The Power of Showing Up: Reflections on Our First Exhibition

This September, we took a leap of faith and attended our first-ever exhibition, the Professional Beauty UK and Aesthetic Medicine , for our business, It's Just For Me. It was a decision that came with a significant investment—thousands of pounds for a two-day event. As a small business, it was a big risk, and we knew there were no guarantees. But we recognised the value in simply showing up. And as it turns out, that decision changed so much for us.

Taking the Risk
Running a business predominantly online often means interacting through screens—likes, comments, and emails. While this digital presence is invaluable, it can sometimes feel disconnected. We wanted to bridge that gap and connect face-to-face with the people who have supported us and those who are just discovering what we’re all about.
Investing in the exhibition required careful planning, financial commitment, and stepping out of our comfort zone. But we also saw it as an opportunity—to introduce ourselves to new professionals in the industry, to showcase AfterMED Lips,and most importantly, to meet our customers in person.

The Results
The impact was better than we’d hoped. Since the exhibition, our sales have grown exponentially, and we’ve welcomed four new wholesalers onboard. Our social media presence has also grown, with new followers and engagement levels we hadn’t seen before.
But beyond the numbers, the most rewarding part of the experience was meeting people face-to-face. Hearing customers share how our products or services have impacted them was humbling. People who visited our stand shared how they had been following us online for a while and were excited to meet us in person! Meeting new professionals in the industry and networking with like-minded individuals reminded us why we started this business in the first place.

Showing Up is Essential
Our experience at Professional Beauty UK and Aesthetic Medicine reinforced a simple yet powerful truth: showing up is essential. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about connecting, learning, and growing. And luckily, the risk paid off!

For anyone considering whether to take that leap, whether it’s an exhibition, a networking event, or any other opportunity to connect in person—my advice is simple: do it. Show up, take the risk, and embrace the experience. You never know where it might lead!