BearHugs began as a simple idea during a challenging time in my life.
After becoming ill with Lyme Disease and having resigned from my job as a Speech and Language Therapist since it was no longer accessible to me, I experienced first-hand how much small acts of kindness can mean. On one particularly difficult day, a friend sent me a thoughtful care package filled with items chosen just for me. It had a huge impact and inspired the idea for BearHugs - a “hug in a box” designed to deliver comfort and care directly to someone’s door.
At that stage, however, it was just an idea. I had no formal business experience and very little confidence in how to take it forward.
That’s when I discovered The Prince’s Trust (now The King’s Trust) Enterprise Programme.
Turning an idea into a business
The Enterprise Programme provided me with practical support, structure, and guidance at a crucial early stage. A key part of this was working with my mentor, Greg, who supported me through regular catch-ups where we reviewed progress, worked through challenges, and kept things moving forward. His encouragement and accountability played a really important role in helping me build momentum.
Through the programme, I was also supported in writing my business plan - something that initially felt quite daunting, but became a valuable tool in shaping BearHugs into a viable business.
One of the most impactful elements of the support was receiving a “Will It Work” grant. This funding enabled me to create and test my first prototype gift boxes, which meant I could begin market testing the idea in a practical, low-risk way.
With that support in place, I was able to design, produce, and sell my first 25 BearHugs boxes - a key milestone in turning the concept into a real product.
Building confidence and creating opportunities
Alongside the practical support, The King’s Trust also helped me build confidence in my ability to run a business. Living with a chronic illness can present additional challenges, and having access to consistent guidance and encouragement made a significant difference.
As BearHugs began to grow, I remained incredibly grateful for the role The Trust played in those early stages. This was later recognised through regional and national Enterprise Award nominations, which provided valuable exposure and marked an important point in the business journey.
Where BearHugs is today
Since launching, BearHugs has continued to grow and evolve. We’ve expanded our product range, moved into multiple larger premises, and built a small team - including creating flexible, part-time roles for people living with chronic illness and written a report to advocate for other business' doing the same, something that remains a core value of the business.
Final thoughts
The support I received from The King’s Trust was instrumental in helping me move from idea to launch. Through a combination of mentoring, structured guidance, and early-stage funding, the programme provided both the practical tools and the confidence needed to start and grow BearHugs.
For anyone considering starting a business and unsure where to begin, having access to this kind of support can make a real difference.
