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Schull-based duo's success with skin oil

December 9th, 2016 7:10 AM

By Southern Star Team

Dr Simon Jackson and John Murray of Lowertown Schull are delighted with customer response to the launch of their product, Modern Botany Oil. (Photo: Michael MacSweeney)

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A couple, who relocated their busy lives to rural West Cork, are in the spotlight following the successful launch of their new company, Modern Botany.  

A COUPLE, who relocated their busy lives to rural West Cork, are in the spotlight following the successful launch of their new company, Modern Botany.

Dr Simon Jackson, who is a pharmacognosist and the entrepreneur-in-residence at Trinity College in Dublin, and John Murray, the chief executive and founder of Modern Botany, who has a background in project management and business development, moved to Schull in December 2015.

‘We moved to Schull because we love the landscape and the seascape and wanted a rural base for the launch of Modern Botany Oil,’ said John, explaining that the oil is a multi-tasking essential oil that can be used for the face, body, hair and nails.

The product is unique in that it is 100% natural and contains no parabens or paraffins, which would account for the fact that Lloyds Pharmacy are stocking the product in 36 of their stores nationwide. 

Simon and John had a local launch at the ‘Classic Touch’ salon in Schull in October and the fact that they had ‘one for everyone in the audience’ endeared them to their already loyal friends and supporters, since they set up home at Lowertown almost a year ago.

‘It is our hope that Modern Botany will one day be produced in West Cork,’ said John, who explained that it is currently being made in the UK. 

He said: ‘We are confident that jobs can be created through sales and distribution and we are already in talks with the Local Enterprise Office.’

The fact that the product is 100% natural, using organic ingredients such as flax seed oil, calendula and arnica, means that it has already found its niche in the market.

John said: ‘People are looking to use natural, as opposed to synthetic, products that have a positive effect on the skin. We know that our product is wonderful as a moisturiser, but it also beneficial for people with sensitive skin and skin complaints.’

The couple are delighted to have drawn on the support of Cork designers, Charcoal & Pearl, who have created a simple but classic package that features the Modern Botany oil in a glass bottle with a black top, with packaging featuring a white linen texture. 

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