At Fortem & Mode, we know that every consultant we place brings more than just product knowledge — they bring presence, care, and often, a remarkable story.

This week, we spent five minutes with Zhanna — a beauty consultant whose warmth, talent and resilience have made her a favourite with brands and customers alike. Her journey is a powerful reminder that sometimes, the right role can help you rediscover yourself.

A New Beginning in a New Country

Zhanna first moved to the UK from Russia in 2003 to study English. A few years later, she married and began her beauty retail career with Elizabeth Arden. “I loved it. I loved the connection, the makeup, and the rhythm of the shop floor. But when I had my children, childcare was too expensive, so I stepped away. It was meant to be temporary… but life had other plans.”

In 2013, Zhanna was diagnosed with lymphoma. The years that followed were filled with intensive treatment, a stem cell transplant, and a long, difficult recovery. “I lost my hair. I couldn’t walk. I was on 16 pills a day. At one point, my body was rejecting the new bone marrow, and I remember the doctors looking at each other, and I thought… this is it.”

Even after being given the all-clear, the emotional toll lingered. And when COVID hit, she found herself withdrawing further. “I lost my confidence. I felt forgotten. I wasn’t in any pictures for six years – I hated how I looked. I wasn’t living, I was hiding. But I chanced upon a Fortem & Mode job advert for beauty consultants and one phone call was all it took. I spoke to Dionne who was my area manager at the time, and something sparked again. I thought: I need this. For my mental health. For me.”

The Return to Retail

Her return to the shop floor wasn’t easy. Still recovering, she struggled with fatigue and physical limits. “I called Dionne one day in tears, saying, ‘I don’t think I can do this.’ But she didn’t take me off the books. She gave me time.” That patience paid off.

With each shift, Zhanna rebuilt her strength and her confidence. She began taking care of herself again. Today, she’s in demand. Fully booked five days a week, by request. “It saved my life. I’m glamorous again. I do my nails. I feel like me. I get home tired, but I’m happy.”

It’s not just her story that makes her stand out — it’s her mindset. “I clean the counter before I even start. I polish the lipsticks. I check the stock. I don’t just sit and wait for customers, I make the space better than how I found it. That’s what makes a great consultant.”

Words of Advice

And for anyone thinking of returning to beauty after time away? Zhanna doesn’t hesitate: “Do it. Do it for your health, for your confidence, for your soul.”

Stories like Zhanna’s are why we do what we do – placing inspirational people with true passion into roles where they shine. Whether you’re ready to fall in love with your work again, or you’re looking to bring passionate, professional consultants like Zhanna into your team, we’d love to hear from you.

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