Success Stories
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Growing Business - Middle Path Soapery
Inspired by local knowledge and traditional remedies, Middle Path Soapery creates high quality handcrafted soaps with an ethical impact. They use low-energy and low-waste production methods, and the soaps come in non-plastic, environmentally-friendly packaging. They do not contain any artificial colours, fragrance or nasty chemicals. Plus, for every soap purchased Middle Path Soapery will donate to plant a rainforest tree.
Founder Katerina Qabaha Kralova started the business in 2017 out of a desire to combine her love of art and natural, ethical products whilst contributing to the community and the environment. She always wanted to be a part of a project that makes a difference.
The one-to-one coaching sessions were the most important aspect of the programme for Katerina.
“I really appreciated the help of my Enterprise Steps business adviser in the planning stages, because initially I only knew I liked making soap but had no idea where to start with a business.”
Her adviser also helped to organize and structure Katerina’s workload
while preparing for the launch of the product.
“I attended two workshops that I found very useful - one about PR and the other about graphic design. Both workshops were delivered by experts in their fields and their advice was tailored to budding entrepreneurs.”
She also enjoyed networking with other start-up owners whilst attending Enterprise Steps events.
Katerina has achieved remarkable success in a short time period, and is
successfully trading at various art and craft markets and events and looking
into approaching independent shops to stock her soaps.
She explains what makes her product so unique:
“Each soap is accompanied by a quote that gives one something to ponder upon. In the everyday rush, as you stop for a moment to use the soap, you find your spiritual grounding and a moment of calm and relaxation.”
One of the best business decisions she has made so far has been to hire
“an excellent graphic designer” who spent time getting to know her brand.
“There are many natural soap
makers but I feel my packaging puts me apart as it adds value to the experience
of using my soaps. “
Moving forward, Katerina would love to find suitable stockists and start moving towards wholesale.
“I love being able to do what I enjoy. But I also feel empowered and strong because I reached milestones and overcame barriers that I wouldn't have imagined possible a few years ago.... Running my own business has increased my confidence and a healthy belief in my capabilities. “
Take the next steps with your business
Enterprise Steps has developed an innovative programme for London-based pre-start up, start-ups and established businesses to support them in growing to their full potential.
Find out more here, and about our latest workshops and events here.
The Enterprise Steps programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).