In this conversation, Gillian Robson shares her inspiring journey from a successful modelling career to becoming a prominent figure in the beauty industry. She discusses her health challenges, including a skin cancer diagnosis, which motivated her to create a groundbreaking skincare formula that combines sun protection with a natural tan. Gillian reflects on her experience on Dragon's Den, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of resilience and effective communication.
Gillian Robson is an award-winning entrepreneur, beauty industry innovator, Dragons’ Den success, and Freeman of York. With more than 30 years in the beauty sector, she has built a career defined by creativity, resilience, and a passion for developing products with purpose. After travelling across Europe during her modelling career, she launched her first beauty business in 1988, leading it successfully for 24 years, appearing in the film Blow Dry, and serving as President of the National Hairdressers’ Federation.
In 2017, following her own skin cancer diagnosis, she co-founded Tancream, the world’s first premium formulation to combine SPF50, 5-star UVA protection, instant bronzer, gradual self-tan, and hydrating moisturiser in one product. As a skin cancer survivor, she was determined to create a solution that delivered both beauty and protection. Tancream went on to secure investment from Dragons’ Den’s Sara Davies and Touker Suleyman and has become a Science driven, dermatologist-endorsed, industry-recognised success.
Beyond beauty, she is Co-Founder of SGR Construction Group Ltd, launched in 2024 with her husband, who brings over four decades of construction expertise. In just a few months, the company exceeded early growth projections and established a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovative project delivery.
Alongside her business ventures, she is a passionate supporter of charities and an active mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs—particularly young founders and early-stage start-ups—helping them build confidence, capability, and long-term business growth.
Blending business insight with a powerful personal journey, she continues to champion innovation, wellbeing, and positive impact across every industry she touches.
Follow Gillian’s Socials here:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Gillian’s business websites:
Www.tancream.co.uk
Www.sgrcg.co.uk
Timestamps:
(01:50) Introduction and background.
(04:37) Transition from modelling to the beauty industry.
(07:50) Health challenges and skin cancer diagnosis.
(10:39) Awareness and prevention of skin cancer.
(13:49) Creating a groundbreaking formula.
(16:55) The journey to Dragon's Den.
(19:52) Post-Dragon's Den developments.
(22:44) Overcoming personal and financial challenges.
(33:16) From local to commercial: A journey of growth.
(33:53) The importance of sharing struggles.
(34:58) Resilience through adversity.
(36:51) The power of passion in business.
(37:55) Showing up: Balancing personal and professional life.
(40:51) Finding the right investor.
(43:47) Navigating business and personal relationships.
(48:08) The value of communication.
(49:09) The journey to becoming a confident speaker.
(53:23) Future Aspirations: Speaking at the sun protection conference.
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This podcast was brought to you by me, Audrie Woodhouse as part of Audrie Woodhouse Honestly Speaking Ltd. For those of you who don’t know me, I help people speak with confidence, authenticity and sophistication ensuring they deliver faultless performances every time.
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