An East Lothian skin therapist has launched a new partnership with a local skincare brand after receiving support from Business Gateway.
Caryn Fower Advanced Skin Therapy is led by skin therapist Caryn Fower. She combines clinical expertise with a holistic approach to skincare. Recently, she partnered with fellow East Lothian business Raven Botanicals, which creates all-natural and ethically produced skincare products.
Sisters Arabella and Charlotte Harvey founded Raven Botanicals to develop natural and sustainable skincare products. Their range aims to care for and nourish skin at every stage of life.
As part of the partnership, Caryn now uses Raven Botanicals products in her treatments and recommends them to clients. In addition, she has developed a Raven Signature Facial and offers products for clients to use at home.
Caryn has also expanded into new premises. As a result, she can offer additional services to her growing client base. Furthermore, she has welcomed fellow sole traders into a spare treatment room, creating new opportunities for collaboration and business growth.
Both businesses recently reached the finals of the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. The awards celebrate businesses and individuals who demonstrate excellence in their field.
Caryn first approached Business Gateway when she launched her business. She received one-to-one support with start-up planning and financial forecasting. In addition, she successfully secured a UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) New Business Support Grant from East Lothian Council. The funding helped cover key start-up costs, including her treatment licence, website domain and accounting software.
Caryn also regularly attends Business Gateway workshops and networking events. This helps her continue developing her skills and growing her business.
Similarly, Arabella and Charlotte sought support from Business Gateway when they launched Raven Botanicals. They initially worked with a start-up adviser and now receive support from a growth officer. In addition, they have accessed international trade advice from both Business Gateway and Scottish Enterprise. The business has also benefited from a UKSPF Business Growth and Innovation Grant, e-commerce support and assistance from East Lothian Council.
Caryn Fower, founder of Caryn Fower Advanced Skin Therapy, said:
"Business Gateway helped me from the start, giving me practical advice, reassurance and the right introductions at the right time.
"Their support has been a big part of my journey to this point.
"Working with Raven Botanicals has been such a natural next step for my business.
"Our values around skincare and wellbeing are closely aligned, and the feedback from clients has been fantastic.
"We wouldn't have come together without Business Gateway, so we have them to thank for this partnership."
Irene Ramsay, Business Gateway East Lothian Adviser, said:
"This is a fantastic example of local expertise and female entrepreneurship coming together.
"Caryn, Arabella and Charlotte are committed, professional and focused on making a real impact in their field.
"Their collaboration demonstrates the value of a strong local business network, and we're proud to have played a role in their continued success."
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