“On the Sofa with Simi - The Brains Behind Bellissimi Beauty” - A New Journey Begins
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Welcome to the very first episode of my podcast, where we’ll dive into the realities of marriage, motherhood, makeup, and everything in between. This is a safe space for women in their 30s to connect, learn, and share experiences, and if you’ve found yourself here, I’m so excited to have you. Whether you're a beauty lover, a busy mum, or just someone looking for a space to unwind—this podcast is for you.
Who Am I?
In case you don’t already know me, I’m Simi, the brains behind Bellissimi Beauty. With over 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on celebrities, magazine photoshoots, and countless brides worldwide. But like many of you, my world shifted dramatically during the pandemic. I went from living out of a suitcase for work to almost giving up entirely on my career. And then life threw me another curveball: I became a mum and wife in my early 30s, completely redefining who I am today.
Why Start a Podcast?
I've always had a passion for connecting with people, whether it was through my work in beauty or my radio show in Teesside back in the day (fun fact: it was called *BollySimi Beauty*—a playful nod to Bollywood and beauty). But life, especially post-pandemic, changed everything. YouTube felt overwhelming, TikTok never quite clicked with me, and I realized that with a toddler and life’s demands, time became my most precious resource.
Podcasts, though? They seemed perfect. You can listen on the school run, while shopping, or while you take those rare moments for yourself. It’s all about accessibility and finding a connection during life’s busiest moments. That’s why I’m here—to chat, laugh, and offer you some beauty wisdom, while also navigating the reality of marriage, motherhood, and rediscovering myself.
Breaking Beauty Stereotypes
The world has shifted in terms of beauty standards, and I’m all about keeping it real. Whether you’re a mum trying to squeeze in 5-minute makeup routines, or someone battling with societal beauty expectations, I want to bridge that gap between those unrealistic, out-of-reach standards and the everyday, hardworking woman. We’re not just chasing trends anymore; we’re looking for ways to feel good about ourselves that fit our lifestyles.
So let’s break down the beauty industry myths and focus on *feeling* beautiful, not just looking beautiful.
Life as a New Mum and Wife
To be honest, I’m still figuring out who I am. The pandemic made me pause and reflect, but it also led to rapid changes—meeting my husband on Tinder (yes, we got married after six weeks), becoming a mum in quick succession, and then moving from Teesside to Manchester. The transition was... a lot. Now, my son is two years old, and it’s safe to say I’ve lived what feels like a thousand lives since 2020.
I know many of you mums out there can relate. It’s such a whirlwind, but I’ve learned it’s okay not to have it all figured out. This podcast is as much about me rediscovering myself as it is about helping you navigate your own journeys.
Saying Goodbye to Bellissimi Beauty
Now, don’t panic—I’m not closing down or anything! I’ll still be offering my usual treatments in person, but I’ve realised that it’s time to peel back the layers of Bellissimi Beauty and focus on *me*. I want you to see the real Simi, the one behind the brand, and understand why my work is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about the deeper connection I strive to have with my clients and the confidence I hope to instill in them.
What to Expect
So what can you look forward to in this podcast? I’ll be sharing beauty tips, industry insights, personal stories, and the challenges I’ve faced juggling work, motherhood, and marriage. It’s about honesty and community, and I want to hear from you too. Got questions? Suggestions? My DMs on Instagram are always open.
I’ve always loved connecting with clients in person—hearing your life stories and becoming that therapist figure in the beauty chair. Now, I hope I can bring that same energy to this podcast, creating a space where we can talk about everything from microblading to motherhood, without any of the judgment or pressure we sometimes feel in the beauty industry.
Final Thoughts
Life post-pandemic has left many of us confused about who we are and what we want. I’m navigating that too, but I’m ready to rediscover myself alongside all of you. So let’s cozy up, grab a cuppa, and get real about life on *On the Sofa with Simi*.
Thank you so much for tuning in to this first episode. I can’t wait to share more with you each week. Until next time, remember: you’re always welcome on my sofa. I hope you enjoyed this first glimpse into my podcast journey. Let me know your thoughts, and if you’d like to hear about anything specific in future episodes, drop me a message. Chat soon!