A FORMER chartered accountant has swapped her high-flying career for selling natural skin care products after discovering her creative side.

Julia Reed used to travel to the Far East for two weeks every month for her former job, which required her to work long hours.

So, when she became pregnant with her first child, she realised her career would not suit her new life as a mum.

Julia gave up work and initially spent time volunteering for charities including the NCT, before realising she had an interest in natural skin care products following a trip to Cornwall.

The 41-year-old mother-of-two, from Sherborne Fields, Rooksdown, took a course in organic skin care, before embarking on creating her own homemade products, which she found really helped her own skin.

“I used to suffer from dry patches and spots,” explained Julia.

She added: “The products use less preservatives which seemed to agree with my skin. I tested things out on my friends and decided to set up a business.

“It went from being a hobby to a business.”

Julia has designed Natheo natural skincare products with other busy mums in mind, making them simple to use and multi-tasking where possible, so that a skin care routine doesn’t have to take up too much time.

For example, her day cream can also be used as a make-up primer and a shower oil which is also a cleanser and moisturiser.

She uses natural vegetable oils, butters and plant extracts, and has taken three-and-a-half years of study and research, careful formulation and experimentation to create her range of products in her workshop at home.

They are designed to balance the skin and maintain hydration levels, without blocking pores, as well as protect the skin from environmental stressors with high levels of natural antioxidants.

Julia has big plans for Natheo this year, with a stall at Hampton Court Flower Show booked and a Christmas gift fair at the NEC in November.

She said: “I’m hoping to grow it organically and to eventually outsource the products and perhaps set up my own manufacturing facility.

“I also hope to employ local people offering flexible working opportunities for others.”

For more information, go to natheo.co.uk.