In this podcast season, curated in partnership with Somerset Chamber of Commerce, hgkc are exploring Somerset with prominent business leaders who have made their lives and their careers in the county. In this episode, Peter Quintana speaks to Sakina Buoy, Founder and Chairman of The Somerset Toiletry Company.
Returning from Canada in her ‘20s, Sakina joined a toiletry company called Applewoods, where she met her future husband. In 1999, they founded The Somerset Toiletry Company, which began life in buildings behind a pig farm in Clutton.
Their small family business soon began to grow, but rather than move into the city, Sakina was intent on staying in Clutton, waiting 12 years for the right commercial premises to become available so that she could make sure all her team were able to stay working with her.
On their 25th anniversary, they celebrated with 25 ‘acts of kindness’, a marathon series of events and charitable projects that raised their reputation locally.
Hers is an inspirational story of perseverance, of growth, of genuine love for the Somerset countryside, and pride in the products her business designs, manufactures and sells all over the world. Despite the regulatory, transport and housing challenges, Sakina would not want to be anywhere else.
If you would like find out more about The Somerset Toiletry Company, why not visit their shop or their café – it’s here, on the main street through Clutton; or you can reach Sakina here.
If you would like more information about hgkc help clients navigate their business towards their goals, please contact us here.