The Role That Was Almost a Dream, Until It Wasn't
The corporate role before JustBe Botanicals was almost my dream job.But I became unwell through stress and looking back, I think one of the main reasons for that was a sense of isolation. I had moved around the UK with previous roles and had always made new friends. But because I was in my early thirties at that point, most of the people around me were married and settled, which made it more difficult. The pressure of the role combined with that feeling of isolation became really overwhelming.
Basically, my entire body shut down. I was taken off a plane in a wheelchair and it took a while to get back to full strength.
The Moment Everything Changed
I fortuntaley read an article about how acupuncture could help with stress and I told my doctor that I didn't want any form of medication, I was going to try acupuncture instead. The acupuncturist who was part of the medical practice (forward thinking for its time), helped me back to health and it was him who asked me the question that changed everything:
"This is a real opportunity for you to choose again. What have you always wanted to do?
The Mind-Body ConnectionThe first qualification I went for was in holistic massage. It was so relevant to what I had just experienced and it made complete sense to me - the mind-body connection and how stress and emotions can impact the physical body. I then went on to complete additional qualifications, including Bach Flower Remedy Practitioner, Mind Detox Coach & Clinical Aromatherapy.
When I first qualified I wanted to make my treatments as accessible as possible, so I took a room at Neal's Yard, worked at a low-income clinic and had clients come to my house.
Evolution Rather Than Revolution
The JustBe Botanicals range began with four aromatherapy massage oils: Loved, Happy Energised and Sweet. I didn't set out with the intention of creating products. The intention was to use the oils in my massage practice as I navigated my new way of living.
The process of creating the range was largely intuitive, but I wanted to bring a modern twist to aromatherapy.
The skincare collection began when Armathwaite Hall Spa in the Lake District asked me to create an anti-ageing facial. I started with a cleansing balm and an eye makeup remover - which has since become my most awarded product. I worked with Armathwaite Hall for over 6 years - during which time my range had evolved to include Body Butter, Body Salts, Herbal Teas and a full spa menu.
Eighteen years later, the range has now received over 39 industry awards and I still hand-blend the majority of products in small batches in Edinburgh. The aromatherapy chocolates and soap ranges are made for me in Scotland.
Being Self Employed Requires A Different Kind of Drive
People often ask if it's stressful having your own business, but I don't think life is about having no stress.I think it's about making conscious choices and knowing that you're choosing to do what you're doing. When you have what you believe to be a real purpose, it's a different sort of drive entirely.
I'm so grateful to now have a life that I really enjoy and that's good for my health.
Gail Bryden, Founder of JustBe Botanicals
If you'd like to read the full interview it's the copy that had Jennifer Anderson on the cover. This interview was originally published in No.1 Magazine's real-life spotlight series in January 2019, alongside inspiring Scottish entrepreneurs Jo Mathewson, Christy Hyslop and Claire Murray.
Speaking at the Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival
Around the same time, Gail was invited to join the 'How to Build a Successful Wellbeing Business' panel at the Edinburgh Wellbeing Festival, sharing a stage with some genuinely inspiring voices in the UK wellness industry.
The panel included Lynsey Hanratty, Wellbeing Business Coach; Hollie Grant, award-winning Pilates trainer and founder of Pilates PT and Julie Montagu, one of London's leading yoga and nutrition experts.
Being included in that company felt like a meaningful acknowledgement that JustBe Botanicals had found its place, not just as a product brand, but as a voice in the wider conversation about wellbeing, purpose and the courage it takes to build something you genuinely believe in.
Explore the JustBe Botanicals story:
- Our story so far
- Our awards, reviews and press coverage
- Read: A Natural Path Back to You - The JustBe Botanicals Story
- Read: Bryden's Blends - JustBe Botanicals in Dumfries & Galloway Life Magazine
- Read: Aromatherapy for Stress Relief - 5 Essential Oils That Really Work