S1, Ep4 – In conversation with Sophie Carbonari
31 March 2022
As one of the most exclusive and talked about facialists on the global beauty and health scene, renowned for her dedicated and signature techniques that ensure a tailor-made approach, we caught up with Sophie Carbonari during her time in London.
A regular in the global press, Sophie reveals how she created her philosophy, which items she never travels without as a regular back and forth on the Eurostar, and if the expectations and personal sense of creating the best version of yourself have become greater.
Conversation Show Notes – The Recap
Sophie was in London for just a few days, and Dr Reena was delighted to welcome her for a brief visit to Harley Street. Their conversation began by celebrating Sophie’s remarkable career—she had recently finished filming with French Vogue around the time of this episode. In an industry where discretion is paramount, Sophie’s press and celebrity following is unrivalled among the A-list. But where did it all begin?
Sophie shared that although she now boasts over a decade of professional experience, her passion for beauty started as early as age eight, practicing facials on her mother. Beauty and skincare have always been her calling; she began formal training in beauty therapy at sixteen, describing it as “her thing.”
After working at several leading spas, Sophie knew she wanted to forge her own path. She felt too independent to work long-term for others, as her bespoke approach didn’t always fit the commercial model. Building genuine relationships and adopting a true lifestyle approach for her clients was essential.
Sophie’s career journey has been vital—every experience, every country she worked in, and every company she collaborated with shaped her into who she is today. Travel has been a constant from the start and remains an integral part of her life.
Dr Reena recalled how they first met—at a press event in Knightsbridge—and the conversation naturally turned to the art of self-confidence and the importance of feeling good in your own skin. Sophie’s radiant smile immediately struck Reena, who noted that often when people aren’t smiling, it’s connected to their confidence.
When asked what she can’t travel without, Sophie named her skincare essentials: serums, SPF, red lipstick, hair oil, and body moisturiser—essential self-care items. Her celebrity clientele has grown largely through word of mouth, with results that speak for themselves.
Comparing their industries, Sophie and Dr Reena agreed that both dental care and skincare require a strong home routine alongside professional treatment—it’s absolutely vital.
Discussing challenges, Sophie reflected that starting young and experiencing failure with her first company were among her best learning experiences, which ultimately paved the way for her success. With product ranges set to launch later this year, Reena asked how Sophie manages it all so effortlessly.
Sophie concluded that her routine varies every day—in fact, the only routine is that there isn’t one. Constantly moving between London and Paris, she has crafted a lifestyle where she embraces a true 24/7 approach to work because she’s doing what she truly loves.
Episode Key Takeaways – The Best ideas
Follow your intuition – it’s game-changing for both personal development and mental health.
Remember: the smile is always linked to self-confidence.
SPF is essential, especially with constant exposure to blue light.
Sometimes you must accept failure to succeed – London is a fantastic place to start again.
You never truly fail; you always learn. Failure is just a stepping stone.
The routine can be that there is no routine.
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Previous episodes
S2, Ep2 – In conversation with Victoria Woodhall
Providing you with a true ‘industry insider’ glimpse as Dr Reena is joined for our second episode of season two on Harley Street by Victoria Woodhall.
S3, Ep2 – In conversation with Fiona Golfar
As a renowned journalist and former Vogue editor, Fiona Golfar is highly celebrated for her work across the media industry, often writing from a personal and lifestyle approach.
