New wellbeing programme sees Aberdeenshire business branch out
Two former teachers from Banchory, Aberdeenshire have built a horticultural design and care business, turning an idea into a full-time venture, with Business Gateway supporting them from concept through to launching a new dedicated wellbeing offer this year.
Carole Taylor and Juliette Elder launched Soil Sisters in March 2024, running the business three days a week alongside their part-time teaching jobs. The design and maintenance business transforms gardens into sanctuaries centred around wellbeing and relaxation.
Business Gateway adviser Gillian Macdonald has been on hand providing support from the outset, after the pair attended a local start-up awareness workshop. By May 2025, the business had grown enough for both women to go full-time.
Business Gateway provided upscaling advice including support in preparing a financial plan for the business ahead of the move to full-time trading, along with digital expert support to develop the business’s social media presence and to reach a growing customer base.
Carole Taylor, co-founder of Soil Sisters, said: “Our experience with Business Gateway has been absolutely incredible. We have received so much advice, access to start-up business courses and templates for our business plans and cash flow. As two women going into business for the first time, we have found the continued support invaluable and we’re very grateful for it.”
Both Taylor and Elder are trained Social Therapeutic Horticulture practitioners, which involves using plants, gardening and nature to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing and social skills. They have extensive experience in using the approach to support people with additional needs, mental health challenges and anxiety.
That background now underpins their second business venture, Soil for the Soul Ltd., a dedicated programme of women’s wellbeing workshops which launched by the pair in April 2026. Through workshops rooted in nature, participants are encouraged to learn new skills, connect with others and prioritise their wellbeing.
On expanding their offering, Juliette Elder, co-founder of Soil Sisters, said “Moving into the wellbeing space felt like a natural next step for us. Through our work in therapeutic horticulture, we’ve seen first-hand how spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can have a positive impact on people’s confidence and wellbeing. Soil for the Soul allows us to bring together our professional experience and our passion for creating welcoming, supportive environments for women.”
Gillian Macdonald, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Carole and Juliette approached their business journey with a clear vision and a willingness to learn and grow. Our role was to help them put strong foundations in place through business planning and financial forecasting, giving them the confidence to transition from part-time trading to a sustainable full-time business. It’s been fantastic to see them continue to evolve and diversify their offering while staying true to their values.”