After a little break, I’m pleased to announce that my Businesses that Green Our World
series is back on track and this month I’d like to introduce you to Nicola Dickinson, founder and owner
of eco-friendly beauty brand, Fresh Therapies Ltd.
We all like to look good, but as you’ll know if you’ve read my previous posts, sometimes the beauty products that we see on our high street are full of  nasty chemicals which are not only harmful to the environment, but to our health too.
One lady who understood this all too well was Nicola Dickinson, after working in the beauty industry herself and being frustrated at not being able to source an all-natural nail polish remover, she decided to make her own. Here’s her story.
Firstly, tell me a little more about you and your background.
Iâm Nicola Dickinson owner of Fresh Therapies Ltd, based in Hampshire. Iâve lived in Hampshire for the past 20 or so years after moving away from London.
After working several types of office jobs and being really bored and uninspired. It was after having my second child that I decided to retrain.
I was always fascinated by massage so decided to go on an evening course and that was the start of a new career basically.
I then went on to gain my beauticians qualifications whilst working part time, once qualified I gained employment at the age of 35 as a beauty therapist.
That was quite an experience, it was nerve wracking, especially having
to go for a job interview after so many years!
But I only lasted 2 years and found there was so much about the salon industry I didnât like. Yet still wanted to be in the trade, so with a friend we started Fresh Therapies in 2006.
How did you come up with the idea?
I knew I needed to find a way that was going to make me different from the rest of the salons around. The answer came from reading a magazine and I knew I had to be using organic skincare, even though I didnât really know much about natural and organic skincare.
I did my research and was astounded by what I was finding out about the chemicals etc., that I was putting into my body, it shocked me.
So with all this newly invested information I started on my journey.
Explain what your product is and what problem it solves?
The more and more I found out and investigated other products, I realised that nail polish remover was the only product I was using in the salon that wasnât natural. So I set out to find one although this proved so much more difficult than I thought. After quite some time I decided that I would have to make my own, but I didnât have the chemistry knowledge or know how to do this.
So, with the help of the long lost Business Link, we found a company that could meet all my criteria for the UKâs first made natural nail polish remover.
My product, Eden Natural nail polish remover, is made from plant and vegetable based extracts, no chemicals or toxins. It has a nice hint of lime to its aroma and is clear like water.
Due to its lack of chemicals it does not dry out your nails after using, unlike conventional polish removers, and this in turn helps prevent your nails from becoming weak, dry, dehydrated and brittle. There is no lingering after chemical smell either.
Itâs highly suited to those with sensitive skins and perfect for pregnant ladies who wish to avoid chemicals. It is also gentle for the nails of those receiving medical treatment and is a great way to introduce younger ladies on how to look after their nails more naturally.
Our Natural Nail Polish Remover is not tested on animals and is suitable for vegans too. www.freshtherapies.com
What has been your proudest moment to date?
My proudest moment to date would have to be receiving my first batch of the product. Seeing the bottles in their box ready to sell to the public was just breath taking.
What has been your biggest success to date?
My biggest success to date was winning the Vegfest award for Best Beauty Vegan product 2013. There were 10 companies in the category and the main two were Lush Cosmetics and Jason products.
I was sure I was not going to win against such large companies, but I did and Iâm so proud and grateful for that moment.
What are your plans for 2014?
The plans for 2014 are to have the hand care range complete, probably five products and start planning a foot care range.
Where can people buy/ find out more about your product?
The product can be found online with stockist through out the UK and Europe.
http://www.freshtherapies.com/stockists
Your chance to win with my Queen of Easy Green Giveaway!
If you love the sound of Fresh Therapies natural nail polish remover products (why wouldn’t you?) and would love to try them out for yourself, you’ll be pleased to hear that Nicola has kindly agreed to give all Queen of Easy Green fans the opportunity to win a box of her Fresh Therapies Natural Nail Polish Remover Wipes, RRP £8.50.
There are 6 boxes to give away, so that’ll be 6 lucky Queen of Easy Green winners!
For your chance of winning one of these fab prizes, just complete the box below and good luck.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Juice every single morning for vitamins to make my skin and hair nice.
Soak nails in lemon juice to soften cuticles and whiten yellow nails
Nice tip Tressa, thanks for sharing.
plenty water
I think relaxing with slices of cooled cucumber on my eyes. As I am sure this eases puffiness around the eyes.
Fresh air, plenty of exercise, a healthy diet and a good night’s sleep.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
I love nothing more than refreshing my mind and body with plenty of water
Olive oil rubbed through hair
we love our used teabags for helping to puffiness and circles round the eyes
cold water for blotchy skin
Mascara in my hair to cover grey
Germoloid Cream under the eyes makes you look younger tightens the skin
lots of water x
A good facial scrub
Have you ever made your own facial scrub Jennifer? I might do a blog on that again.
Plenty of sleep, plenty of water, keep out of the sun.
MUST MUST MUST drink plenty of water every day , best thing for clear skin xx
Agree, agree, agree! Plus it’s better for your overall health than a caffeine-loaded drink
Dry shampoo for a natural messy style look
Coconut oil - so lovely to use inside and out - and great for a quick instant hair gloss.
