We are excited to welcome Lesley Landels, the founder of Love Scottish.
Whilst caring for her two year old daughter and becoming pregnant with her son, Lesley decided to fulfil her desire to create a premium Scottish Brand specialising in the manufacturing home fragrance products originating from candles. All products are hand crafted and poured and designed exclusively by Lesley herself. Did we mention Lesley started the business from a caravan during a self build project in the middle of winter! As Lesley says “there is no such thing as a perfect time to start”.
The business grew from the caravan to Lesley taking part in her first Christmas fair, the kitchen table was converted to the candle workshop and in between juggling a toddler and new born Lesley would use every minute in her day to grow and develop the business.
After working day and night to grow the brand, Lesley took on a retail location in Melrose. Not only taking on a new premise but re-modelling the flagship store to reflect the vision and brand of LOVE Scottish. The flagship shop allowed Lesley to expand and bring on her first employees.
It didn’t stop there for Lesley and her team, a new workshop space was developed in Hawick which was a full redevelopment of a former dairy. Months of bringing a vision to life paid off with LOVE Scottish creating a vibrant space for customers to visit but also relax in the coffee shop allowing them to watch how the LOVE Scottish products are created and sample the best of Borders produce. Lesley is prides herself in supporting local suppliers and businesses which reflects throughout the LOVE Scottish brand.
Lesley is a huge advocate for Women In Business and an ambassador for Women’s Enterprise Scotland. We can’t wait to have Lesley join us as one of our panellists to share her journey and inspire others that there is no perfect time to get started.
We asked Lesley how she was feeling on the run up to the event – “ I can’t wait – I am excited to turn the energy in the room into inspiration”