BETWEEN them friends and business partners Angela Profit and Lynn Smith have almost 120 years of life experience – which they are now putting to good use through their brand new business venture, making natural skincare products.
“We decided to set up our own business ‘O’Naturelle’ some months ago” said Angela, “Because we knew that many of the skincare products on the market were overpriced and had ingredients with a questionable history. It has taken a lot of hard work and research to set up, but we have finally got there – and now we produce our own range of natural creams and lotions with essential oils such as frankincense, rose and other organic ingredients.
“There is so much that goes in to what we do. For months Lynn has been undertaking research on the ingredients that are used in our products and everything we produce has to be certified by a chemist, so it is a very lengthy process that is involved, for each product to reach our high standard.”
Through O’Naturelle Angela and Lynn, who first became friends whilst walking their dogs, sell a range of natural products including lip balms, oils, creams, gels, moisturisers, cleansers and lotions which are currently available at crafts fairs and markets throughout the area and via their website.
Angela and Lynn decided to start up the business when they were both looking for a new challenge in their lives.
“I wanted to do something different” added Angela, “who had previously worked as a holistic therapist, “And Lynn had been working as a building surveyor but was struggling due to the dwindling property market, so we decided to join forces and work on a new venture together.”
Prior to launching the business Angela and Lynn came along to The Women’s Organisation where they received free help and advice. They worked on a one-to-one basis with a business adviser who helped them put together their business plan and were given the opportunity to attend a number of business-related workshops.
Lynn said: “We found out about The Women’s Organisation through Sefton Invest – and we’re so glad that we did! The help we received was fantastic and the courses we attended were very good too.
“Although I had previously been self-employed The Women’s Organisation was still very beneficial, because there is always something new you can learn.”
Lynn and Angela, who are both mums to their grown-up children, are looking to develop their product range further in the future and are hoping to get their products into retail outlets throughout the area as well as attending markets and fairs every month.
“There is continuous work to be put in” added Lynn, “every time we decide on developing a new product there is just so much research to do and then there is the whole process of making and packaging it. It is both challenging and enjoyable work.”
Angela added: “I can honestly say that I am thoroughly enjoying what I do.”
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the range of products available through O’Naturelle should visit www.onaturelle.co.uk or should call Angela or Lynn on 07903 033 044 or 07944 553 591.
And, if like Angela and Lynn you are a woman from the Sefton area who is interested in starting up your own business please call The Women’s Organisation on 0151 236 6601 or visit www.thewomensorganisation.org.uk
