'I just love Luton': Beauty boss stays rooted to hometown after journey to international fame

Alisha McCarroll, who describes Luton as home, has spent around 16 years working in aesthetics and as a skin specialist, developing her own skincare brand and received international recognition for her contribution to the beauty and aesthetics industry.

Her journey has taken her from working as a dental assistant to establishing her own clinic and training academy, teaching professionals in Dubai and launching her skincare brand ORAKÉ SKIN.

Raised on a council estate in Luton by a strong single mother, Alisha left Ashcroft High School at 15 years old following the death of her father, and admitted she had little understanding of education opportunities available – and had not even sat a formal exam.

She said: "I didn't understand what university was or anything, because I hadn't even heard of it. I didn't even know there was a sixth form because I never sat an exam either."

However, after eventually sitting an exam and achieving 100 per cent, she began to realise her academic potential.

Alisha said: “My mum was a single parent doing the very best she could. We didn’t have an easy life, but she always tried her hardest for us. Losing my dad at 13 and leaving school with nothing made life challenging, but those experiences made me determined to build a better future.”

At 17, she joined Vogue Dental Care in Luton, where she spent 20 years receiving invaluable guidance, mentorship and support, gradually building her confidence, qualifications and career.

Now a qualified nurse with a Level 7 qualification in Aesthetic Practice, Alisha is the founder of Alisha’s Aesthetics Clinic & Academy and has received 30 industry awards recognising her excellence in aesthetics, education and leadership.

Her latest venture, ORAKÉ SKIN – her own luxury skincare brand in development for around a year to complement her expertise in aesthetics reached the market three months ago with plans to expand through a new website and Shopify store.

She said : “I've had loads of samples that were absolutely awful. It's a hard process, making a product, but once you know what you want in it it’s easy.”

Her success has taken her internationally, including Dubai, where she teaches aesthetics professionals and recently received the UAE Stories Visionary Leadership and Excellence in Beauty and Aesthetics Award, alongside appearing on the front cover of UAE Times.

She was also recognised as a Woman of Inspiration, and has hosted and awarded at the Women of Inspiration Awards in April 2026 at the Luton Grand Royale Banqueting Hall.

Alisha also received an ADHD diagnosis later in life, she said: "I feel like if I do something, I give it 100 per cent, if I'm interested. It just makes me hungry for more.

"It [ADHD] is a superpower as well, because I'm who I am today because I'm literally so focused on an idea.”

Alisha remains attached to Luton and is passionate about challenging negative perceptions of the town. She said: "I just love Luton. I know everyone. It’s my home.”

She has visited Barnfield College and Luton Sixth form to speak to students about the opportunities available within the industry.

She said: "That's why I want to give back. I feel like I'm very passionate about giving back to the community. I love being able to teach somebody that where they're from doesn't define them. You can do anything, and that's what I always say to people.

“It's not easy out there. It is hard, but if you put the work in, I'm living proof you can achieve whatever you want to achieve. I didn't have any handouts.”