About Us
It’s funny how life throws us curveballs – like a nasty car accident that led me to where I am today. Sometimes, inspiration hits when you least expect it.
In July 2010, after a car accident forced me to step away from hands-on work in my salon, I found myself bored and restless. So, I started experimenting with essential oils and natural ingredients, hoping to create something special for my Therapists to use in treatments. That's when I concocted the Lemon Sherbet Fizz Body Scrub and Massage Oil.
The scent was divine, just like those old-fashioned Refresher sweets, and my clients adored it (hint: it's now available in the Feel...Uplifted products). It quickly became a salon staple, offering truly bespoke treatment packages, and soon, this creative spark ignited something much bigger.
That spark led to the birth of Cognito Spa, a brand devoted to delivering luxurious, handmade products to salons and spas across the UK.
But my journey didn’t end there. The chronic back pain from not one but two car accidents (the second in October 2011) and other health challenges made it tough to grow my business as I envisioned. Yet, these setbacks deepened my commitment to helping others.
Recognising that my physical limitations didn’t have to limit my impact, I developed a series of courses to teach others how to create their own skincare products. (Learn more here) Sharing the knowledge and techniques that brought so much joy to my clients has been incredibly rewarding.
My current ready-made collection, including the much-anticipated Hair Oil, is crafted to infuse your self-care routine with the same luxury my salon clients enjoyed.
Now living with arthritis in my hands, feet, and knees has shown me firsthand the incredible benefits of aromatherapy. My products aren’t just about luxury — they’re about healing, comfort, and well-being, blending natural ingredients with therapeutic essential oils to nurture both body and mind.
When I'm not formulating skincare products or teaching others to do the same, you'll find me enjoying the simple pleasures of life. I live in Preston with my two daughters, two dogs, and three cats. I love all things blue and am rather partial to a nice gin & tonic.
Always brimming with business ideas, I dream of launching my own gin brand one day. I’ve even got the perfect name for it: SarCo Ginsmith!
