Gina Gardiner & Friends - Gina's Story Part 15

My all time comic hero is Stan Laurel. He was the 1st comedian, comic actor and 'vaudevillian' that really made me laugh. I was 7 years old and living in Uganda at the time and I've been grateful to Stan Laurel for his positive influence ever since.

As my inspiration, compass and as a general 'style guide' to everything I do, Stan Laurel reminds me to keep it funny and engaging - to keep it clear and accessible - and above all else - to keep it kind, underpinned by generosity, humility and warmth.

BACKGROUND

I trained initially as a Drama Teacher at the Central School of Speech & Drama in London, before going on to do the 2 Year Postgraduate Acting course at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, from where I was awarded the Peter Akerman Prize for Comedy.

Since 1988 I have pursued a portfolio career combining all of the transferable skills of being an actor, teacher, trainer, comedy improvisation performer & coach and applied them to my proposition, as to who I am and what I do.

I draw on all of my performance disciplines to inform what has been described as my "unique and powerful approach" to communication skills training and coaching.

ACTOR & VOICEOVER

Since 1988 I have worked extensively in theatre, radio, television, short films & voiceovers.

I have a particular passion for Comedy Improvisation. I am Artistic Director of the highly acclaimed Comedy Improvisation & Corporate Entertainment company, Instant Wit.

Website: https://www.chrisgrimes.uk

KERRY’S STORY

From battling eczema to building StackedSkincare.

Since childhood, I battled severe eczema, a relentless struggle that began when I was just five years old. By eight, it had spread to my eyes and lips, leaving me feeling isolated and insecure.

While many children grow out of eczema, mine only worsened. I endured monthly steroid shots, sleepless nights with ice packs, and even medication to stop the scratching.

In 2008, my skin struggles reached a breaking point. I woke with excruciating elbow pain that turned out to be a severe MRSA infection. I spent five days in the hospital, three months unable to use my left arm, and later two months unable to walk because the infection had spread to my leg.

These experiences forced me to confront my health head-on. Determined to find solutions, I began experimenting in my own kitchen — searching for answers I couldn’t find anywhere else.

At 40, I left my career in tech at Microsoft and Google’s DoubleClick to pursue a license in esthetics. During my training, I invested in advanced technologies, experimented with active ingredients, and developed a unique philosophy: layering treatments, tools, and serums to transform skin health over time.

What started as my personal fight to heal my skin became the foundation for StackedSkincare.

I built this company from the ground up, self-funded and driven by passion, creativity, and problem-solving. My mission is simple: to empower others to achieve their best skin through professional-grade products and at-home rituals that actually work.

Website: https://stackedskincare.com