Skincare range is growing, naturally
Establishing a business is so hard at the best of times Margaret Goodwyn
ASKINCARE entrepreneur specialising in natural remedies is expanding her range despite the challenges of launching her business just weeks before the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Margaret Goodwyn was inspired to set-up Organic and Botanic in November 2019 after her son burnt his arm on a hot kettle. She used manuka honey to help treat it, and the burn healed leaving no trace.
Mrs Goodwyn, who has a degree in biomedical science and worked for dermatology and plastic surgery specialists, decided to create a range of skincare products suitable for people of all ages with sensitive skin or who suffer from conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and nappy rash.
Now, with the help of Business Durham, she has found a base at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope from which to work. She has also been introduced to CPI (Centre for Process Innovation) based at NETPark in Sedgefield, which is helping her develop the latest addition to her bespoke product range.
Mrs Goodwyn, who lives in Esh, said: “Establishing a business is so hard at the best of times but when you factor in that I launched Organic and Botanic not long before the start of a global pandemic, it’s fair to say the challenge has been even greater.
“I started operating from a laboratory I’d created at my home, but just a few months later the coronavirus pandemic broke out. I quickly realised I needed proper facilities to produce my products and found the space at Durham Dales Centre, but I couldn’t move in until the first national lockdown had eased.”
When the country entered another lockdown just a few months later, she decided to focus my efforts on developing the product range and work on promoting the business.
The Organic and Botanic range, which is available to buy online and through the gift shop at the Durham Dales Centre, includes soaps, bath bombs, body butters, beard oils and moisturisers, made using ethically sourced botanical ingredients.
Mrs Goodwyn said: “As someone with extremely sensitive skin, I know how important it is that the products I use are made from natural, fresh ingredients and that’s what I wanted to achieve from the Organic and Botanic range.
“I am so passionate about what I do and am looking forward to getting through the coronavirus pandemic and really establishing my business.”
Mrs Goodwyn is excited to be working with the likes of Business Durham and CPI to expand her range so soon after launching.
CPI works closely with academia, industry and government to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialisation, and helps firms quickly and cost-effectively bring their innovative ideas to market.
Sarah Slaven, interim managing director of Business Durham – which is the economic development arm of Durham County Council – said: “Margaret is applying all of her experience, both personally and professionally, to launch a business in an area she is incredibly passionate about, which as anyone who runs a business will testify is one of the key ingredients to success.”