Solving a problem by creating your own product - Samantha Jambawo (BSc Ecomonics)

Samantha Jambawo studies Economics at the University of Birmingham and she has recently started her own skincare business called New Eden.

"New Eden was created from the desire for natural, effective and sustainable skin and hair care products. Drawing on inspiration from around the world, we create unique blends of butters, herbs, oils and other natural ingredients to help people feel confident in their own skin. On top of this, our customers benefit from knowing that our products are ethically sourced, produced and packaged."

Samantha created the business after trying to find skin products to help her own skin condition



"From childhood, I suffered from dry and sensitive skin, as I became a teenager I became more self-conscious and at 15 I began my skincare obsession, buying a variety of products that promised miraculous results. About a year later when I realised my skin was no better, I started looking for alternatives. Eventually, I came across natural skincare remedies and blogs. Slowly, I started understanding my skin and what it needs. While a lot of the advice was hit and miss, with time my skin began to heal and recover from years of poor care and chemicals. Ever since I have been an advocate for more natural living. However, natural alternatives to mainstream products were in limited supply and homemade alternatives took up too much time and were difficult to use.

That's when I started experiment with making different products until I had made over 50 prototypes between my studies. By the end of my first year of university, I had managed to build a skincare routine using natural products that I had made. Proud of what I had created, I showed my new products to friends and family who were very impressed and soon started putting in their own orders.

There are so many benefits to running my own business. I would say the best part of running my business is being able to use all my talents. I have always thought of myself as a numbers person; however, since running my own business I finally have an outlet for my creative side.

I don't feel like I've had this opportunity in other roles that I've had, usually because my roles are limited to so many tasks, but at the moment I cover many roles."

Samantha has taken advantage of the many opportunities B-Enterprising has to offer and has used
this to her advantage to gain her position in the market today.  She has utilised all the resources on offer including the B Start-Up Programme and Mentoring programme available to successfully launch and grow her business. Even in the current crisis she has not let it stop her and has turned it into an opportunity.

"In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, as a business that relies mostly on face-to-face sales, we saw a dramatic drop in income. However, this unprecedented challenge gave me the opportunity to rebrand my company, design a new website and begin to establish other revenue streams.

When things don't go exactly as you plan it creates an opportunity to do something else which can sometimes be better than your original plan."

With thanks to Samantha Jambawo

Blog edited by Kerry Brunn, B-Enteprising Team