Angel Ashcroft

Angel Ashcroft

Owner | Tropic Skincare With Angel

Can you tell us a little bit about your background? 

I have always worked in challenging environments as a Chartered Civil Engineer and Railway Project Manager.  Over the years, my health started to falter, initially with the diagnosis of Epilepsy, then unexplained infertility, and most recently I was diagnosed with breast cancer (triple-negative Grade 3 aggressive) during the second trimester of my second pregnancy.  Each pregnancy took me over 3 years to conceive naturally and I literally felt like my world was tumbling around me when I received the news of the cancer diagnosis.  Thankfully, I had a wonderfully humorous Oncologist, who whilst briefing me on the more serious nature of my condition, was also able to understand exactly what I needed to hear, deliver a plan and throw in the odd light-hearted jokes to lighten the mood.  I received 4 rounds of chemotherapy during pregnancy, a break from the drugs to deliver my son, followed by 12 rounds of weekly chemo, a mastectomy, and radiotherapy with the final news of all clear which has remained so for 5 years now.

What led you to set up your own business?

I first heard about the possible effects of common chemicals found in everyday beauty products at a Breast Cancer meeting and was shocked at how many of these chemicals are toxic, with some actually being known to be carcinogenic.  The beauty industry is not very strictly regulated with a lot of power being placed with “the responsible person” being the manufacturer.  My body was in a poor state from all the cancer-fighting treatment and I was feeling super sensitive from head to toe, unable to use many of my usual favourite products.  I had almost given up on feeling normal again until I discovered Tropic Skincare, which is naturally derived and made fresh to order with products spanning skincare, body care, hair care, sun protection and make up.  I also found out about the amazing ethos of the company, all the different charities they support and how they are constantly striving to do more for sustainability by considering the whole life cycle of their products.  As an Engineer, this is something I always strived for but never felt was fully achieved in my industry.  I decided to become a Tropic Ambassador, even though it was unlike anything I’ve ever done before, but that nagging voice in my head told me that I had beaten cancer and survived and should therefore follow my passion.  I wanted to spread the message so that people can make informed choices as consumers on what they are buying and what sort of Companies and ethos they are supporting.