About the business
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.
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.
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.
How Business Gateway has helped
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.