June 2003 - Anousta Toiletries

The June meeting of the Andover Women in Business Club opened with very warm congratulations to member Pat West, who has recently been elected Mayor of Test Valley.

Larch Gauld, President of the Club was also pleased to announce that money raised during the previous year for Mencap, had now been spent on state-of-the-art computer equipment and had been presented to the Charity at Cricklade College on Friday 9 May.

44 members of the Club enjoyed a splendid meal of ‘Food through the Ages’ provided by the Red Lion at Clanville, followed by a fascinating talk by member Linda Anousta.

Linda runs ‘Anousta’, her own business making skin, hair and mouthcare products that care for the client and the environment. Preservation of the planet is the top priority in the manufacture of all Anousta products, as Linda believes that all waste products come back again in some way, whether thorough the general environment pollutants or through the food chain.

Linda Anousta (L) with members

Trained originally as an SEN and then as an SRN, Linda took time off from the world of medicine to have a family. Following this, she spent time working for a consultant dermatologist where Linda became aware that generally skin problems were treated with antibiotics or steroids. Her interest in the skin and body increased and Linda undertook massage and aromatherapy training, followed by further training in beauty and Neuro Linguistic Programming. In 1999, Linda began training in the making of her own products and her very successful business had grown from there.

Using only pure, natural ingredients, Anousta produces a range of products that do not include chemicals. Linda feels strongly that chemicals used in everyday beauty products are contributing to ruining our planet and feels that everyone should take responsibility for trying to minimise the amount of chemical waste produced. Many sample products were passed around the fascinated audience and, amongst other things, Linda demonstrated the difference between the textures of a branded lip salve and one made from pure ingredients.

The subject was an enlightening one and members were left with much food for thought. Many were shocked to discover some of the potentially lethal ingredients used in everyday products, from toothpaste to shampoo, for both men and women. The Anousta range is wide and growing and Linda can be contacted on 01722 741200 or more information found on her website www.anousta.co.uk. The Anousta range is available in Andover from Naturally Health Foods, Waterloo Court, run by fellow Club member Nikki Dake.