This time of year always is a poignant one for me and one of great reflection, one where I am not only thankful for what has gone before but also one where I am looking forward to a new year, a new start and a new slate on which to write our 2016 story. 2015 has had so many highlights that it is almost impossible to choose a favourite. One thing I do like to see throughout the year, of which 2015 has been no exception, is long standing team members experiencing change. Last year brought about pregnancies (and more babies), journeys to the other side of the world to fall in love and many of my angels progressing within work and within their lives. On that note 2015 has been no different. One such angel Faye, who has been with Lucinda Ellery for over 8 years has finally gone on maternity leave. We are super excited to welcome yet another LE baby into the team but as one angel leaves another returns and it gives me such joy in my heart to welcome back studio manager Ewa who will be back at work on a part time basis, she missed the clients and team so much and couldn’t wait to get back........ the ebbs and flows of life continue and with every baby, every returning angel and every positive change, it reassures me we are always looked after by our own angels. Another amazing announcement to make is that my darling girls Claudia and Chantelle have been promoted to studio supervisors. After a combined total of 15 years of loyal service and hard work these beautiful young women are testament to the saying that what you sow you really do reap, congratulations girls. I would like to say thank you girls from me, your colleagues and the clients..... we are so grateful. www.lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk and www.lucindaellery-hairloss.com

The Lucinda Ellery mission to help ladies live, thrive and survive with TTM continues and continues with the speed and force of lightening. National No Pulling Week ran as usual in October with many of our clients coming forward (some for the first time) to talk about their TTM to national press, a very brave and inspiring step indeed. Year on year National No Pull Week seems to grow in momentum with newspapers, tv and radio wanting to feature our amazing clients and shine a light on their journey in managing their TTM. You will see some of these press clippings on the press page of our newsletter but I would like to personally thank my clients and my team for joining me in the campaign of education to help those experiencing TTM to get the help and support they need; this is vital as lives are damaged by this disorder. This isn’t over yet by a long way. For more information on the week, the purpose and the fabulous effect it has had this year visit our dedicated no pull website http://www.nopulling.org/ Sticking with TTM, I am so delighted that the first LA Champagne and Cupcake event went with a bang. This was an event held by the Trichotillomania Learning Centre but hosted by Lucinda Ellery Beverly Hills with those clients experiencing TTM coming forward to share their stories, tricks, tips and success, this event fulfilled its purpose of support and sharing. The evening was also a fundraiser and in attendance was an esteemed professor from UCLA who shared his insight into body focused repetitive behaviours and the study of the subject clearly stating the need for more investment into this. All in all the evening was educational on many levels and I can’t wait to host our next event already. You can see some of the pictures of the evening below. TTM is maybe not one of the most commonly known hair loss related disorders but Chemotherapy definitely is, with studies and surveys showing that one of the first questions ladies ask when told they will need to undergo Chemotherapy being ‘but what about my hair?’. This year saw our brave client and Sky News presenter Jacqui Beltrao come forward about that exact fear and present to the world that this is a very real concern when one is diagnosed with cancer whether perceived as irrational or not. She documented her journey using the Lucinda Ellery Intralace System throughout her Chemotherapy and her subsequent hair loss. This had a ripple effect with ladies coming forward and shaking off the self inflicted shame of being concerned with something perceived as so minor as hair at such a crucial moment in time. Remember if it matters to you then it matters, regardless of the opinion of others. I am so happy that our clients now talk of their hair journey pre/during and post to their friends, family, at support groups and to their Cancer nurses. This way of spreading the word has resulted in my team being invited to discuss the Intralace System and how it can work in at least alleviating concerns of hair loss throughout this stressful time. Ladies I can assure you, no matter why or what diagnosis you have been given for your hair loss, there is no shame in being concerned and having questions about how you can learn to manage your own individual condition whilst creating the most life like illusion of a full head of hair. Recently, our Operations Manager Priya and I have been invited to present at a number of dermatological society presentations this really does fill me with such positivity as 20 years ago this wouldn’t even have been entertained. Keep hope, we are making progress and steadily we will show the world that hair matters. www.lucindaellery-hairloss.co.uk and www.lucindaellery-hairloss.com