Case Study
BUSINESS
CASE STUDY CASE STUDY
From adversity to diversification
When holistic therapist Kathryn McIntosh couldn’t see clients during lockdown, she took the chance to diversify her business by creating her own product line…
the launch but had to rethink the whole business plan. My original target market was my existing therapy clients – who I wasn’t seeing any more!
I also had to spend weeks sourcing ingredients and ensuring that there were no issues with supply dues to lockdown. COVID became a huge challenge while trying to plan! The first products launched online in June. Our Natural Deodorant comes in two varieties - Lavender & Tea Tree and Patchouli & Geranium and a ‘Mini Tins’ option. The success of re:treat Apothecary has surpassed all of my expectations! People are so enthusiastic about the products and the ethic of re:treat Apothecary. Sales have been excellent and we are now being stocked in local zero waste shops. As always the
I own a re:treat Aberdeenshire, a small business treating private
best advertising is recommendation, the reviews for the
and corporate clients with a variety of massage,
deodorant have been fantastic. I did lots of product
reflexology and aromatherapy treatments. I also
testing but it’s brilliant to have the general public tell
host events, workshops and collaborations,
you they love your product – and hearing the Natural
particularly focused on aromatherapy. I’ve
Deodorant really works is so important!
been a complementary therapist for 15 years.
Instead of selling a service, I am now selling a
Even before the pandemic, I was aware of the
product, there is so much learning every day from
need to diversify. I couldn’t imagine working
costings, website analytics, wholesaling, effective
long days of Deep Tissue Massage all the way to
marketing – but I am loving the journey.
retirement. As well as having a business need for diversification, I wanted to explore new ideas
I am developing my next products right now
and challenges.
and can’t wait to launch them. I love the creative process as much now as I did 15 years ago and
I began making homemade products
feel privileged to use the power of plants to create
when studying aromatherapy and began
beautiful, natural, sustainable products.
soap making after a backpacking trip. I embraced the need for zero waste
There will be a new exciting challenge finding a balance
products– for our own wellbeing and
between the apothecary and therapies business going
the wellbeing of the planet.
forward, but I am grateful for the time in lockdown to create this new venture.
I’ve been making Natural Deodorant in my kitchen at home for years, between running my therapies business and having a baby! Friends and family gave great reviews of the Natural Deodorant and were eager to start buying it. The business grew from there. I had
Diversification means not having all your eggs in one basket. Take the chance to do something you really care about and seek support wherever you can. You will have no idea what you don’t know yet, so ask anyone and everyone! n
the beginnings of a business plan and contacted my local business development organisation for support, then lockdown struck. I couldn’t see clients and husband was furloughed, meaning I had the luxury of unlimited childcare – and no more excuses! I decided to push on with
holistictherapistmagazine.com
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You can find out more about Kathryn and her products at
www.retreataberdeenshire.com.
holistic therapist 2020
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