Homegrown Chester Business Celebrates 30 Years

Independent wellness business, The Scented Garden Retreat, has celebrated its 30th anniversary with an exclusive event at St Mary’s Creative Space, marking three decades of championing wellbeing, community, and inclusivity in the heart of the city.

The celebration drew local dignitaries, community leaders, long-standing clients, and partner organisations for an evening of performances and fundraising. Entertainment from The Hammond School and The Proud Mary’s set the tone, while Chester Pride operated the bar, raising over £1,100 for the charity - underscoring the business’s long-standing commitment to supporting local LGBTQ+ communities.

Guests also heard from founder Laura Heywood, who reflected on her journey from securing a £3,000 Prince’s Trust (now King's Trust) loan in 1995 to recently being invited to London to meet His Majesty King Charles III in recognition of her service to education and safeguarding as a Community Governor at Argoed High School.

Speaking at the event, founder Laura Heywood said:

“Thirty years ago, I had ambition and not a lot else. I came from very humble beginnings, and when I wanted to start my business, no bank would support me. I knew I had a great idea and the commitment to make it a success. I just needed someone to give me a chance.
That’s when I turned to The Prince’s Trust. I still remember the nerves of presenting to the panel, and the rush of relief and excitement when they approved my request for a £3,000 loan. That moment changed the course of my life.

This anniversary was a chance to celebrate with the people who have been part of our journey: our clients, our partners, and our community. I’m so proud that The Scented Garden Retreat has stood the test of time, and I remain committed to making wellbeing accessible, personal, and meaningful for everyone who walks through our doors.”

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Sherin Akhtar, praised the Scented Garden Retreat’s contribution to the city:

“This year, my theme as Lord Mayor is ‘pride in place’, celebrating the people, groups, and businesses that make our communities special. The Scented Garden Retreat embodies that spirit completely.

Laura has built not only a thriving business, but a welcoming and inclusive space that brings pride to Chester. Her dedication to wellbeing, community partnership, and supporting local people is exactly what makes our city shine.”

Also in attendance was Tim Parker, a former Prince’s Trust representative who served on the original panel that approved Laura’s loan 30 years ago:

“I knew from the moment I met Laura that she had the drive and determination to make her business a success,” said Tim. “She was resilient, passionate, and utterly committed, just the kind of entrepreneur The Prince’s Trust exists to support.

We’ve stayed in touch ever since, even after I retired from the Trust, and it has been a privilege to watch The Scented Garden Retreat grow into the respected and much-loved wellbeing institution it is today. Being here to celebrate this milestone with Laura is an honour.”

Now operating across two Chester locations, one on the historic Rows and one in the Garden Quarter, The Scented Garden Retreat remains one of the city’s most established independent wellbeing providers. With a loyal customer base and a reputation for personalised care, the business continues to thrive while staying true to its founding values.

The Scented Garden is an award-winning holistic retreat nestled within the historic Rows of Chester since 1995 above Northgate Street, offering respite from the demands of modern life.

Due to increased demand, Laura opened a second location of the Scented Garden Retreat in Old Port Square in Chester in August 2023. The new clinic was officially opened by Chester MP Samantha Dixon, who is also a long standing client, and offers the same treatments as the original Northgate Street location, plus advanced skin treatments.

https://scented-garden.co.uk/