From Beauty to Business: A Conversation with Urban Retreat’s Kate Berry and Jenny Story
In the latest episode of From the Podcast Studio Glasgow, Mark Hunter is joined by Kate Berry and Jenny Story, the powerhouse duo behind Urban Retreat and The Academy. Based in Cumbernauld, Urban Retreat is far more than a beauty salon. It is a space where skills are developed, confidence is built, and future beauty professionals are trained.
Balancing Bold Ideas with Financial Focus
One of the standout dynamics in the episode is the relationship between Kate and Jenny. Jenny brings the energy of a risk-taker—keen to try new things and move fast. Kate offers a steady hand, ensuring the books are balanced and big decisions are thought through. Together, they strike a balance between ambition and strategy, which has played a key role in their growth.
Social Media: Fear, Frustration, and Finding Your Voice
The conversation also delves into how social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you are busy running a business. Kate admits it is not her comfort zone, while Jenny has embraced platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn and even TikTok. They emphasise the importance of being authentic online, sharing both successes and lessons learned along the way.
The Beauty Industry Needs Better Standards
Another important point raised in the episode is the lack of regulation in the beauty industry. Kate and Jenny are vocal about the dangers this presents, especially when treatments like Botox are offered by individuals with minimal training. Through The Academy, they are working to change this—offering structured training that equips learners with both skills and integrity. It is a call for quality and consistency in an industry that touches people’s lives every day.
Why Mistakes Are Part of the Job
There is a refreshing honesty throughout the episode about the reality of building something from scratch. Mistakes are part of the journey, and Kate, Jenny and Mark agree that every misstep is an opportunity to learn. Whether it is a launch that did not land or a lesson in pricing, they all point to the value of getting things wrong and bouncing back stronger.
Looking Ahead: Confessions of Beauty Bosses
Kate and Jenny are not just growing their own business—they are planning to launch a podcast of their own, Confessions of Beauty Bosses. It promises to be an honest look behind the curtain of beauty entrepreneurship, full of stories, insight and the kind of banter that made this episode so enjoyable.
This conversation is a reminder that behind every thriving business is a blend of graft, trust, and vision. If you want to hear what it takes to succeed in beauty and beyond, this one is worth a listen.
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