Restaurant owner diversified business to offer....Mediterranean inspired skincare during the pandemic

She surprised customers of her Italian restaurants by using her food knowledge to diversify during the lockdown - from spaghetti to skincare.

Instead of serving up the cuisine on the dinner table, Laura Griffin the owner of Ariete in Newton-le-Willows, started a new business with Temple Spa to sell the Mediterranean food-inspired ingredients for use on their skin.

Laura Griffin, who also owns restaurants in Manchester, Merseyside, and wholesale food supplier to Italian restaurants across the North-West of England, changed her fortunes from pasta to pores.

The married mum-of-three, explained: “I’ve always lived by the saying ‘you are what you eat’ and as an Italian, we all know that great skin starts in the kitchen.

Laura

“Most ingredients in skincare are derived from plants, fruits and vegetables - and so I wanted to launch my own business with a natural brand that lives by that philosophy. My journey with Temple Spa was born!

“Strawberries brighten the skin, aubergine reduces sensitivity, tomatoes are a great antioxidant with vitamin c, and Truffles help diminish wrinkles – the list goes on.

“My customers are more concerned with anti-ageing than antipasti anyway! So now I help to feed their skin with the vital nutrients they need to stay blemish-free and youthful.”

The hospitality sector was among the worst-hit industries, but Laura hopes to re-open the family restaurant in 2021, and she will continue to expand her skincare franchise.

She explained: “I’m really excited for the New Year because I’m expanding my business with Temple Spa and helping others to set up their own online business with the skincare brand too.

“It’s rewarding to be able to create jobs at times like this. I’ve recruited 12 - and one of my Skincare Consultants, Justine Miles hasn’t worked for five years, so she’s loved being back in the saddle.

“I’m looking for people with a passion for skincare and beauty. A positive, happy personality, is essential, and they need to be self-motivated and hard-working.

Laura

“I help them to set up their skincare sales business online and give them training in all the products and ingredients to sell. It’s also been a great way for beauty salon owners to make money whilst their shops have been closed.”

She added: “The great thing about launching my skincare business with Temple Spa was the low risk and quick profit element. They sorted all the e-commerce side for me and the rest was easy. So now I want to help others to do the same.”

While she’s looking forward to seeing the back of 2020, Laura says it has also been a year of learning like no other.

“At first, I just started Temple Spa as a hobby but then I realised it was becoming my main income. No-one truly knows what 2021 will bring, but my online skincare business has continued through all the lockdowns.

“One of the most rewarding elements for me has been offering spa experience sessions and pamper parties over zoom. I’ve found that it has been a great way to get groups of friends together during lockdown. The spa experience has helped them to relax and reduce stress. Plus they have some fun with a home facial and can try before they buy while the shops are closed.”

She added: “Coronavirus has changed people’s lives around the world. It’s sent me in a new direction, but one that I absolutely love!

“And now my main focus is on helping other people from the hospitality industry to get back to work. The main message I want to send out to everyone for 2021 is ‘don’t be scared, change can be a good thing. If you’re looking for something new to do, please get in touch.”