Guilsfield entrepreneur wins Powys Sole Trader Award

An entrepreneur who has developed her interest in soapmaking into a natural skincare products business celebrated success at the Powys Business Awards.

Samantha Farr, who runs skincareBOOtique from Lower Varchoel Farm, Guilsfield, won the Sole Trader Award, sponsored by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, at the annual awards ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon on Friday.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), the awards showcase the diverse range of successful enterprises within Powys.

“I am absolutely delighted to win this award, especially when looking at the quality of the other finalists,” said Samantha. “It’s an endorsement of what I believe in, and my passion has been recognised. It also provides impetus for pushing the business forward.

“I shall continue to expand my range of products this autumn and into the future and, building on the benefits that customers are finding from good quality, natural skincare at fair and competitive prices, promote growth from marketing and sales opportunities.”

Samantha launched her own business in 2021, having developed an interest in soapmaking and skincare whilst working in the cleaning industry and whilst making melt and pour soaps with her family.

Through online courses and detailed research, she boosted her knowledge of natural soapmaking and skincare cosmetics legislation, whilst developing a full traceability system for product batch and ingredients.

Business Wales provided budgeting, business planning, cashflow and marketing support and Samantha has enhanced her website and social media knowledge.

Starting with two soap bases, each with seven variations, which were sold on market stalls and at sales events, skincareBOOtique has extended its product range and sales outlets.

There are now four soap bases, each with characteristics that Samantha has designed into them, together with essential oil variants.

Market research and customer requests have resulted in the development of further skincare products, including body butters, hand balms, shampoo and animal care, as well as a line of essential oils.

Social media, online networking, a growing distribution network and attendance at local markets are boosting product and brand awareness and sales.

Production, packaging and marketing are underpinned by skincareBOOtiques’ zero waste goal and some ingredients are sourced locally.

The business has won a series of accolades for its positive environmental stance, including the Business in Focus Green Goal Award, Celebration of Newtown 2023 Awards runner-up in the Climate Award category, European-wide ‘Free From’ Skincare 2023 silver award, a ‘Free From’ Skincare 2024 bronze award and a 2024 Vegan Beauty Award.

Prize money has been invested in solar energy and batteries to reduce the carbon footprint of product manufacture.

The award judges said: “We were blown away by Samantha’s deep knowledge of the skincare market and use of particular products. She has gone to great lengths in terms of self-development to make the business work.”

Award runners-up were Seren Handmade, Bwlch-y-ffridd, Newtown, and Belan Bluebell Woods, Llanidloes.

PICTURE: skincareBOOtique owner Samantha Farr receives the Sole Trader Award from Michael Miles a director of Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, sponsor.