Each week we ask small businesses key questions.
Here, we speak to Mairi Davidson, owner of Ostara Skincare at Bruiach Mill Farm, Kiltarlity, near Beauly.
How and why did you start in business?
I was born on the family croft at Kilmorack, near Beauly, and started work early. When I was six months old, my mother would drape me across pregnant ewes’ necks to keep them still during lambing.
Crofting and self-employment go hand-in-hand and, in addition to helping my late father, Donald “Ducky” Fraser, on the croft, I spent 10 years working in a self-employed capacity.
This was with a variety of network marketing companies, predominately in the health and wellbeing sector. Though a country girl to the core, I have always been interested in aromatherapy and complementary therapies.
In January 2014, a business that I was a founder-director of decided to merge with another direct selling aromatherapy company. I felt it was time to go it alone.
I launched Ostara Skincare, an online business selling a wide range of skincare and aromatherapy products all made to my own recipes, in March 2014. I also found myself taking over the croft in 2015, something that I had not foreseen.
How did you get to where you are today?
I’m told that I’m a very positive, outgoing type, with a can-do attitude and determination to succeed. I try to grab every opportunity and to overcome any problems.
Aside from that it’s down to hard work and understanding the market and my customers – and putting them first.
Who helped you?
My biggest help was always my late father. An outspoken personality, he regarded any idea of mine as hair-brained but this was all the incentive that I needed to prove him wrong.
My late mother, Doreen, was inspirational and empowering. “If you want a job done, lassie, you do it yourself – never wait for a man or anyone else,” she would say.
She’d work her nine to five, come straight home, jump into wellies and go straight out onto the croft. I now find myself doing the same thing.
My husband, Mark, a builder, became self-employed earlier this year in order to do more work on the croft. It’s made a huge difference to our work/family life balance.
In recent months, the Federation of Small Businesses has really helped both Mark and I, and we are delighted with the service that we receive.
What has been your biggest mistake?
Taking on too much. I’m just a girl who can’t say no – to work challenges – and I’m not Superwoman.
One hundred breeding ewes and 20 cattle were too much on the croft last year, so I’m learning from my mistakes and have lowered stock levels substantially this winter.
What is your greatest achievement?
Having my organic Argan Elixir Face Oil shortlisted for the 2017 FreeFrom Skincare Awards. I was up against more than 200 other brands, including Neals Yard Remedies and Lord Sugar’s Tropic Skincare – wonderful recognition for little old me.
I’ve also got two great daughters, Jasmin, 18, and Lydia, five.
If you were in power in government, what would you change?
A lot.
What do you still hope to achieve?
I’m about to start selling my products through salons and we’ve also become one of the first growers of the new superfruit – the honeyberry – in Scotland, planting 1,000 plants so far.
I plan to introduce honeyberries into my already extensive natural skincare range, and have lots of other ideas for products based on new remedy and aromatherapy recipes.
We’ve bought a couple of pedigree Aberdeen Angus heifers so I’m excited to see future breeding lines, and we’ve also introduced a new breed of tup this year – I like to shake things up.
What do you do to relax?
I have all the aromatherapy that I need at my finger-tips. If I’m very stressed, I’ll pop some of my favourite oils into a room burner to relax. Lavender and ylang ylang is a favourite, while rose, geranium and orange balances and can uplift the emotions too.
Yoga is also a must for me and I’m fortunate to have ponies. When I head to the hill on horseback all feels well with the world.
What are you currently reading, listening to or glued to on the TV?
I’m nearly finished Diana Gabaldon’s Voyager (Outlander series three book), and I’m now glued to the TV series too.
First Aid Kit were superb at this year’s Belladrum (music festival), and I can’t wait for Gomez’s 20th anniversary Bring it On tour. I’m also pretty hooked on Nashville and love to sing along.
What do you waste your money on?
Shoes that I’ll never wear and books that I never get time to read.
How would your friends describe you?
Brutally honest yet compassionate, and always there if needed.
What would your enemies say about you?
I couldn’t care less.
What do you drive and dream of driving?
I drive a Mitsubishi L200 Trojan so that I can tow a trailer, but I miss my car. I’ve always dreamed of a Lamborghini ever since watching the Cannonball Run.