An ambitious North Devon fragrance maker has benefitted from a £10k Start Up Loan via delivery partner SWIG Finance.
Essence of Hartland creates handmade home fragrances using high-quality essential oils. Their scents are inspired by the dramatic coastline and stunning marine life found on the Hartland Peninsula in Devon.
The business was launched by entrepreneur Joseph Brady in 2019 and has already built the strong foundations of a solid customer base, which includes a number of high-profile wholesale customers.
The funding will play a crucial role in supporting Joseph to meet growing customer demand by enabling him to invest new equipment.
Product lines include diffusers, candles and room sprays which come in a variety of inspiring aromas. Their ‘Rain’ product line comes highly recommended, with a delicate and fresh scent reminiscent of long meadow walks in spring rain.
You can explore their product offering via their beautifully designed e-commerce website.
Sustainability is at the very core of Essence of Hartland. To support wildlife diversity, use of plastics are kept to a minimum, and all ingredients and packaging are locally sourced to support the local business community.
Exciting plans are in place to support business growth over the next three years, which includes launching a new range of products.
Formerly a digital marketing expert, Joseph had carved a solid career working with luxury beauty brands. His role was demanding and involved a vast amount of travelling which had been affecting his work-life balance. It was at this point that Joseph decided to relocate from London to Devon and take the leap to become a small business owner.
Joseph commented “Finding products containing natural ingredients has always been a challenge and I felt there was a demand for honestly made home fragrances. I truly believe that natural aesthetic scents can be used to support wellbeing. After 15 years of providing marketing to similar brands, I decided it was time for me to focus on starting-up my own business. The Start Up Loan funding means that I can accelerate the growth plans and take my business to the next level. My business manager, Nicki, supported me throughout the application process”.
SWIG’s business manager, Nicki Kimberley said “Joseph has a distinctive product and a strong background in marketing which will be instrumental as the business continues to grow. We are looking forward to seeing how the business evolves and have no doubt that Joseph will be highly successful in his venture”.
Richard Bearman, Managing Director at Start Up Loans, said: “Start Up Loans exists to help aspiring businesses owners and early-stage businesses to get access to the finance and support they need to thrive and so I’m delighted that Start Up Loans has been able to support Joseph Brady and play a part in the success of Essence of Hartland.”
About SWIG Finance
SWIG Finance is the South West’s leading Community Development Financial Institution. We are passionate about bringing social and economic benefits to people and places in the South West.
We do this by providing support and finance to Start Ups and growing SMEs that can create and secure employment opportunities.
As the South West’s leading delivery partner for Start Up Loans UK, we can provide Start Up loans from £500 – £25,000. For more information visit https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/start-up-loans/
We also have loans from £10,000 to £250,000 available to South West SMEs who cannot access sufficient funding from their bank https://www.swigfinance.co.uk/funds-available/
For an informal discussion about your funding requirements, get in touch with our friendly and professional team to find out how we can help: info@swigfinance.co.uk / 01872 227 932.