Iline Afrin returned to Stornoway to start her own business in 2003 at age 20 following an HND in Beauty Therapy and work experience as a beauty therapist in Glasgow. Her market research indicated that there was sufficient demand for another beautician on the Island and she was confident that she would be able to offer an efficient and quality service at competitive prices. Her father is an established chiropodist in the town and decided to join her in the rented premises that she had found. Hence the name 'Body and Sole', which reflects the two different businesses under one roof.

Iline successfully applied for PSYBT support in July 2003 to help set up the business. The financial help enabled her to purchase equipment and stock and to decorate and furnish her new premises ready for start-up.

Body and Sole was immediately busy and one year after start-up the opportunity arose to expand the business into the neighbouring premises. At this time, Iline's sister started her own beauty therapy business specialising in nail treatments and joined Body and Sole in the expanded premises.

Further growth was hindered due to the size and cost of the rented accommodation and this led Iline to search for new larger premises. She was successful in finding the ideal premises, which consisted of a two-storey building with commercial space (previously an optician's) on the ground floor and with a modern flat on the first floor. Iline applied to PSYBT for an expansion loan of £2000 and for a growth fund accelerator loan of £18,000 to assist her in the purchase, refurbishment and equipping of the new premises. Additional finance was also secured from the Bank of Scotland and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The new building has several additional rooms which have been rented out to two hairdressers and a reflexologist.

Contact

Body and Sole
Iline Afrin
4 Bayhead
Stornoway
Isle of Lewis
HS1 2DU

Tel: 01851 704363

The Prince's Trust Scotland is a charitable organisation that supports individuals and their local communities by encouraging them to grow and prosper in business.

Find out more about loans offered by the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) and access the PSYBT Business Start-up Guide, packed with facts and information on how to set up a business.