Marie Gillies
By Ian McConnell
A FORMER Harris Tweed weaver has turned a hobby into a full-time occupation with the launch of a home-fragrance business on the Isle of Lewis.
ScentiNess was founded by Marie Gillies in April, after she converted a shed at her home into a workshop, producing candles, wax melts and reed diffusers. Customers are given the option of personalising products with their name or important dates.
The entrepreneur has accessed £4,500 of funding, with support from Business Gateway.
Taxpayer-backed advice service Business Gateway said: “The business initially began as a hobby, with Marie starting it alongside her full-time job as a Harris Tweed weaver. However, the national lockdown in 2020 gave her time to develop her spark of an idea into a business.”