Young Salford student in line for Health & Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the year.
Salford university student - Natasha Boorer has been shortlisted from a long list of nominations, for the Health & Wellbeing category in the Regional Finals of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Her brand - NOA, is a vegan home fragrance company based in Manchester and focuses on creating vegan, cruelty-free candles and home fragrance products aimed with your wellbeing in mind.
Having launched NOA in her second year of university, Natasha has worked extremely hard alongside her studies to build her business. In the space of just a year NOA is now stocked in 20 independent stores all over the UK, has processed over 1500 online orders and has featured in some of the best magazines such as Drapers, Good Housekeeping and The World of Interiors. Most recently she has also picked up some local coverage in the Bury Times and The University of Salford - who have written a story on her journey with NOA and her mental health.
Her bestseller - Anxious Mind, was created by Natasha to help relieve her own anxiety. Since releasing this blend in both candle, spray, incense and melt form it has become a much loved blend by many and has helped lots of people find some calm. She said: "I started NOA to help people find some calm in their lives. All too often we forget to put ourselves first which can be really detrimental on our mental health. I always found that being a student I never had the money to splurge on treats for myself which is something I have kept in mind when creating NOA - Everything is affordable, with all of our candles being under £20.
"Every product I make is made by hand, by myself in Manchester and I had no idea I would be in the position I am now. I am so excited for the awards ceremony in September."
The Great British Entrepreneur awards acknowledges the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses all over the United Kingdom. Natasha's drive and passion to build a business whilst still at university is admirable for many young individuals all over the country.
Natasha said: "I am absolutely over the moon and still shocked to see that I have been shortlisted for the Health & Wellbeing Entrepreneur of the year. I did not expect it at all!
"To win Health & Wellbeing entrepreneur of the year would be such an incredible opportunity for myself to grow my business further and build connections in the industry. I feel extremely grateful to have been placed alongside some of the best entrepreneurs in the North West. It is such a surreal feeling."
The Awards have celebrated some outstanding entrepreneurs who have gone on to become household names. Previous winners include the founders of BrewDog, Tangle Teezer, The LAD Bible, Clearscore & The Cambridge Satchel Company.
Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Francesca James, said: “Given what we’ve seen over the past few months, the 2020 edition of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards is arguably the most important. Now, more than ever, it’s vital that we celebrate the achievements of the country’s entrepreneurs and their determination in the face of such adversity.
“So many entrepreneurs will have been fighting to keep their business afloat over the past few months, and indeed will be over the coming months. That’s exactly why we launched the Pivot category; to recognise those that have managed to adapt and thrive throughout this period.
“I want to send my congratulations to each and every single entrepreneur who has made it to the shortlist this year, and I wish them the very best of luck for the regional finals.”
Judges of the awards include Hayley Parsons, who founded Go Compare, Cath Kidston, Lord Bilimoria of Cobra Beer and Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO awards.
Due to graduate at the end of August, Natasha is hoping to continue NOA full time once her studies are finished. "With everything that has happened this year there has been times when I have really felt the pressure of University and running NOA. There have been times where I didn't think I would be in the position that I am now. I feel extremely proud of myself for getting through my final year of university and have been able to create a brand that brings so much happiness into peoples' lives."
Anne Boden, founder and CEO of Starling Bank, said: “These entrepreneurs have gone above and beyond in order to allow their businesses to flourish in extremely difficult times and it is a true honour to congratulate each and every one of them.”
This year, with face to face events challenging, the regional heats will be celebrated online on September 23rd.