Esma Esin Yildirim Eryilmaz - Start-up Case Study
Esma Esin Yildirim Eryilmaz graduated in 2024 with an MSc in Cosmetic Science and now runs her own business, Botanifolia, which makes and sells botanical wellbeing products.
What does your business do?
Botanifolia makes and sell botanical wellbeing products, such as aromatherapy candles, essential oil blends, and natural skincare products.
How did you get the idea to start your business?
I’ve always been fascinated by natural products and the chemistry behind them, which led me to start formulating for my loved ones early on. With a background as a Chemical Engineer, Natural Products Chemist, Aromatherapist, and Cosmetic Scientist, I built my career as a formulator and R&D specialist in cosmetics and aromatherapy companies. My ultimate goal has always been to create my own brand with niche formulations that take a holistic approach to beauty and wellbeing. With my partner’s expertise in creative marketing, we felt the timing was right to bring this vision to life.
How did the Start-Up Hub help and support you?
They were incredibly generous with their time and guidance, meeting with us both face-to-face and online to share their expertise. Beyond advice for the Bathgate Boost Award application, they offered valuable business insights that will continue to support us on our journey. The financial award we received provided a crucial boost, helping us to successfully jumpstart our company.
What has been the best thing about starting your business?
Building a brand from the ground up, from the logo and packaging to the formulations themselves, has been an incredibly rewarding journey. This brand is deeply personal to us, and we see it as something we’ve nurtured with care and dedication. While starting a business comes with many challenges, we embrace them with determination and remain focused on our ultimate goal: establishing a trusted brand in holistic and botanical wellbeing.
What is the best thing about doing business in the Liverpool City Region?
Liverpool is a welcoming city with incredibly kind people, which is what we appreciate most about living here. The culture is supportive, with everyone willing to help one another, and the sense of community is very strong. Although we arrived only two years ago, we already feel at home and part of that community. That’s why starting a business here felt like the right choice.
What was your biggest challenge in getting started up?
Our biggest challenge was securing the capital needed to get the business off the ground. Starting from scratch came with many unforeseen expenses that at times felt overwhelming. The Bathgate Boost award we received was especially valuable. Not only did it provide crucial financial support, but it also gave us valuable experience in the application process, preparing us for future opportunities.
What advice would you give to an LJMU student thinking of starting their own business?
Be cautious but do not overthink it. Take advantage of all the support available. LJMU and the city council offer valuable resources, guidance, and advice for young entrepreneurs. Attend networking events, share your story, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. The connections you make can open unexpected doors, and you never know where help or opportunities may come from.
Are there any exciting plans for the future you can share with us?
We are currently developing our natural skincare line. The formulations are complete, and we are now in the testing phase. We’re excited to soon share our vision of what holistic skincare can be.
Support from the Student Futures team
If you want to talk about potential careers options with your degree, need help finding opportunities or want support with your CV, application forms or preparing for an interview, you can get advice and guidance by booking a 30-minute 1-2-1 careers meeting with a Careers and Employability Adviser from the LJMU Student Futures Team. You can also come along to a Careers drop-in or CV Café which take place weekly at the Careers Zones for quick careers queries.
If you are thinking about starting a business, freelancing, pursuing a side-hustle or have an idea that you want to explore further, email the Start-up Hub and a member of the team will be back in touch, or visit the Start-up Hub website.
For help finding part-time, temporary or casual you can fit around your studies, email the Unitemps team or visit their website.