It’s not every day you meet someone who seamlessly blends high-tech beauty treatments, frontline healthcare training, and a serial entrepreneur’s drive. But then again, Vivian Ho is not your everyday business owner.
A self-professed “tech-obsessed” innovator with a passion for gadgets and an eye for opportunity, Vivian is on a mission to transform the UK beauty industry with her latest venture: a B2B distribution business introducing magnetic infusion technology to clinics across the country.
“We all love a bit of tech in the UK. This device streamlines treatments and enhances quality. It’s about giving clinics consistent results and helping the industry level up.”
From Numbers to Needles: A Career of Reinvention
Vivian’s professional journey has been anything but linear. Once an accountant, she made the bold decision to pivot into the beauty industry eight years ago. Her focus? Advanced, tech-driven treatments like laser hair removal.
“I don’t do fluffy things like nails and lashes. I’ve always been about the tech. I even travel around the country teaching laser techniques to clinics.”
Her experience in the industry revealed a major opportunity. A handheld magnetic infusion device, widely used across Asia, Australia, and parts of Europe, hadn’t broken through in the UK. Vivian saw the gap and made it her mission to bring it to market.
Launching with Grit
Like many entrepreneurs, Vivian is juggling multiple roles. Alongside her distribution business and consultancy work, she is studying full-time at Edge Hill University to become a nurse paramedic.
“It’s a pioneer course inspired by Scandinavian models. With regulations tightening in beauty, having medical oversight is becoming more important for certain treatments. This qualification will future-proof my career and let me contribute more to the healthcare system.”
But it’s not just about credentials. Her placements in hospitals and on ambulances have given her first-hand insight into the pressures facing healthcare today.
“There just aren’t enough people. It’s intense, but it’s shown me how I can make a real difference.”
On a Mission, But Not Without Challenges
The business side hasn’t been without its hurdles. Fundraising remains a key focus, and breaking into a saturated market has required resilience.
“Visibility is hard. Social media is so noisy. I need to show my face more, be more proactive. That’s not always easy, especially when you prefer real conversations.”
Vivian thrives in person. She’s candid about the loneliness of launching businesses and how much she’s gained from finally finding the right networks.
“It took me years to find a supportive community. I had a midlife crisis at 30 and started over. I wish I had mentors earlier. That’s why I love what we’ve got here at Ministry of Work.”
How Vivian Can Help
With multiple start-ups under her belt and plenty of lessons learned the hard way, Vivian is eager to support fellow members navigating their own ventures.
“If you want advice on starting with no help, or need someone to bounce ideas off, I’m here. I’ve made mistakes and learned from them. It’s a lonely road and people don’t talk about that enough.”
Her insight into product development, launching a physical product, and working with overseas suppliers is especially valuable to others in early growth stages.
What She’s Looking For
In return, Vivian is keen to connect with members who can help her push forward:
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Funding contacts and advice
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Mentors in distribution or product-based businesses
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People who just know someone who might help
“I’m not a fan of online networking. I’d rather meet you face to face. That’s where I light up.”
Beyond the Business
When she’s not studying, building businesses or mentoring others, Vivian finds peace in the outdoors. A rainy weekend hike near Bolton with her dog is her idea of bliss.
“You just jump on the motorway and in 30 minutes you’re in nature. Even if it’s raining, it’s peaceful. Everyone thinks you’re mad, but it’s the perfect reset.”
Her Best Advice?
“Keep going. When it feels like you’ve hit a wall, that’s usually when something breaks through. Just sleep on it, and try again tomorrow.”
Connect with Vivian
Vivian is often found burning the midnight oil at Ministry of Work, especially in the upstairs breakout space. Reach out to her via email, the MoW WhatsApp group or just stop by for a chat.
“I’m around. Just don’t be surprised if I’m the last one in the building.”
