By Ian McConnell
A FORMER Harris Tweed weaver has turned a hobby into a full-time occupation with the launch of a home-fragrance business on the Isle of Lewis.
ScentiNess was founded by Marie Gillies in April, after she converted a shed at her home into a workshop, producing candles, wax melts and reed diffusers. Customers are given the option of personalising products with their name or important dates.
The entrepreneur has accessed £4,500 of funding, with support from Business Gateway.
Taxpayer-backed advice service Business Gateway said: “The business initially began as a hobby, with Marie starting it alongside her full-time job as a Harris Tweed weaver. However, the national lockdown in 2020 gave her time to develop her spark of an idea into a business.”
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Ms Gillies was awarded a £2,500 grant through the Outer Hebrides Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Scheme, funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and delivered by Business Gateway. She also accessed a £2,000 loan through Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Revolving Loan Fund, also delivered by Business Gateway.
This funding enabled Ms Gillies to purchase equipment and create her workshop.
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Ms Gillies said: “Business Gateway’s...start-up support has been vital for me as I’ve set about turning my hobby into a business. Through them, I was able to gain access to the wider business support network in the Western Isles and Scotland. This funding was critical to helping my business get off the ground and scale up from my kitchen table. While I’m comfortable with the day-to-day aspect of running a business, building a brand is new to me, and the advice and resources have helped me identify gaps in my knowledge and build my confidence.”
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