From Poolside to Prestige: Claire Potter’s Rise in the World of Aesthetics

From lifeguard to model, midwife to sought-after aesthetic practitioner, Claire Potter’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Northern Ireland, Claire’s career began by keeping swimmers safe at her local pool, but a chance opportunity led her into modelling, igniting a passion for new experiences and connections. Later, inspired by her mother’s dedication, she felt a deep calling to midwifery, a field in which she would spend over 15 years perfecting her skills in London’s top hospitals. But her journey didn’t stop there—driven by a desire to blend her caring nature with artistry, Claire transitioned into the world of aesthetics. Now, as the founder of CP Aesthetics in London, Claire brings her expertise, artistry, and commitment to helping clients look and feel their best.

Starting as a lifeguard at a local pool, you unexpectedly entered the world of modelling. What was that transition like for you, and how did it shape your confidence and perspective at a young age?

I’ve struggled with confidence from a very young age, and being on the catwalk was especially nerve-wracking for me. I used to shake like a leaf whenever I stepped out there.

As you travelled for photo shoots and pursued a modelling career with Style Academy, what were some of the most memorable or impactful experiences you encountered?

As you travelled for photo shoots and pursued a modelling career with Style Academy, what were some of the most memorable or impactful experiences you encountered?

I met my best friend, Lynsey, on a modelling trip to Turkey. We were working for Kookai clothing and Tesco’s first clothing line, Cherokee. It was an incredible experience that brought us closer together as we shared a hotel room and learned the ins and outs of the modelling world. Together, we built our confidence, trading tips on walking the catwalk and posing in front of the camera.

Having been a midwife for over 15 years, what do you feel are the most rewarding aspects of this role, and how has it helped you grow personally?

They say, ‘Find a job you enjoy doing, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ For me, this couldn’t be more true when it comes to midwifery. Supporting women from pregnancy through the birth of their babies is a true privilege.

My passion for midwifery started young. As a child, I would watch my mum—who was also a midwife—go to work and manage a maternity ward. I was always inspired by her dedication and the care she showed for her patients. When I was 13, the ‘Bring Your Daughter to Work Day’ program came along, and that’s when I knew midwifery was what I wanted to do.

From an early age, I was never without a doll in my arms, and as I grew, I was constantly around real babies in my neighbourhood. Any family with a newborn could expect me to visit, eager to help. One neighbour even told me I helped her through postnatal depression because every day after school, I’d come by to take her baby out in the pram. Experiences like these helped me realise how much I wanted to support others through this meaningful work.”

Post-COVID, you transitioned into the field of aesthetics. What prompted this shift, and how does your experience as a midwife shape your approach to aesthetics?

I am now happily married in London to my amazing, inspiring Husband and a mum of three boys I love being a mum and watching my children grow. During Covid, my children were traumatised when I was going to work. So I felt it was time to think about a career outside the hospital one that was more flexible to parenthood. I put up a vision board in my room and every day I looked at that vision board and put new ideas together. During this time I lost my beloved granny Norma. She was a big inspiration and character, She always told us that she was psychic and she believed, when I was a little girl that I was going to move to London. Sadly, nanny Norma passed away in Covid and I didn’t get to say goodbye In her will, she had left me a little something.  I decided then that this money wouldn’t go to waste. I was going to invest it in myself, as I knew this is what Nanny Norma would’ve wanted for me, to learn a new skill, to have financial independence. Nanny Norma was a big fan of glamour and the beauty industry, so my decision was made, I was going to become an aesthetic practitioner. So I started my first aesthetic training course with cosmetic courses in London. Here is where my confidence started to grow, I worked alongside my mentor on the King’s Road in Chelsea for the first year before branching out on my own.

Aesthetic treatments can make people feel anxious. How do you use your medical background and caring nature to help clients feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey?

When meeting a new aesthetic client, we always discuss their medical history and what they are hoping to achieve from their treatment. Being a midwife enables me to deal with the most complex of cases ie allergic reactions and vascular. Midwifery has taught me great transferable skills that I now use in aesthetics.  In midwifery we are constantly updating practice, I regularly learn in over 40 different training packages per year. Looking after women at their most vulnerable times has its challenges, through this I was able to learn how to build trust with my patients and became a holistic practitioner which enabled me to personalise care according to each need. Listening to women is very important and understanding fears and concerns. After all, my job is to make sure that they have the best experience and the safest outcome which also applies to aesthetics. This now supports me in the aesthetic world. My aesthetic treatment is always to enhance what they naturally have and love about themselves.

You’ve trained with leading names in the aesthetics industry and regularly updated your skills. What new or innovative techniques are you particularly excited about, and how do you stay informed on the latest advancements?

Every year I attend the UK’s largest medical aesthetic event. Uniting surgical & non-surgical medical aesthetic community. Through this, I update myself on new and advanced cosmetic procedures critiquing my skills constantly to ensure I am providing safe practice for my clients. I also attend Galderma updates about new products on the market and training.

Managing your own aesthetics clinic, CP Aesthetics must come with its challenges and rewards. What have been some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in running your clinic?

Starting a business on my own was very scary but with hard work and determination I have started to notice the benefits In the hospital setting, we work long hours while with my aesthetic clinic, I work between school hours, sometimes providing a mobile service to my client’s home so they feel safe in their own surroundings.

Your goal is to enhance natural beauty and restore confidence for clients. Can you share a story of a client transformation that resonated deeply with you?

I have a very special client, that came to me after a fall, She was left with scarring on her face. At her first consultation, she broke down explaining to me that she was now so self-conscious that she couldn’t go out. That the scarring on her face had affected her self-esteem deeply. Before we met she’d tried various treatments, products, and even makeup, but nothing seemed to work.  She admitted during the consultation that her scars made her feel like people were always staring at her face, and she’d lost the confidence to go out without layers of makeup. After a few treatments with microneedling and PRP, she now has the glowing skin she dreamed of.

With the focus on scientifically-backed treatments, client education, and ethics, how do you balance innovation with safety in your CP Aesthetics services?

After my training in aesthetics, I did an apprenticeship with my mentor in Chelsea on the King’s Road, as his aesthetic business was well-established with a huge client base, he supported me to becoming the aesthetics practitioner I am today. My clients appreciate being treated as people, not just cases. Listening to them thoroughly, being empathetic, and tailoring care to individual needs is crucial. I try to advocate a personalized approach with my clients.