Advice from the Experts

Get more fashion and beauty content from Mimi - a make-up artist with a busy and demanding social calendar at beautyandthedirt.com.

Mimi talks to Michelle Doherty

Michelle Doherty, Director of Alpha-H was first introduced to the brand in New Zealand 15 years ago. After using the products herself for many years, and experiencing amazing results, Michelle purchased the business and moved to Australia with her husband and family.

Since arriving in Australia, Michelle and her husband Dean (General Manager) have expanded Alpha-H adding 17 unique products to the range and have succeeded in making the brand a leader in corrective and preventative skincare.

We're huge fans of the brand at BATD HQ so we’re delighted to bring you an interview with the lady herself.

ABOUT YOU

Background/academic – how did you get into the beauty business?
When I left High School, my first job was in a quaint and very traditional chemist shop where I became a Pharmaceutical technician and I fell in love with makeup and skin care. I worked as a sales representative for Mary Quant and Elizabeth Arden and it all evolved from there...

Why did you decide to launch your own business?
I was living in New Zealand and was introduced to this range, packaged in very plain packaging containing then unheard of AHAs, by two friends. It radically changed my life. I felt so compelled to share this secret with so many others who experienced my desperation in trying to find a solution for my skincare needs.

Why did you decide on the name ‘Alpha H’?
Namely that Alpha-H stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid; it’s also the first letter of the Greek alphabet. We also liked Alpha, as it means the beginning, the highest ranked or the most dominant and when talking Astrology, it is the brightest star of the constellation.

Sum up your business in one sentence? What’s your USP?
Alpha H is where ‘new skin begins’, we also believe the brand is where a ‘new direction begins’. The values that we hold true are those of being Honest, Assured and Stimulating, we actively encourage change and Alpha-H is a brand that you just know will do something exciting next.

Can you name any celebrities that use your products?
Kylie Minogue’s makeup artist LOVES using the Micro Cleanse on Kylie, Susannah and Trinny use the Liquid Gold and a few iconic Australians such as Joanna Griggs.

Hero Alpha H products that are a must-try?
My absolute Hero product that is a definite MUST try is the Liquid Gold; it’s a facial in a bottle. Next would be the Ultra Protector SPF 30+ Sunscreen which contains Zinc Oxide, I don’t go a day without using it. Finally, the Liquid Gold Poly Oxidant Serum, as it thinks like a veil and acts like a shelter.

Career highlight to date
Launching into London and Europe has been a massive highlight for me as 10 years ago I would never have dreamt it possible!

INSPIRATIONS

Favourite discovery?
Simply You - a New Zealand Lifestyle publication.

Who inspires you?
My children and Mary Quant – for her determination, persistence and style.

Daily extravagance?
Power walking and exercising around Sanctuary Cove, the wildlife we see on a daily basis is truly a treat.

Favourite place on earth?
My home.

Happiest when..?
With my husband, children and closest friends.