On a bustling Thursday afternoon in Chelsea’s King’s Road, Trinny Woodall engages in an intriguing skincare analysis, her fingers gliding over my face as she furrows her brow in concentration.

“Certainly, you have a combination skin type,” she remarks, her icy grey-blue eyes assessing every pore. “There’s some dryness, but also congestion here,” she notes, pinpointing areas on my jawline with her finger.

At 60, the former TV presenter turned beauty entrepreneur is showcasing her newly opened Trinny London store, which debuted last week. Woodall’s brand, which launched online in 2017 with makeup designed for women over 35 and expanded into skincare in 2022, has achieved remarkable success, boasting a valuation of £180 million and a global customer base of 1.2 million.

The shop’s lively and vibrant atmosphere reflects Woodall’s dynamic personality. As she navigates through the space, interacting with staff clad in sequined silver jackets, customers eagerly sample blushers and concealers while Rihanna’s “Disturbia” plays in the background. “It’s reminiscent of the decor in a fancy hotel in Dubai, but I absolutely love it,” Woodall quips, blending her commanding presence with an easy camaraderie.

Her path to this level of achievement was not devoid of challenges. When she initially conceptualized this venture, she was coping with the aftermath of her ex-husband Johnny Elichaoff’s death in 2014. Though divorced at the time, they shared a daughter, Lyla, now 20. With her television career—most notably on What Not To Wear—coming to an end, Woodall faced significant personal and financial hurdles.

“When I stepped away from television, I could no longer support the lifestyle I had built,” Woodall explains. “I was eager to launch this business but lacked the income I was accustomed to receiving.”

To gather initial funds, she sold a collection of fashion items accumulated over two decades, raising £60,000 for her new endeavor. However, the most heart-wrenching decision was parting with her treasured four-bedroom home in Notting Hill, valued at nearly £5 million.

“I invested a lot of effort into purchasing that house—it represented my hard work on television for a decade,” she reflects. “I spent months deliberating if I truly had to sell it. With no way to meet the mortgage obligations and the urge to establish my business without significant debt, making that choice was incredibly difficult.”

Ultimately, she listed the property in November 2017, a decision that has proven fruitful. Trinny London anticipates a 38 percent growth in sales year-on-year, and Woodall believes the flagship store will recoup its opening costs within three months.

Last year, following a decade-long relationship, Woodall parted ways with art collector Charles Saatchi, 81. She has chosen to keep details of the split private, simply referring to it as “the big life change” in an Instagram video.

Now, a year later, she appears invigorated. “This is the decade I’m enjoying the most,” she states. Reflecting on her earlier tumultuous years, including struggles with addiction, she shares, “My teens and twenties were tumultuous; I was battling addiction that led to two rehab stints. Though I projected confidence, internally, I felt like a mess, constantly anxious.”

Woodall’s straightforward, relatable approach via engaging product demonstrations on her social media platforms has significantly contributed to her brand’s popularity. Customers in her store encompass mothers and daughters, groups of female friends, and even a few puzzled men in suits. Even those who typically shy away from celebrity beauty brands, like my 64-year-old mother, have become enthusiastic supporters.

“Women over 35 often feel overlooked and uncertain at times,” Woodall notes. “I aimed to create something that addresses the needs of those who might feel ignored.”

Her hands-on approach means she dedicates six days a week to her business, actively engaging with customers to help them find their ideal products. “I don’t subscribe to work-life balance; my work and personal life are intertwined,” she states. “When I check on the store over the weekend, it’s enjoyable. If I get to interact with customers, that fuels me.”

Woodall acknowledges the benefits of good skincare but is candid about the role of cosmetic procedures in her routine. “I won’t pretend my lines are nonexistent due to a perfect skincare regime,” she admits. “I maintain a routine, and I’ve been open about having Botox since turning 35.”

As she approaches her 61st birthday, Woodall shows no signs of wanting to slow down. “I think that mindset is detrimental; maybe I’ll consider it when I’m 80,” she states with conviction.