Published on 1st April 2025

The Natural Body Company may be a new name for Horsham town centre, but owner Suzy Wyner will be familiar to many shoppers.

For 45 years, Suzy ran the Horsham branch of The Body Shop. Now, she has launched her own independent business in Swan Walk, using her experience to offer a fresh range of exciting skincare and beauty products. 

Suzy said: ‘It has taken a long time for us to become an independent business. My family opened the very first franchise of The Body Shop in George Street, Hove, then opened a second store in Horsham. My parents and two sisters have also been involved in the business over the years, and my father still helps behind the scenes at the age of 94.

‘The Horsham store was initially in Middle Street, close to Laura Ashley in a unit now occupied by Truffles. The shop was very successful, as at that time The Body Shop was an exciting brand with a novel approach to skincare products. We soon outgrew the unit and moved to Swan Walk, where we remained for 42 years. However, there have been many changes since the business was sold by founder Anita Roddick in 2006. Products that our customers knew and loved were discontinued, which was very frustrating. I knew that there were good alternatives out there, but as a franchisee, I was not in a position to sell them in the shop. For a long time, we carried on, hoping things would improve, but it reached the point where we felt that the brand was not the same one that we had bought into at the very beginning.’ 

NEW HOPE

Last September, Suzy and her family parted ways with The Body Shop and opened The Natural Body Company. They designed a logo incorporating a camellia – a favourite flower of Suzy’s late mother – and brought back popular services such as gift wrapping. They also introduced products similar to those that the shop used to sell years ago, such as scented bath balls and bespoke gift baskets.

Staying true to its ethos, there is a focus on sustainably-sourced products made with natural ingredients that have not been tested on animals. However, Suzy’s team now work in partnership with a range of exciting brands making environmentally-friendly products.  

‘Because of our experience, we already had some ideas for companies that we wanted to partner with,’ says Suzy. ‘Since becoming independent, we have done a lot of research, trialling countless products to seek out those that we would be happy to recommend to loyal customers. There is a wealth of ethical brands creating products that are organic, cruelty-free and vegan friendly, with some driving towards plastic-free, 100% recyclable packaging. Partnering with these brands – including some based here in Sussex – has been very exciting. 

‘We have a broader range of products than we previously offered too, including skincare products for babies and toddlers, and even pet shampoo. We also have a selection of men’s shaving and personal grooming products. Men are creatures of habit, buying products that they know and love.  So, we now sell a range of lovely fragrances, as well as four types of shaving cream. I’m convinced at least one will suit every man!’ 

SCOTTISH SCENTS

Companies The Natural Body Company work with include Arran, which has a range of bath, body and home products made from the mineral-rich water of the Scottish island. Its fragrances for men and women, including Machrie (sea salt and rockrose) and Lochranze (patchouli and anise) have won over many customers. UpCircle was founded seven years ago by siblings Will and Anna. After a successful pitch on Dragon’s Den, its ethically-made, coffee-based skincare products have scooped many awards, with the brand featured in magazines including Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan. 

Suzy said: ‘Once we find a product that we love, we invest in that company and commit to them. Arran and UpCircle are two wonderful new brands with an ethos that matches our own. Another is an award-winning company called Nirvana Natural, who make SLS-free (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) shampoos, including a scalp clarifying shampoo made with a blend of tea tree, lime, peppermint and lavender. By working with independents, we can pass good information on to our customers and they can trust us to find the products they’re looking for.’

‘We also have a growing make-up range, generating fresh interest in the shop. Many years ago, I was trained by Barbara Daly, who was Princess Diana’s make-up artist at the Royal Wedding. I still remember that buzz and excitement about make-up and want to bring that spirit back to The Natural Body Company.’

LOYALTY SCHEME

The feedback from customers to the changes has been hugely positive, with regulars enjoying discovering new skincare products. A generous loyalty card scheme has generated interest too, with customers collecting eight stamps (one is awarded for a £25 shop) rewarded with £25 to spend in store. The shop hosts monthly Prosecco Saturday too, helping to attract new faces.   

Suzy said: ‘We have seen Horsham’s remarkable growth. When we first arrived, there was only one coffee shop, but 45 years later it’s a thriving market town and we feel lucky to be part of such a wonderful community. The support we have received since becoming an independent shop has been incredible . For me and all the staff – Emma, Kirsty, Christine and Jo – it feels like a weight has been lifted and we can move ahead with a fresh lease of life.’

WORDS: Ben Morris/PHOTOS: Alan Wright