Step into the world of Kerry Wilkinson- an award-winning aesthetician, advanced Level 7 injector, and the passionate founder behind Wilkinson Aesthetics. With over two decades of experience working with the face, Kerry is known not only for her expert hands but also for her heart-led approach to beauty. Her clinic is a haven where science meets nature, and every client leaves feeling empowered.
In this inspiring interview, Kerry opens up about her journey, the highs and lows of the industry, her views on natural aesthetics, and her exciting plans for the future. Get ready as we unfold the captivating story and insights of Kerry Wilkinson.
- Kerry, can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to enter the world of aesthetics?
I’ve always been creative, seeing the world differently from those around me. My journey began in makeup artistry for film and stage, but I soon realised I was a homebody at heart. At 18, I started my first business in skin and beauty, but after my son was born with Down syndrome, I took time off to focus on him. When I returned, I saw beauty through a new lens that embraced uniqueness. Helping people feel empowered while recognising themselves fuels my passion. With 23 years of experience, I know exactly where I’m meant to be in aesthetics.
- What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting out in this industry?
Starting out in the facial aesthetics was daunting. The industry felt competitive and unwelcoming at first, but I chose to surround myself with the 70% who uplift and support each other. My biggest struggle was self-belief. It wavered in my early years, especially, working solo in a small town in Cumbria. Endless scrolling through aesthetic forums only fueled my doubts. I nearly walked away from a business I had poured my heart into, but I held on. I now see many others facing the same crisis of confidence. My advice? Breathe, reflect, and trust in your journey.
- What was your vision when you founded Wilson Aesthetics, and how has it evolved over time?
My passion has always been people. Beyond transformations, it’s about protecting identity and creating a safe, welcoming space, somewhere I’d trust for my own family. For 20 years, I’ve built a clinic where clients feel valued, not just like a paycheck. My team is incredible, and our clients feel like family. We stay humble, always learning, always prioritising safety and honesty, while ensuring everyone who walks through our doors feels heard. Education is key, and we continuously evolve to provide the best, most ethical care. Most importantly, we empower clients to embrace their beauty with confidence, ensuring they leave not just looking good, but feeling good too.
- As an advanced Level 7 injector, what sets your techniques apart from others?
A Level 7 qualification is often undervalued, yet it’s crucial for ensuring safe, informed aesthetic treatments. With little regulation in injector training, this qualification sets a higher standard, going beyond learning where and what to inject, to understanding why. It fosters deeper knowledge, allowing for tailored, safe, and responsible treatment plans. Ultimately, it’s about respect for the client, their safety, and the responsibility we carry as practitioners in an ever-evolving industry.
- Aesthetic treatments are evolving rapidly. What are some of the most innovative techniques you use in your practice?
The future of aesthetics in 2025 is all about regeneration, with a sheer focus on skin health and biostimulators like polynucleotides, exosomes, and PLLAs. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production and cell renewal, offering natural, long-lasting results, something more clients are seeking today. It’s refreshing to see this shift toward preventative care because when you invest in your skin early, it rewards you with lasting elasticity and volume. Prevention will always be better than cure!
- There’s a lot of debate around natural-looking results versus more dramatic enhancements. Where do you stand on this?
I always trust my instincts when treating clients, believing that less is more, both for natural results and to protect mental well-being. The ability to say no is what sets ethical practitioners apart. While I value client-led consultations, I never treat them unnecessarily.
As a mother, I worry about the pressures of filters, unlicensed practice, and low self-esteem in today’s world. I want my daughter to see beauty in a natural, healthy way. When younger clients seek treatment, I prioritise education and subtle enhancements, ensuring they feel supported throughout the journey.
My passion lies in age reversal, where I’ve won multiple awards. I believe that overly dramatic results often disrupt the natural balance, making everyone look the same. Aesthetics should celebrate individuality, not erase it.
- What’s one treatment you think is underrated or misunderstood?
I love chin augmentation, an often-overlooked treatment that plays a key role in facial balance and harmony. Many people worry it will make their face look too long, but that’s a common misconception.
For those with retrogenia (a receding chin), the lower face can appear weak, affecting jawline definition and overall symmetry. Enhancing the chin not only improves proportions but also creates a subtle lift, reducing the appearance of pre-jowls and even softening a double chin. It’s a game-changer for facial structure. All hail the chin!
- You’ve already won several prestigious awards. Can you tell us about those achievements and any exciting nominations you’re currently up for?
I feel incredibly grateful for the recognition I’ve received over the years. I’ve won Best Business Cumbria in 2019, PMU Artist of the Year, and Best Lips in 2024. I’ve also placed 2nd for Aesthetic Practitioner of the Year and 3rd for Best Aesthetic Clinic in 2024, which means so much in such a competitive industry.
At the International Aesthetic Awards, I’ve been honoured with wins for Best Non-Surgical Facelift (2022), Best Age Reversal and Best Male Aesthetics in 2023, and now I’ll be judging the Age Reversal category in 2024.
In the Beauty and Skincare Awards, I took home Best Facial Contour and Best Anti-Ageing Transformation in 2024 and placed 2nd for Best Aesthetic Practitioner that same year.
More recently, I won Best Dermal Filler 2024 at the Beauty and Aesthetic Awards, and I’m proud to be judging the Industry Leader SPMU category at the Female Boss Awards in 2025.
And 2025 is off to an exciting start, I’m a finalist for 16 awards this year, and I’m truly blown away. It’s been an incredible journey, and I still feel like I’m just getting started. To learn more about my journey and services, follow me on instagram @wilkinsonaesthetics or visit my website www.wilkinsonaesthetics.com.
- What’s next for Kerry Wilkinson? Where do you see yourself and your business in the next five years?
I’ve never had the desire to grow big, I utterly enjoy the one-to-one connection with my clients and want to keep doing what I love for as long as I can. While I have teaching qualifications and may explore that path one day, my real passion lies in education at a deeper level.
I’d love to work with local schools to help young people build self-esteem and understand the reality of aesthetics beyond social media. Having a daughter myself, I see how easily influenced she and her friends can be. I want to encourage confidence and resilience while offering a balanced view of this industry. It’s so crucial that the next generation approaches aesthetics with realistic expectations and respect.