# From Scrap Metal to Salon-Quality: How a Bristol mom Built a Beauty empire
Lucy Pearce, a mother of three from Bristol, England, has demonstrated a remarkable journey from working part-time in a scrapyard to building a thriving beauty brand, House of Amor, in just four years. Her story is not just about beauty products; it’s a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and the power of social media marketing, a lesson that resonates deeply with aspiring entrepreneurs stateside.
Pearce’s brand, founded in 2021, focuses on empowering women to achieve salon-quality results at home. Her product line includes lash extensions and press-on nails, designed for convenience and affordability.
Pearce, who grew up in Dundry, Bristol, always had an entrepreneurial inclination. She balanced working at her father’s scrapyard with pursuing various ventures. Though,like many others,the COVID-19 lockdowns forced her to re-evaluate her career path. Spotting a gap in the market for accessible and affordable beauty solutions aimed at busy working mothers, Pearce decided to take a plunge.
I was a busy mum with three kids. I didn’t have time in the morning to fiddle around with putting my lashes on.
Pearce stated.This realization sparked the idea for DIY lash extensions that could be easily applied at home, offering a salon-worthy look without the hefty price tag or time commitment.
Investing between £500 and £1,000 (approximately $630-$1260 USD), she launched House of Amor in 2021. While the initial investment was relatively small, Pearce maximized its impact thru strategic use of social media. Her brand truly took off when she began demonstrating her products on TikTok.
This is where the story becomes especially relevant for American readers. TikTok’s influence on consumer behavior, especially in the beauty industry, is undeniable. Many U.S.-based beauty brands have seen similar success through viral TikTok campaigns, demonstrating the platform’s power to transform small businesses into household names. Think of the numerous skincare and makeup products that have gained overnight popularity thanks to trending TikTok videos reviewed by influencers and everyday users.
At the beginning, I didn’t know anything about marketing. I just ran with it because I had a product that I loved.
Pearce admitted, highlighting the importance of authentic passion in her marketing efforts. Her genuine enthusiasm resonated with viewers, and her lashes quickly went viral.
The response was overwhelming. Pearce recalls her disbelief when she made 200 sales within six minutes of launching. I sat and cried.I couldn’t believe it. It was surreal.
she told BBC Radio Bristol’s John Darvall.This rapid success underscored the potential of e-commerce and social media marketing for small businesses.
Since then, House of Amor has expanded its product range and achieved significant milestones. In 2024, their press-on nails were named “Best Beauty Product of 2024” by british Vogue, a recognition Pearce described as “surreal.” The brand now operates a physical store in Winford, Bristol, alongside its online presence.
Pearce’s success story offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the U.S. market. Her journey underscores the importance of identifying a market need, creating a high-quality product, and leveraging social media for marketing. Her experience highlights the power of authenticity, and the rewards of perseverance.
Beyond the business aspect, Pearce emphasizes the empowering nature of her brand. We have customers message us saying our products have transformed their lives.
she says. We’ve built an amazing community, and that’s what we want to keep doing -empowering people and making a difference.
This commitment to community and empowerment resonates with consumers, fostering brand loyalty and driving continued success.
Pearce’s story is a powerful reminder that with passion, determination, and a strategic approach, anyone can turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
What advice would Lucy Pearce give to other entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands on TikTok?
Table of Contents
- 1. What advice would Lucy Pearce give to other entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands on TikTok?
- 2. From Scrap Metal to Salon-quality: An Interview with Lucy Pearce, House of Amor Founder
- 3. The power of Social Media: Building a Brand on TikTok
- 4. From DIY Beauty To A Thriving Business
- 5. Community and Empowerment
- 6. Looking Ahead
From Scrap Metal to Salon-quality: An Interview with Lucy Pearce, House of Amor Founder
Archyde News: Welcome to Archyde News, Lucy. Its a pleasure to have you. Your journey from a part-time job to building a successful beauty empire, House of Amor, is truly inspiring. Can you tell us a bit about the initial spark that led you to create House of Amor?
Lucy Pearce: Thank you for having me. It really stemmed from a personal need. As a busy mum with three kids, I struggled to find time for elaborate beauty routines. I spotted a gap in the market – accessible, affordable, salon-quality beauty solutions for women like me.
Archyde News: You mentioned the importance of social media, especially TikTok, in house of Amor’s success.how did you leverage this platform to grow your brand and what advice would you give to other entrepreneurs looking to do the same?
Lucy Pearce: TikTok was instrumental. I started by simply demonstrating my products. The authenticity of my content and the genuine passion I had for the products resonated with viewers.My advice would be to focus on creating relatable content and engaging directly with your audience.Don’t be afraid to show your personality.
Archyde News: It’s a lesson many US-based brands are learning. Many achieved overnight popularity through successful TikTok campaigns.
From DIY Beauty To A Thriving Business
Archyde News: Your brand’s rapid growth, including the recognition from british Vogue, and the expansion into a physical store is remarkable. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Lucy Pearce: Initially, it was managing the overwhelming demand. There were times when I was packing and shipping orders late into the night. As the business grew, I learned to build a great team and efficient processes.Never lose your passion.
Community and Empowerment
Archyde News: Beyond the business achievements, you’ve emphasized the empowering nature of House of Amor. Why is this aspect so crucial to your brand?
lucy Pearce: For me, a brand is more than just a product; it’s about the community. We have built an amazing community. We are passionate about helping women feel confident and empowered. Beauty is a powerful tool.
Looking Ahead
Archyde News: One final question, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned that you would pass on to aspiring entrepreneurs in the U.S. who are aiming to build a beauty empire of their own?
Lucy Pearce: Believe in your products and never give up! Don’t be afraid to take risks, be authentic, and always put your customers first. What the world needs is passion and grit.
Archyde News: Thank you very much, Lucy, this has been beneficial. Your story is an inspiration. Readers, what steps are you taking on to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality? Share your comment below.
