I’m Heulwen, and after more than a decade in the corporate finance world, I began to question a system driven primarily by wealth creation.
Although it had its advantages, it felt increasingly disconnected from what truly mattered.
A turning point came after the financial crash of 2008, when a move to Scotland and a period of reflection opened the door to change.
In 2009, I took on a small village gift shop in Gullane, working alongside my corporate role until the birth of my son in 2012, when I stepped away from finance to focus on family and a more intentional way of living.
Over the following years, my interest in complementary therapies deepened, leading me to qualify in Clinical Reflexology in 2019 and further specialise in reproductive reflexology in 2020.
This journey led to the creation of Sunshine Sole, where I work closely with clients to support wellbeing through reflexology.
The work is deeply personal and rooted in the belief that healing and balance come from connection - between body, mind, and environment. .www.sunshinesole.com.
Alongside this, a growing awareness of sustainability and the impact of modern consumption reshaped how I viewed business.
From fast fashion to excessive waste, it became clear that I wanted my work to reflect more conscious values.
This evolved into a commitment to building businesses that prioritise authenticity, natural materials, and environmental responsibility, and the re-branding of my retail business into Saltwater Sunshine in 2025.
Gullane Bay Soap Co launched in 2026
I believe what you put on your skin should be as thoughtful as what you put in your body. That’s why every bar we make is free from synthetic additives, artificial fragrances, and unnecessary chemicals — just simple, high-quality ingredients working in harmony with your skin.
Our traditional cold process method preserves the integrity of these ingredients, resulting in a gentle, long-lasting soap that cleanses without stripping.
Every bar is poured, cut, and finished by hand in Gullane. No mass production, no shortcuts — just time, attention, and a dedication to doing things properly.
Swapping bottles for bars is a small change — but one that reconnects us with more sustainable, mindful ways of living.
The name Sunshine, the English translation of my Welsh name Heulwen, runs through everything I create.
It reflects optimism, warmth, and continuity, linking all three businesses into a unified vision: one grounded in nature and committed to more thoughtful, sustainable living.