By Ian Austen

ian.austen@essnmedia.co.uk

Two years ago mum-of-two Natalie Hall set up business selling natural skincare products online.

Now she is branching out by opening her first face-to-face venture in Croydon's best known department store, Allders.

Ms Hall spent a couple of weeks earlier this year showcasing her business on a temporary basis in the North End store.

And the response from customers has prompted her to move in full time, with expansion very much on her mind.

Her business, Salute Skincare, prides itself on supplying products which are free from chemicals.

Ms Hall, a trained skincare therapist with a degree in business studies, said: "When we say we use natural products, we really do mean 100 per cent natural.

"We do not use any form of chemicals or unnatural ingredients and we do not use animal products either."

The foundation stone for her business was laid when her daughter developed severe eczema as a baby and Ms Hall created her own creams to cope with the problems.

Many of her products are now manufactured in America and she says she is meeting demand from women who are frustrated by the difficulties in buying natural products which are both high quality and affordable.

She added: "There are days that are difficult but I am certain setting up my own business was the right thing to do.

"The current economic climate has had little to no effect. It doesn't matter what the economy is going through, women want to look their best.

"It is fantastic that a small company like mine has been given the chance to trade in Croydon, alongside the giants of the beauty industry."

The interest in her products has also convinced her of the necessity to set up an online forum where her customers can discuss their ideas and requirements, allowing Ms Hall to develop products to suit her market.

Ms Hall developed her business ideas with support from Croydon Enterprise, which helped her make initial business contacts.

She said: "The business advice I receive is frank and has helped me to extract plenty of information needed for my advertising and marketing strategies."

And those strategies do not lack ambition as she has set her sights on her business becoming the first global natural skincare company.