AN ENTREPRENEUR who set up her business in her garage and has since seen it flourish has been praised by Basingstoke's MP. 

Natalie Chapple founded Glisten Cosmetics as a side hustle in 2017 but it took off in 2020 during the Covid pandemic when online shopping became the only option for a period of time. 

The company, which is now based in Crockford Lane, Chineham, has 12 employees and a turnover of over £2.5m. 

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Basingstoke Gazette: Natalie Chapple with Maria Miller MPNatalie Chapple with Maria Miller MP (Image: Sean Dillow)

It uses online influencers to promote and market its signature Wet Liners products and is in 35 HMV stores nationwide as well as being available online

Glisten Cosmetics exports across the world with 80 per cent of sales going overseas.

The business was recently visited by Basingstoke's MP Maria Miller who said Natalie is "inspirational". 

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Maria said: “Natalie’s story is inspirational and like that of other Basingstoke entrepreneurs who so often start their new business from home, balancing it alongside their day job.

"Small businesses like Glisten Cosmetics are the backbone of Basingstoke's successful and vibrant business community, with over 90 per cent of Basingstoke businesses employing 10 people or fewer. 

"Natalie’s drive and passion for her company Glisten Cosmetics is a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and confidence to grow her business to new exciting levels with new products and designs being marketed, such as The Glisten Cosmetics advent calendar which sold out in just 12 days. 

"With licensing deals in the pipeline and the prospect of a standalone store in London, Natalie aims to grow her business to new heights, by consolidating and expanding sensibly."