What's the first thing you do in the morning and the last before you go to bed?

Look at my phone – with two adult kids, many brand partners, social media pages and 30 staff, there is always a message or two…

What are your secrets to staying healthy and looking great?

Walking with my dearest friends, doing yoga, eating more protein and drinking less wine.

When you're tired or rundown: what is your beauty hack?

The best beauty hack is sleep. Beauty sleep is a real thing, so prioritise it.

What is your favourite beauty buy you use and love, other than your brands?

I love Benefits Hervana blush, but I have a terrible suspicion they have discontinued it.

What is the one non-negotiable in your beauty routine?

Tailor Skincare – my skin has improved dramatically since using the range. I start with the Oil Cleanse and a warm Tailor Towel at night for a deep cleanse and to take off my makeup. Next, Renew Probiotic Serum to reduce sun damage and redness, and Hydrate Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Serum mixed with a pinch of Gold Dust pure vitamin C powder. That regime is a game changer for my skin.

What would we find in your makeup bag?

Kiko Eye Pencils (from Italy), Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Nude By Nature, everything, Benefit BADgal Bang Mascara, MAC Lipsticks.

Favourite fragrance?

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle.

HOME

How would you describe your home?

It’s a big house that has seen us through many teenage parties with ease.

What do you think makes a great interior?

The right mixture of space, light, colour, texture, pattern and furniture and then sprinkled with your favourite things.

What's your most treasured possession?

A ring my husband gave me on our 13th wedding anniversary.

What's your favourite room in your home, and why?

Probably the lounge because it’s so peaceful to read in there, and it’s surrounded by greenery, whichever window you look out. We’ve also had many laughs around the dining table.