Like it Heather! I use Argan Oil on my hair instead of a conditioner - it leaves it feeling very soft and light, unlike conventional conditioner which weighs my hair down. I’ll give coconut oil a try too.
toothpaste to dry out spots
drink plenty of water
lots and lots of water = clear skin
a spa day with a close friend
Drink lots of water
Get plenty of fresh air and drink plenty of water.
Baking soda to wash my fac
Really? This is a new one on me, I’ll need to check this out!
Take a nice walk and drink plenty of water
Without a doubt drinking alot of water! i never used to drink enough, and since ive been monitoring it i feel so much healthier! x
Excellent Helen, out of interest have you noticed a difference in the condition of your skin since drinking more water?
plenty of fresh air.
lots of sleep and water
always wash your face before bed
Simple but good advice Sara, I bet there’s lots who don’t!
Using coconut oil as a moisturiser
Is there a particular brand of coconut oil you prefer Jazz?
bare minerals foundation and lip gloss good to go and lots of water with fresh lemon in
Stay out of the sun
Drink plenty of water & eat breakfast
fresh air and plenty of water to drink
Great advice Amanda, I love green exercise, don’t you? Did you see my article on the top green exercise hotspots in the UK - is there somewhere near you?
I use organic olive oil as my eye make up remover!
Emma x (@beachpebble)
I love this tip Emma, as you may know I’m now an organic oil* convert for my beauty regime, but I’d not tried olive oil to remove eye make up. Will definitely give this a go. *Since reviewing Gamila Secret Daily Herbal Face OIl, here’s my review
Cold tea bags on my eyes for instant freshness
Can’t fail with this one Kristy - I first heard about this one in Jackie magazine - yes, I know, I’m showing my age now
green tea
I drink loads of water and take an hour’s walk in the fresh air every day - the air is very good for skin
drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated
Drink water at every opportunity
drink fruit juice
drink lots of water
Absolutely, thanks for sharing Denise.
I like to cleanse my face with olive oil at least once a week. Takes off make up and leaves it soft.
Such a great tip Yasmin. I must admit I’ve been a latecomer to using oil, but since I reviewed Gamila Secret Daily Herbal Face Oil, I’m converted. Here’s my review: http://www.lyndseyyoung.co.uk/gamila-secret-–-naturally-luxurious-skincare/
Lots of water!
drinking lots of water
Plenty of sleep and water, keeping skin hydrated and fresh
Oh yes, sleep the most underrated beauty aid of them all Andrew. By the way, if you love a good night’s sleep, you may be interested in a review I did for Penrose Product’s Alpaca bedding - here’s the link:
Vaseline for everything!
plenty of facial moisturiser
Any particular type Elaine - cream or oil?
lokks lovely and fresh fingers crossed i win xx
Put head over a bowl of hot water for a couple of minutes, opens all the pores
Water!! So good for your skin
Couldn’t agree more Claire
Drink lots of water!
drinkin an extraordinary amount of water! with love, faye xx
drink lots of water
Cucumber on eyes. So relaxing
Oh gosh. Natural beauty & me is a no-go. Haha!
I do make a lot of homemade products using natural ingredients though.
Oatmeal, honey, yoghurt…. Can make some fab cleansers, exfoliaters etc
Sounds fabulous Carrie, would you share some of your ‘recipes’ with me?
Rose hip oil helps to fade acne scars
Olive oil & salt as a hand cleanser and moisturiser in one.
Drinking water for clear, hydrated skin
Drink plenty of water it makes a difference
squeeze lemon juice in the bath
drink plenty of water every day
Drink lots of water
keep to a good sleep routine x
Drink lots of water and get 8hrs sleep every night
i drink water
Plenty of water
I rad this and tried it. Add some oatmeal to your bath, best put it in some old tights first, all seemed a palava but it made my skin feel wonderful
I love using coconut oil on my skin and hair! Keeps it so soft!
x
honey mask
Olive oil on the ends of your hair as a treatment mask
drink plenty of water
Plenty of sleep
fresh air
Lots of water
and almond oil for skin, it is good for stretchmarks x
healthy diet, lots of water and a good amount of exercise
and always remove make up before bed - nothing worse than smudgy panda eyes
coconut oil is agreat natural all rounder beauty product x
drink lots of water and have a healthy diet
Oh yes, I’m with you on this one Julie
8 hrs sleep at least a night, drink plenty of water and walk daily.
Coconut oil is a perfect natural moisturiser
Drink plenty of water and get enough sleep
Absolutely, plus they are low cost and no cost ways to stay healthy.
Lots of water!
Vaseline for an all rounder!
Thanks for entering Joan, however I must admit I’m not really a fan of petroleum jelly. Not only for the fact that’s it’s not eco-friendly, but also because there’s continued debate as to whether or not it’s toxic /harmful to our bodies. I’d suggest coconut or olive oil as an alternative. Here’s an interesting article from Huffington Post on the same subject - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html
rinse hair with cold water,it will make it shiny
Plenty of water
I splash my face with cold water every morning
Drink lots of water, it’s great for the skin.
Dip your fingers in warm olive oil to soften your cuticles. Also a few drops of olive oil on a cotton wool ball will remove waterproof mascara
A good nights sleep!
NATURAL BEAUTY - don’t use any make up etc just cleanse naturally
I make a face mask of egg white and banana, its fab!
Baby oil after a bath will leave the skin feeling lush