When George Jones' son developed terrible eczema as a child, she was unable to find any products that didn't aggravate his condition so she set out to create her own by launching Bathing Beauty from her kitchen table in 2010.
Now, thanks to a £45,000 loan from Development Bank of Wales, the ethical skincare company is expanding to meet the ever-increasing demand for its products.
The money will allow George to move into more space in the production hub she rents in North Wales and invest in machinery to make the process more efficient to produce.
George is a qualified osteopath with 20 years clinical experience and a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. She founded her skincare range to deliver a product to wash and moisturise her son’s irritated, sensitive skin.
The business is run at The Source, three converted agricultural buildings between Denbigh and Ruthin. It specialises in manufacturing affordable, effective bath and body care. All products are free from nut, palm and fragrance oil, are registered with either the Vegan Society of the Vegetarian Society and are cruelty free. The gender-neutral packaging is either compostable or recyclable.
George began with one unit in 2013 then moved to two as demand for products grew. She now occupies three units and will be utilise the extra space as part of the company expansion.
The mum-of-three said: “Firstly I created two products to help with my son's appalling sensitive skin. I created a cold processed soap, and an oil called Soothe. These have won three national awards between them. I have since gone on to create over 30 products, each one designed to serve a purpose. We have grown from my kitchen table, selling directly to the public at farmers markets to supplying organisations like CADW and The Royal Horticultural Society. We have around 150 independent stockists.
“Each product is thoughtfully formulated to solve a problem. Every stage, from the creation of the formulae, packaging, design, manufacturing, wrapping and dispatch is carried out in house at The Source. We are in a beautiful grade-II listed building in Llangynhafal, which is owned by Denbighshire council, and the loan from Development Bank of Wales has allowed us to purchase some new machinery. We also have an on-site café, eco-shop and run classes so it can much more of a visitor experience.”
Investment Executive Gaynor Morris said: “George has invested heavily in the business since she set it up and has a clear plan for the future, building on the progress she has made to date. The loan will allow her to further expand the business to produce even more products with the ever-increasing demand. She also has plans to use the building for events and workshops.”
George said the loan from Development Bank Wales has been crucial in allowing her to expand her business.
She said: “I am so grateful to Gaynor. She has been so supportive and helpful since the start. I look forward to our ongoing relationship as she has been instrumental to our expansion. She has spent a lot of time with us and really understands what the business is about."
