After years of working in senior roles for global corporations, Damien Stubbs found himself craving something more meaningful, both professionally and personally. Alongside his partner Lauren Easton, he embarked on a journey that would not only transform their own lives but also lay the foundation for a business rooted in wellbeing, accessibility, and community.
Their venture, Being Well Cold, is Scotland’s first dedicated cold plunge brand. The idea was born during a post-run cold immersion session, a practice that had become central to both founders’ physical and mental health. For Damien, cold water immersion played a pivotal role in his recovery from depression and significant health challenges. For Lauren, it supported her postnatal recovery and return to running. Their shared experience sparked a mission: to make the benefits of cold exposure available to as many people as possible, without the luxury price tag.
The company’s flagship product, the XL Starter Pack, is designed to remove the common barriers to starting cold immersion. Priced at £99, it includes a generously sized tub, non-slip mat, towel, thermometer, branded hat, and ice mould – everything needed to begin safely and consistently. Unlike many competitors, Being Well Cold doesn’t stop at the sale. Each purchase includes access to an online community, expert-led Q&As, and guidance on how to plunge safely and effectively. The goal is not just to sell a product, but to foster a supportive network of individuals committed to improving their wellbeing.
From the outset, the business has been shaped by a strong sense of purpose. A portion of every sale will be donated to Tiny Changes, a Scottish charity focused on young people’s mental health. The company also offers a 10% discount to carers, parents, and anyone supporting someone with mental health challenges through its Supporting Those Who Support Others initiative.
While the business officially launched in October 2025, the groundwork began much earlier. Damien spent months researching the science behind cold exposure, sourcing high-quality products, and exploring different business structures including the potential of a blended CIC model. Throughout this process, he engaged with Business Gateway East Lothian, where he found invaluable support.
“Steve at Business Gateway has been a fountain of knowledge,” Damien shared. “From funding options to acquiring marketing advice, it’s been reassuring to know there’s someone I can reach out to with any question – no matter how small.”
In addition to one-to-one guidance, Damien has taken advantage of online Business Gateway workshops and plans to attend events offered through East Lothian Business Month, helping him build the skills and confidence needed to navigate the early stages of entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, the founders have ambitious plans to expand their impact. In 2026, they aim to launch a mobile cold plunge experience, travelling across Scotland to host free community events that tackle issues like loneliness, mental health, and obesity. These events will offer people the chance to try cold immersion in a safe, welcoming environment complete with changing areas, gazebos, and even coffee. They also plan to collaborate with local wellness and sporting communities, and would love to produce short-form interviews filmed from within the tub with members of the community.
The journey into entrepreneurship has been both challenging and rewarding for Damien. Balancing a young family, full-time work, and a start-up has required early mornings, late nights, and a great deal of grit. But the experience has also been transformative.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: “Before starting a business, get a clear image of what truly matters to you – not just in your future business or lifestyle but also your life today. A ruthless audit of where I invested my time left me shocked at how little of it was spent building or nurturing the things I really cared about, and I expect I am not alone. Cutting unproductive habits like endless scrolling gave me back the hours I needed to invest & build. Building something meaningful takes grit and discipline, when you align your time with your values, that's what makes it possible."
For Damien and Lauren, launching Being Well Cold has been about more than just bringing a product to market, it’s been about creating something that aligns with their values, supports others, and builds a sense of connection. With strong foundations and a clear mission, they’re not only helping people take the plunge into cold water but also into better health, stronger communities, and more purposeful living.
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