My Secret Life: Dr Frances Prenna Jones, celebrity facialist

(Alastair Levy)

My parents were... doctors, so perhaps my path was predestined, but I didn't consider a career in medicine when growing up. I was determined to go to art school.

The house/flat I grew up in... was Georgian, big and cold, in Wales, with views to the sea and to the hills – I dream about it now.

If I could change one thing about myself... I'd love to be taller, although being petite gives me the excuse to indulge my passion for good heels. And I think most women could do with being less self-critical.

You wouldn't know it but I am very good at... cooking – I'm a great cook and I love to cook for a house full of hungry people. I'm definitely a feeder.

You may not know it but I'm no good at... singing. It's insulting to people in the room if I start to sing.

At night I dream of... my house in the country which is my haven and sanctuary. It's always full of laughter and love and you'll find me at the Aga cooking up a storm.

What I see when I look in the mirror... I am quite pragmatic about what I was given in the looks department. It sounds dull but a healthy mind and body is really what matters.

I wish I'd never worn... Issey Miyake in the 1980s – giant blue cords and harem pants two sizes too big. I'm not sure what I was thinking.

I drive... When I'm in the country I drive a car I call 'the beast'. It was built for the countryside and takes no prisoners.

My house is... In London, it's all white walls and mid-century Scandinavian furniture while my house in the country is white walls and 17th-century Welsh oak furniture. I am lucky to enjoy the best of both worlds.

My favourite item of clothing... A late-1970s Chanel black shift dress with a black bow – over 30 years old and still rocking. It's a treasure and I will keep it forever.

My favourite work of art... Mrs Rowlands by Welsh artist Kyffin Williams. He was such a passionate ambassador for the arts in Wales and truly captured the beauty of the landscape – putting our small country on the international art map.

It's not fashionable but I like... country music. Dolly is my guilty pleasure.

My secret crush is... Gardeners' World's Monty Don. What's not to like about a softly-spoken, educated and rugged chap who is happy to get his hands dirty?

Movie heaven... Babette's Feast. Set in the 19th century, the film is beautifully cast, the photography is breathtaking and the plot simple but captivating.

A book that changed me... Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – I fell in love with every character and was totally captivated by the romantic world she created.

My greatest regret... There are many but life is too short to dwell on them.

My real-life villains... My ex-builders! I could write a book on how to deal with tricksy builders.

The last time I cried... When my darling dog Monty died and I miss him every day.

My five-year plan... To complete my signature skincare range and see it in all my favourite stores around the world.

What's the point? My goodness – everything is the point. We are so lucky to be here, so need to focus on the positive and remember to thank whoever you believe in for all your good fortune.

My life in six words... Fortuitous, unexpected, adventurous, creative, fulfilling, funny.

A life in brief

Dr Frances Prenna Jones (she declines to give her age) was brought up in Wales. After training as a medical doctor, she moved to Australia to complete her studies. Dr Jones has become a favourite facialist with celebrities including Kate Moss, Davina McCall and Louise Redknapp, offering 'age maintenance' using non-invasive treatments at her clinic in Mayfair, London. In 2006, she launched the cult beauty product, Formula 2006