What would you do if you had a six-figure salary? Perhaps you’d never cook another meal again or indulge in a monthly Thai massage and a Soho House membership to unwind from the stress that comes with being at your A game.
Here at The Good Life you don’t have to imagine what life at the top looks like anymore: Get real-life inspiration for how the most successful live their lives.
Today Fortune meets Trinny Woodall. Before she found success as the founder and CEO of Trinny London, Woodall was the fashion presenter of the early naughties and one-half of the iconic makeover duo Trinny and Susannah.
The two met a world away from makeup, pashmina, and tulle at the very start of their careers in finance. While trading commodities (and fashion tips) in the City of London and outnumbered as the only women in a room of “60 men,” the fashionistas clicked—and the rest is history.
They launched a fashion column which was swiftly turned into the award-winning makeover show, What Not To Wear in 2001.
The resulting twenty-year career of helping hundreds of women across the world feel better in their own skin is what inspired Woodall’s current venture, Trinny London. “It was this unique experience that inspired me at the age of 50 to start the inclusive beauty brand I’d always wanted to, one that truly spoke to women over the age of 35 who had largely been ignored by the beauty industry,” she tells Fortune.
£55,000,000
The amount of revenue Trinny London has generated in the year to March 2023.
“It goes to show it’s never too late to make that career change and go after your dream.”
So just like that, Woodall launched Trinny London on her kitchen table in 2017 and in seven short years she’s grown it from the ground up, into a $250 million beauty empire.
Today, the global brand has over 1 million customers, has generated £55m in revenue in the year to March 2023 and has 33 stories. Earlier this year it launched a flagship store in the heart of Chelsea and joined forces with the retail giant John Lewis. Next up? Woodall says she has big plans for growth in the U.S.
The finances
What’s been the best investment you’ve ever bought?
The best investment for me was starting Trinny London, and I sold my home to do it.
And the worst?
Selling my home. It was tough to do.
If you have children, what does your childcare arrangements look like?
My daughter, Lyla, is now at university in Spain, but we try to see each other as often as we can. I love going to Madrid to visit her, and it’s always a treat when she’s at home in London, where we love trying out new restaurants and bingeing the latest trending Netflix show.
How do you commute to work?
I always travel in a black cab because they know the best routes in London, I have the most interesting conversations, and they can go in the fast lane!
“It goes to show it’s never too late to make that career change and go after your dream.”
Trinny Woodall
What personal finance advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Try to learn to save early on.
What’s the one subscription you can’t live without?
The Economist, because they give a great global overview.
Where’s your go-to wristwatch from?
I don’t own one.
The necessities
How do you get your daily coffee fix?
I get an extra hot cappuccino from Hagen, which is £3.20, and if I haven’t had my usual omelet and broccoli, I’ll grab a croissant. Sometimes at the weekend I won’t have a coffee, but I have 1-2 coffees a day in the week.
What about eating on the go
I generally only go out for lunch a couple of times a month. I usually eat at my desk, and inevitably it’s going to be Itsu, Leon, or Pret.
Where do you buy groceries?
Waitrose.
Where do you shop for your work wardrobe?
I don’t have a work wardrobe—I have a day wardrobe and an evening wardrobe, and my style doesn’t change whether I’m in the office or not.
The treats
Are you the proud owner of any futuristic gadgets?
I do have the Meta glasses, which I was given. They give an indication of where the future is heading, and I find that quite exciting.
How do you unwind from the top job?
I love exercising and tend to do a mix of workouts at home with Nathalie Hayward and yoga with Victoria Woodhall. They’re both fantastic, and I always leave the sessions feeling energized and ready to tackle the day. I also have dogs, so Hyde Park is a favorite for getting some steps in the fresh air.
What’s the best bonus treat you’ve bought yourself?
Holidays.
Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your vacation list?
I’ve just come back from Italy, where I had a gorgeous time with friends, watercolor painting, visiting churches and temples, and enjoying the delicious Italian food.
This year, I’m celebrating my 60th year with a trip to Bhutan—I’m going with a couple and my best friend.
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