12 May 2022, 09:30 - 11:30
Belmont Industrial Estate, Waldon House, Unit 23M Mandale Park, Durham, DH1 1TH
With fans including Zendaya, Billie Eilish and Hailey Bieber, West Barn Co has grown from a kitchen table start-up into an international brand supplying the world’s biggest stars from their Durham base.
The business was founded in 2016 when make-up artist Kim Cattin wanted to create a ‘natural, brushed up and fluffy brow’ while on a shoot but couldn't find the right product for the job.
Inspired by the old Hollywood trick of using hand soap on brows, Kim sought Donna's help (her mum) and together they created Soap Brows - the original brow soap product that is safe to wear on the skin, gives effective results and is cruelty-free.
The news of Soap Brows exploded on social media and the iconic white aluminium tin became a staple in every professional make-up artist, beauty influencer and brow lover’s toolkit.
Inspired by its success, Kim and Donna turned their attention to developing a range of skincare products including oil balancing cleansers, luxurious facial oils and hydrating mists.
To invest in their future, in 2021 Donna and Kim signed a lease for the brand new WBCo HQ. Here, 27 WBCo team members market, manufacture and ship products to over 60 countries across the globe. The brand is also stocked in elite stores like Liberty London, Urban Outfitters and Harrods.
At our on-site visit, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at a North East business taking on the beauty industry. You’ll tour WBCo’s headquarters and hear from Kim how she built an international beauty brand with her mum (and what it’s like to have your product used by Beyonce!).
The small print - Due to limited capacity On-site Visits are exclusively for entrepreneurial members of the Forum.
