A BORDERS businesswoman has been honoured for her hard work at the Scottish Women’s Awards.

Jane Gray, 50, the founder of the Hawick-based GLOW&be, picked up the prestigious Businesswoman of the Year gong at a ceremony in Glasgow recently.

The Scottish Women’s Awards recognise the women whose efforts are paving the way for the future.

Jane, who has been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years as a lecturer and a salon owner, spent three years on research, branding, development and training and on formulating products before the business was officially launched in February 2020 selling handmade, organic lip balms.

Border Telegraph: Scottish Businesswoman of the Year Jane Gray founder of the Hawick based GLOW&be

Despite setbacks due to the pandemic, GLOW&be has since grown considerably and she is looking to expand her range of products next year.

Jane, who won in the fewer than 50 employees category, said: “I am delighted because there was some stiff competition, so it came as a surprise to win.

“This award means a lot to me to have my company recognised at a national level.

“I am delighted that the research, training, branding and development I have carried out in the last few years has now paid off.

“I’ve always been interested in products related to skincare and cosmetics and came up with the idea of setting up my own business formulating products after seeing first-hand the problems my clients had.

“I’m continuing to develop new ideas as Glow&be evolves and hoping to grow the business further with new products in the near future.

“Products I have available at present include lip balms, cleansing balm, moisturiser, body balm, highlighters, shimmer spritz, soaps, shower gels and sugar scrubs.

“I have 16 products in total at present.

“These came about through a mixture of research, development, knowledge and experience in the industry and producing different collections such as ‘The balms’, ‘The Highlighters’ & ‘Bath and Shower’ products.

“Things are going great, and I am really pleased with how GLOW&be is currently growing.

“I have plans for more products into 2023. I attend a lot of stands and stalls and am busy in the run up to Christmas with them. I currently have a lot of regular custom for products.

“I am really pleased with how the business is establishing itself now as it was started a few months prior to covid I am now beginning to see the benefits and able to grow it much further now.

“I would like to thank my family and friends who have shown their support in different ways which is really appreciated and has enabled me to grow the business over the years.”