Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in Beauty but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Winwood, founder of Made for Life Organics, located in Truro, Cornwall, UK.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

Made for Life has been producing 100% organic skincare which is wonderful for sensitive skin, for nearly 20 years. Based in the heart of Cornwall, we still hand-blend all our balms and oils on-site. Our customers include many spas, salons, and independent therapists across the UK. We create and train spa teams to be able to offer holistic massage treatments that are inclusive for all. This includes those living with life-limiting health issues, including cancer. We also sell Made for Life skincare online.

Tell us about yourself

A long story, but in brief, I was running a hotel in Cornwall in 2003 and loved the idea of the integration of holistic therapies with authentic organic skincare. I met with Dr. Spiezia, who had a medical background with a holistic approach to health, and Made for Life Organics was born. We have evolved the beautiful formulations, working alongside bio-chemists, clinical aromatherapists, and a specialist team from Plymouth University, with whom we undertook a Knowledge Transfer Programme. We also worked alongside spa specialists in aromatherapy, oncology massage, and some of the cancer specialists and surgeons at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. The outcome - a fully accredited and insured Advance Cancer Touch Therapy Training Course. What motivates me still - after 20 years? A simple belief that we are put on this planet not just to make money (which I fully understand is important) but to make positive change. I love that I still walk into our lab, breathe in the scents and see the herbs and flowers infusing their phytochemicals into oils rich in essential omegas. I love the fact that we have trained well over 2500 therapists across the UK and beyond to confidently welcome people living with cancer into their spas (when 96% used to turn them away). I love that every day is different and every day I learn something new.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To have survived a recession and a pandemic and still be standing and growing! More importantly, to have led and worked alongside a team of brilliant people who all believe that health should be accessible to all and seen us change the lives of people living with cancer. Our training has been recognised as one of the best there is.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Juggling cash flow, managing finances, expectations for growth, and to stay focused. Plus achieving a balance between work and home life. You have to be really focused in understanding that time out is healthy. And for your business to be healthy, you need to be healthy.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Get your 'pants of power' on and be ready for the roller-coaster and enjoy it.
  2. Remember a mistake is not a FAIL. It is a First Attempt in Learning. Remember the mistakes!
  3. Do your research before you start - is this business something people want or need, rather than you feeling it is important. Get the data, get your plans and cash flow ready and keep focu

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.madeforlifeorganics.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MadeforLifeOrganics/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforlifeorganics/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/madeforlife_
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/made-for-life-organics/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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