In September, Genaura partnered with FT Live to host The Power of Starting Fresh, a curated supper club event exploring how moments of transition can inspire renewal, confidence and purposeful change.
As summer drew to a close, the Financial Times’ September Reset series examined the fresh start effect, a behavioural science concept that highlights how temporal landmarks, such as the beginning of a new season, can motivate individuals to initiate change. September, with its sense of renewal and routine, provides the perfect backdrop for reflection, reinvention and revitalisation.
Hosted in partnership, this intimate event was designed for ambitious women who view self-care not as indulgence, but as a strategic foundation for confidence and wellbeing. From nutrition to skincare, the evening explored science-backed rituals that promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
The discussion brought together a panel of inspiring voices shaping the future of beauty, design, and wellness:
Behavioural scientists refer to the fresh start effect as the motivation sparked by new beginnings. Temporal landmarks prompt psychological resets that encourage reflection and change.
This moment often inspires a renewed focus on self-improvement and intentional living. The panel explored how this shift influences purchasing decisions, with women increasingly seeking products that align with values of balance, longevity, and authenticity, prioritising efficacy and purpose over excess.
A central theme of the evening was the evolution of self-care. Today’s consumer no longer sees beauty as a moment of indulgence, but as a mindful practice, an essential part of maintaining balance and self-assurance.
For Genaura, this belief lies at the heart of our brand’s philosophy. Intelligent skincare is designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural rhythms, supporting regeneration and repair from within. Renewal, both physical and emotional, begins at a cellular level.
As evidence-based wellness continues to shape consumer behaviour, the panel discussed how scientific understanding is influencing daily routines, from skincare and nutrition to sleep and mental wellbeing.
Genaura’s Lead New Product Developer, Michelle Reeve, shared an insider’s view of the brand’s product innovation and the principles that underpin every formulation. With over two decades of experience in cosmetic science and aromatherapy, Michelle’s approach merges advanced biotechnology with natural actives to create products that deliver real, measurable results.
Her philosophy of “slow skincare” focusing on integrity, precision, and sensory experience guides Genaura’s development process from concept to creation. “We design every product to perform on a scientific level while offering a luxurious ritual that engages the senses,” Michelle explained. “It’s about creating skincare that feels as intelligent as it is effective.”
The evening also featured valuable perspectives from across the beauty, retail, and lifestyle landscape.
Laura Jackson, broadcaster and co-founder of Glassette, reflected on the connection between our environments and wellbeing, how design and storytelling influence the way we live and care for ourselves.
Natalie Guselli, Head of Beauty at Liberty, discussed the shift toward authenticity and experience-driven retail, where curation, craftsmanship, and connection matter more than ever.
Lauren Indvik, Deputy Editor at the Financial Times, offered a cultural lens on these shifts, exploring how the September Reset aligns with a broader consumer movement toward simplicity, intentionality, and emotional balance.
Together, the panellists explored how consumers are redefining success, beauty, and self-care grounding these concepts in purpose and mindfulness rather than perfectionism.
Genaura’s Chief Marketing Officer, Nicola Young, has played a defining role in shaping the brand’s launch and positioning. With an accomplished career spanning media, beauty, and technology, Nicola brings a strategic and creative vision to every aspect of Genaura’s growth.
Speaking at the event, Nicola shared how Genaura’s ethos of intelligent renewal mirrors the psychological power of a reset. “At Genaura, we believe that renewal is not a moment, it’s a mindset,” she said. “Partnering with FT Live allowed us to explore how science, design, and emotion come together to empower women to start fresh with purpose.”
Nicola’s leadership continues to define Genaura’s mission to bridge science and self-expression, crafting skincare that embodies clarity, confidence, and intelligent beauty.
Reflecting on the event, Che Wheatley, Head of Marketing at FT Live, said:
“One personal highlight was our partnership with Genaura — an exclusive supper club like no other. It gave me the chance to invite some of the brilliant people I’ve met this year to a truly special setting, where they connected and shared ideas on achieving the ‘September reset.’”
Following the evening, FT Live summarised the experience:
“Is September the new January? Last week, at our Supper Club event, we explored the psychology of the September reset as a natural moment to reflect, realign and make meaningful change.
In partnership with Genaura, we hosted an evening of ideas and insight for those who view wellbeing not as luxury but as strategy.
Key themes:
• September is becoming a moment to reset habits
• Self-care is being redefined as sensory ritual
• Simplicity is the new luxury in beauty routines.”
The collaboration between Genaura and FT Live represents more than an event; it reflects a shared belief in the value of reflection, renewal, and intelligent self-care.
