How Facebook helped this inspirational beauty business grow
The social network was the "right forum to tell our story," says HighBorn co-founder Henry Baker
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Your support makes all the difference.Tracey Broadway’s life changed forever in early 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 34. The mum-of two had to undergo surgery and gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Determined to get through the darkest days, she discussed with her partner, Henry Baker, her ideas for a skincare business that could not only help people look and feel better, but also raise money to fight the disease.
“Originally it was just to try to take my mind off the fact I was sitting in a chemotherapy ward, which is a horrible place to be,” Tracy says. “My hair had gone and Henry was saying I needed a distraction as I was in so much pain.”
The couple carried out plenty of thorough research into ingredients before approaching companies that could help them formulate products. Within months they had set up their beauty business, HighBorn, with a modest £300 investment.
The fact they had complementary backgrounds was very much in their favour. While Tracey had worked in the beauty industry, Henry was involved in marketing. It has proved to be a winning combination: the company’s turnover is expected to hit £1m this year.
Henry credits social media for helping to spread the word about HighBorn. “We advertised on Facebook and that’s how the business has grown,” he says. “It was the right forum to tell our story as people commented and shared it.”
HighBorn’s range of beauty products now includes a beauty serum, eye gel and moisturiser. A donation towards the fight against cancer is made for everything sold, while further money is raised for charity from the sporty couple running marathons. “I also visit cancer wards where the ladies have a beauty day to try to help them feel better,” Tracey adds.
“I just want to do everything I can to help others — that’s the driving force of our business.”
The determined couple advise anyone wanting to follow in their business footsteps to find an area they are really passionate about — and to make sure they know the basics of marketing to snare people’s interest and turn them into potential customers.
While understandably thrilled by how quickly the business has taken shape, Tracey is focused on expansion, with future plans including a clothing range.
“It’s been absolutely amazing,” she says. “To go from thinking you’re really ill and may die from this horrendous illness called cancer, to all your dreams coming true is just crazy.”
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