Interview with Kay Greveson

Kay Greveson is an award-winning nurse with over 21 years of experience working as a specialist nurse in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In addition to her groundbreaking nursing work in the field of gastroenterology, Kay is also a qualified independent prescriber of advanced aesthetic techniques and a member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses. She founded her first successful clinic, Regents Parks Aesthetics, in London in 2012. After visiting Antigua on holiday several times and falling in love with the island, she decided to open her first international clinic here in October 2022.

Kay has many A-list and high-profile clients as patients and regularly appears in the media as an aesthetic and beauty expert. The Citizen met with Kay to find out how she is bringing great skin to the twin islands.

You have won awards for your nursing work in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and founded The London IBD Clinic and IBD Passport Charity. Can you tell us more about these endeavours and how helping people with IBD is close to your heart?

Before embarking on a career in aesthetics, my background was as an advanced nurse practitioner in gastroenterology. I cared for patients with a variety of stomach and bowel problems, in particular those with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. During this time, I founded the IBD Passport charity as I realised there was an unmet need tosupport people travelling with chronic health conditions. I still work in this area and have set up the London IBD clinic, as I still like to have the variety of helping people not only with their skin but also with their other longterm health conditions.

What made you make the leap from traditional medicine to aesthetic medicine?

I combined my work as an advanced nurse practitioner in the NHS with running my aesthetic business for over ten years. I had been working as a nurse practitioner for 18 years when the opportunity arose to do an aesthetic training course. I felt it was important to have a broad range of skills, and I really enjoyed learning a new speciality of dermatology and skin health.

I have visited several Caribbean islands but instantly fell in love with Antigua. Not only because of the warm and friendly people but also because I feel it has the perfect mix of Caribbean charm without being overdeveloped.

You started Regents Park Aesthetics in London in 2012. Can you tell us how and why you decided to start another business in Antigua?

I fell in love with Antigua over ten years ago when I visited for the first time with my boyfriend. I purchased a property three years ago, and around this time, through a friend, I met my business partner, Kim Henry, who owns Blink Boss. We started working together, and the rest is history.

What was it about Antigua that you originally fell in love with?

I have visited several Caribbean islands but instantly fell in love with Antigua. Not only because of the warm and friendly people but also because I feel it has the perfect mix of Caribbean charm without being overdeveloped.

How have you found owning a business in Antigua? What advice would you give anyone considering starting something in the twin islands?

This was my first experience of setting up a business overseas. I had similar challenges to those that I faced in the UK, but I was fortunate enough to have friends, including my business partner Kim, who could guide me through the intricacies of working with government authorities and arranging all of the equipment and products to be shipped into Antigua.

The global skincare market is growing year on year and is projected to increase from US$109.71 billion in 2023 to US$167.22 billion by 2030. How are you seeing the change in your clinics and the type of clients you are receiving?

It has always been my aim to bring high-quality treatments to Antigua using only the best machines and products. I am constantly looking at new treatments and skincare trends. Many of my clients are local Antiguans but there are also expats. It’s essential that every service I offer is suitable for all skin types. I regularly ask my clients for feedback regarding the types of services they would like to see in Antigua and evolve them according to what they tell me.

Your clinic offers a wide range of skin treatments. What is your most popular, and what is the most innovative treatment you currently offer?

Soprano Titanium laser hair removal is one of our most popular treatments. It is the gold standard laser suitable for all skin types, and we are the only clinic in Antigua to offer this. The second most popular treatment is Botox.

I would say the most innovative treatment is the Harmony XL Pro, which incorporates several different technologies to help with pigmentation and skin tightening, as well as tattoo removal.

What is your favourite spot in Antigua?

That’s a difficult one as there are so many amazing places. I particularly love Half Moon Bay and Turners Beach. I also love a trip to Barbuda, as the beaches and water are just stunning.

What’s next for you and the clinic?

I’m looking to expand the medical team so that there is more availability for injectable treatments when I am not on island. I am also considering expanding and offering treatments in Barbuda and neighbouring islands such as St Kitts & Nevis, in addition to a seasonal pop-up location in English Harbour.