RUNNING a global business from the Outer Hebrides has obvious challenges; lack of ambition clearly isn’t one of them for Essence of Harris.
Indeed, the candle, fragrance and gift brand hopes its products will one day achieve stratospheric success – literally.
“We’ve just written to Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson, all of whom have space programmes, offering to develop fragrances for their astronauts that will remind them of home,” says co-founder Jamie McGowan.
“We’re always looking to innovate. Just because we’re from a small rural community doesn’t mean we don’t have great ideas and plenty of ambition.”
Such determination has already led the Harris-based company to achieve a six-figure turnover through stores in Tarbert and at Inverness Airport, as well as the thriving online shop.
And now Mr McGowan, who is originally from Glasgow, and his co-founder and partner Deenie MacLeod, a Hearach (Harris native), are in the process of expanding and diversifying even further. A new shop at Aberdeen Airport will open next year, while two sales reps in the US will sell an expanded range of products – incorporating a specially designed tartan - to markets across North America and beyond.
Essence of Harris has come a long way since the couple, who have a three-year-old son, Arron, launched in 2015 as a way to utilise spare capacity in the premises of another business they ran. The journey since then highlights the importance of creative thinking.
“Deenie and I were on the beach one day at Huisinis, trying to think of something not being made on the island,” explains Mr McGowan. “I used to clean windows on the island and looking into people’s homes I noticed so many of them had scented candles and diffusers, yet no one was making them here.
“We thought it was important to create a sense of place, so named the range after the beaches the island is renowned for. Over the months that followed we learned our craft and people really loved the product.
“We now also own the Essence of Scotland brand, which will help us take our ranges to an international audience. We have aspirations to open in Singapore and Hong Kong.”
The recent achievements of the firm have led to two nominations at this year’s Highland Business Awards. But according to Mr Gowan creating jobs in the local community is the real measure of success.
“We’re on a very exciting journey,” says the entrepreneur, who also owns a successful facilities management company and is involved in a new craft brewery due to open on the island. “Local people have bought into our dreams and aspirations, and if we work together we can help make a better future for everyone who lives here.
“Soon the Essence of Harris team will number 20. The island has a very fragile economy and creating one job here is the equivalent of 100 in Glasgow.
“We take on local young people, creating graduate posts and apprenticeships when we can, focusing on areas like graphic design, marketing, social media and business management. We want these kids to develop the company and take it on to the next stage.
“Harris is remote but it has so many selling points. We rely on the charm and provenance of the island, the narrative we can create. Everyone here is so passionate about what we do and that resonates around the world.”
As what advice he’d give to budding entrepreneurs, the 45-year-old says collaboration is the key.
“Get yourself a mentor,” he says. “Talk to people who will tell you about the good and bad decisions they have made. We’ve always worked with mentors and they’ve helped us grow our business and make better decisions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
“Also, collaborate when you can. Never close the door on people who could be good for your business.
“When you operate in a small community it’s particularly important to have integrity and be diligent. Everybody knows everybody else and word travels fast - if you treat people badly you’re finished.”
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