Harrogate entrepreneur secures investment for UK’s first ‘free-from’ skincare brand

A Harrogate-based entrepreneur who has set up the UK’s first ‘free-from’ skincare brand has been awarded £10,000 to help her business grow.

Rachael Dunseath founded Myroo Skincare in 2009 to support sensitive skin sufferers like her who want skincare products that won’t inflame their skin.

Myroo’s range is all natural, vegan and organic while also free from gluten, nut and dairy products.

In order to help her business grow, Rachael joined Entrepreneurial Spark which is backed by partners NatWest, KPMG and EMC.

The programme offers free office space at its Hatchery located just off the Headrow in Leeds for early stage and growing businesses seeking support from a network of mentors and fellow businesses.

She recently took part in the accelerator’s Opportunity Knock enterprise festival and was awarded for her expert pitch during the event.

Rachael was also awarded £10,000 to invest in her business by NatWest after being named the ‘Entrepreneur of the Moment’.

In addition, Rachael has secured a contract to supply Myroo’s products to the new John Lewis store in Leeds which opens this autumn.

Rachael said: “It can be so difficult to find products on the high street that are completely natural. You read label after label after label and there is so often one ingredient that makes the product unusable.

“My daughter had very severe eczema for some time and while trying to find something to help her, the idea for Myroo was born.

“I spent six months after taking redundancy researching and teaching myself to make skincare products. It went so well that my cosmetic pharmacist asked me to freelance for him, advising his customers on the practicalities and legalities of selling cosmetics.

“I did that until just a few months ago when I went full time on Myroo. I continue to learn all the time and product development is still my favourite part of the job.”

She added: “It’s a huge step in the business to have the products sold at John Lewis which will bring in a wide customer base which we want to reach. When you have the backing a huge brand like John Lewis behind you, it’s a huge boost to your business development.”

“My time at Entrepreneurial Spark has been invaluable as I look to move the business to its next level of development. It’s been challenging at times but in a positive way, and I am excited about moving forward.”

Dale Sidebottom, entrepreneur development manager at NatWest, added: “It’s fantastic to see how Rachael has brought her business to its next stage.

“Her new contract with John Lewis is an exciting step in Myroo’s development and Rachael has already proven she has the determination to succeed.”