Haven't we had the most amazing Autumn this year - the spectacular colours and dry weather with blue skies certainly lifted the spirits. For the last newsletter of 2021, here's an update on what we've been up to this year.
It's been a busy and fun year, starting with a business photoshoot in early Spring with Suzy Ellis Brand Photography. As a small business that launched in early 2020, there was no budget for advertising or photography. So this year, we decided to take the plunge and book a session with Suzy, which has helped boost our brand. With several photographs appearing across our social media pages and website, we were excited to see increased inquiries and sales. Thank you, Suzy!
As we headed into Summer, we realised that running a small business takes lots of energy, passion and juggling. Our company of one person (me) became a business of two. I quickly realised that I needed help to market, sell, plus manage the website, so thankfully, my husband joined Live Well and has taken over the web and financial side of things.
Thank you, Kel!
Mid-year we applied for our Vegan Trademark - this was a four-step process to register our soap and skincare collection with the Vegan Society UK. There is a cost involved, and we spent a considerable amount of time completing all the necessary paperwork. We are incredibly proud to be Certified Vegan and to be able to display this Trademark and certificate on our website and product labels.
The Vegan Trademark reassures customers that there are no animal derivatives in any of our ingredients, nor have the manufacturer used ingredients in animal testing.
Thanks to all our suppliers who readily gave up their time to provide the Vegan Society with additional product information for our certification.
Summer saw the launch of a new and fragrant collection of skin-loving soap bars, eco-scented candles and a beautiful collection of toiletry-cosmetic bags. Bags of Bath designed and made our first wash bag in 2020 and designed our beautiful Beach Huts and Sailing Boat bag 2021 collection.
We've had lots of positive feedback from customers on our new products and appreciated all your lovely comments; thank you!
In a sea of tiny businesses, it's easy to become lost in the vastness of the world wide web. To raise our profile without the high cost of advertising, we registered Live Well with several websites & platforms that are keen to promote products sustainably made in the UK. These platforms are a great place to find hundreds of other small businesses that make or sell products here in the UK and that help boost local economies and employment.
As part of our desire to become more sustainable and cut down on air/sea miles, and buy homegrown goods, we promote our soap and skincare on like-minded online directories and platforms:
This year we also become a fully paid-up member of The Federation of Small Businesses.
The FSB are business experts and offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in government. They are a not-for-profit organisation, led by a team of members, serving the small business community across the UK.
It's reassuring to know we can speak to the FSB and get good sound business advice when we need it at a low cost and from experts.
In early Autumn, we launched a fabulous Tote & Shopper bag collection. Designed and made for us by Star Goat Designs and Bags of Bath, we showcase these lovely artisan bags on our website's new Home & Lifestyle page.
Our thanks to the talented Shelley & Jane!
In late October, we finally managed to take a long-awaited break. Despite Covid and Brexit, our trip to France was stress-free, and it gave us the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge and enjoy some French hospitality. A visit to the French markets and my usual draw to soap seller's stalls resulted in the purchase of several bars of soap!
From both of us at Live Well, we'd like to thank you for your continued support of our little business. We wish you a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year!
Pam & Kel x
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities to collaborate with other brands - if you're interested, please get in touch. www.livewellnaturalskincare.co.uk. 01980 611083.