UK Trade and Investment helps take Forest Secrets Skincare to international markets

(01/09/2009)

Having worked for ten years in the beauty industry as a chemist, Dr Barbara Olioso came to the conclusion that skincare products could be made better. She explains: “Many industry-wide skincare products have emulsifiers which can clog pores. This becomes a real problem because your skin changes all the time due to age, stress and hormones. The current approach means that your skin has to adapt to the product rather than vice versa. I believe that nature knows best.”

To address this problem Dr Barbara developed her own personalised skin care range with anti-aging properties and then set up Organatural Cosmetic Developments in May 2006, to market the product under the brand name of ‘Forest Secrets Skincare’.

The Wells-based business has been given the confidence to take its premium skincare products to international markets following the endorsement of film stars and with the support of UK Trade and Investment.

In 2008, Dr Barbara learnt from professional facialist Nuz Shugaa that she used the Forest Secrets Skincare products on movie stars, including some of the actresses in the Mamma Mia film, who extolled its virtues.

After some initial successes in the UK and galvanised by the Hollywood testimonials, Dr Barbara was keen to develop her business’ international trade potential. She began working with UKTI International Trade Advisor Tony Holt in June 2008 ago following a recommendation by a peer.

She said: “UKTI’s ‘Passport’ programme provided very good mentoring for someone looking to trade internationally. Having trained as a chemist, I found the courses brilliant as they allowed me to learn about marketing and about using the internet to promote and sell my products. Overall, the programme gave me the right mindset for business and allowed me to understand the range of opportunities out there.

“It’s currently a time of change and challenge for the industry. Women still want to invest in their skin, but they are now more careful with how they spend their money. The most promising markets identified through working with UKTI – those with potential customers who still have money to spend on their skincare - are China and the United Arab Emirates.

“Being a one-woman business, I need to focus on one ‘prospect country’ at a time, starting with China, and there is already some strong interest there regards our iRejuvenate product. The support that Tony and the team at UKTI have provided has been invaluable and I look forward to working with them as we look to new overseas markets.”

Tony Holt, UKTI International Trade Advisor said: “As well as a distributor in Italy and good contacts in France, Barbara already has several potential opportunities in China. The Forest Secrets Skincare products are generating a lot of interest overseas and I am confident that Barbara will continue to grow the business through international trade, especially when she the product is receiving recommendations from film stars.”

Related categories:  Anti-aging skin care   Natural ingredients