beauty industry mourns pioneer of profession
Iconic founder member of beauty organisation that made beauty therapy a recognized career dies
Jean Worth, one of the founding members of BABTAC (British Association for Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) passed away on 14th November 2011. Her work in promoting beauty as a profession throughout her long career was recognised earlier this year at the BABTAC & CIBTAC Awards when she was honoured for her Outstanding Contribution to the Industry.
From building up a successful hairdressing and beauty salon in Hampton Court, just outside London, Jean went on to help establish the Society of Beauty Specialists of Great Britain, the forerunner of BABTAC and then moved on to help Rob Robson, the UK distributor of French product line Guinot successfully establish the products’ use in beauty salons across Britain and Ireland. She created training programmes and helped set up the school that taught beauty therapists in the then-advanced technique of Cathiodermie facial treatments. She travelled widely in Australia and the United States introducing Guinot products and treatments to local distributors. Jean Worth was pivotal in making beauty therapy a recognized career when she corresponded with the Prime Minister in the 1980’s for the national recognition and registration of beauty therapists.
Kim .C.A. Ford, Chair of BABTAC said. “Our organisation is thriving today thanks to this accomplished and driven woman. Jean has paved the way for our therapists of the future so they can excel in what they do, be protected and enjoy an exciting career that they can be proud of. Her legacy will live on thanks to the core vision she instigated for BABTAC to be the major leading association for industry professionals that it is today. Jean will be greatly missed by all at BABTAC.”
When elected chairman of BABTAC Jean was responsible for helping raise standards in beauty education and salon practices. Eventually she retired and settled in Perth, Australia, where she died in hospital with her daughter, Jenny, at her bedside on November 14.