Sustainable Haircare Start Up Achieves Milestone £500,000 Turnover

A Portsmouth-based start up, nope., specialising in ethical shampoo and conditioner bars, has surpassed £500,000 in turnover, driven by a £25,000 Start Up Loan that boosted its marketing efforts.

Founded by Rosie Myers, nope. has grown rapidly, with its eco-friendly products now available in over 60 independent stores and online through major retailers such as Superdrug and Debenhams.

The loan was secured through the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme in partnership with GC Business Finance, enabling Myers to amplify her brand's reach and mission.

The inspiration behind nope. stems from Myers’ personal journey. After losing her father at the age of nine, she developed trichotillomania, an obsessive-compulsive disorder that led to hair loss. As her hair began to regrow, she noticed the harmful effects of traditional haircare products, laden with chemicals and packaged in plastic, on both her hair and the environment.

Determined to make a difference, Myers collaborated with a manufacturer to create ethical, sustainable haircare products. Two years later, nope. was born, embodying her vision for healthier hair and a healthier planet.

With the support of GC Business Finance and her innovative approach to sustainability, Myers has transformed nope. into a thriving business championing ethical beauty.

Rosie Myers, Founder of nope., said: "The love nope. has received has been incredible. Our business is helping people to feel confident about their hair while combating sustainability issues."

"As we continue to expand, I hope to make shampoo and conditioner bars the new normal, reducing the use of plastic and water in the hair care industry. I’ve gone from literally tearing my hair out to dedicating my life to improving the haircare industry."

"With the support of GC Business Finance and Start Up Loans, I have turned my passion for sustainable hair care into a full-time business that is getting recognition within the industry. Anna, the underwriter for my loan, was brilliant and made accessing funding simple."

Alex Mearns, head of Start Up Lending at GC Business Finance, said: "The journey Rosie has been on is inspiring and it is amazing to see the success she has achieved in just five years. 

"The hair care market is continuing to experience growth and Rosie has already made her mark, creating a sustainable, ethical business that is loved in the industry."

Richard Bearman, managing director of Small Business Lending at the British Business Bank, added: "The growth nope. has achieved already has been incredible to watch, with Rosie’s products now available in over 60 UK stores and expanding into Europe. nope. is a great example of the sustainable businesses that we support through the Start Up Loans programme."