Olivia Chapman

Olivia worked in a cookery school and as a pub proprietor before deciding to re-train at the age of 39. She has always been passionate about taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing and was keen to establish a new career in this field.

She initially studied anatomy, physiology and massage in 1999 and went to university in 2000 when she was 40, graduating with a 1st class honours In Health Science in 2003.

In 2008 (when she was 48) she went from Dorset to London every weekend for a year to gain a diploma in Holistic Clinical Aromatherapy and Therapeutic Massage at the Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine & Aromatherapy.

Olivia was blending skin care products for another company when it went to administration in December 2008; this prompted her to set up Oleo Bodycare at the age of 49.

Oleo Bodycare is a range of 100% natural skin and body care products made from pure essential oils, plant oils, floral waters, butters and herbal extracts.

All of the products are hand-blended and packaged in Bridport, Dorset and they are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate, mineral oils, artificial colours and fragrances.

Several of her products are now award-winning and she has established an international customer base through her website, although she still holds a stall at Bridport market every Saturday for her very loyal local customers.

She is a firm believer that more women should consider becoming entrepreneurs (at any age) as it would create a more diverse UK workforce and a more competitive, innovative economy. Boosting the number of female entrepreneurs in the UK would give women more confidence and inspire continuing generations of female business talent.