This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable women who make ARRAN Sense of Scotland what it is today — from our visionary founder to the team members shaping the brand behind the scenes. In fact, 71% of our workforce here at ARRAN are women, each bringing creativity, passion and expertise to everything we do. From developing beautiful fragrances to creating meaningful customer experiences, their dedication helps bring the ARRAN story to life every day. In keeping with this year’s baby photo trend, we’ve asked each team member to share a baby photo along with answers to three questions: Founder Spotlight: Janet Russell Our story began in 1989 when ARRAN founder, Janet Russell, set out to create a skincare line inspired by the natural, vibrant and evocative scents surrounding her home on the Isle of Arran. Over the next decade, she extended the collection from soaps into skin and body cleansers and lotions, before eventually stepping into the world of fine fragrance. Janet’s vision was always to create products that capture the essence of Scotland — from its unspoiled landscapes to its rich botanical heritage — while offering indulgent, everyday luxury. Her creativity and passion continue to guide ARRAN’s growth and inspire every new collection. Watch Janet share her story and the journey of ARRAN: Kim - Marketing Manager What is your role at ARRAN and how long have you been here?As the Content & Marketing Manager for ARRAN, I look after the content and campaigns that help bring the brand to life across our online and offline marketing channels.The role involves planning and creating content for things like the website, emails, social media and digital campaigns, making sure everything feels consistent and on-brand. What is your favourite spot on Arran / any fond memories?I love the wee bay just around the corner from Home Farm, beautiful setting with unreal views and a great bar called Cladagh Beach House, (I also never leave Arran without visiting The Cheese Shop). What is your favourite ARRAN product and why?I think this will be a popular answer among my colleagues, but the Island Dusk Eau De Parfum is now my signature fragrance - I genuinely look forward to every spritz. Jacqui - Wholesale Business Manager What is your role at ARRAN and how long have you been here? Wholesale business manager for almost 10 years this time around, plus a further 6 years previously, in the early days I support ARRAN’s existing wholesale customer base and seek out new ones, so they in turn can share the wonderful ARRAN story with their own customers. What is your favourite spot on Arran/any fond memories?Too many to mention, but last spring I climbed Goat Fell .It was tough, but so worth the effort .Seeing the beautiful island from such a different perspective was truly memorable. What is your favourite ARRAN product and why?Currently, I am favouring our newest Eau de Parfum fragrance, Island Dusk. I absolutely love wearing it . A long-lasting luxurious scent … jasmine, saffron & vanilla. What’s not to love! Danielle - E-commerce Manager What is your role at ARRAN and how long have you been here?I’m the E commerce Manager and I’ve been with the company for six months. I look after our online store and make sure our customers have the best possible experience shopping with us. I love being part of a brand that brings a little piece of Arran into people’s homes. What is your favourite spot on Arran or any fond memories?My favourite memory of Arran was the first time I ever visited. I came over for a trip with my mum, my aunt and my cousin. It was so special because we don't get to see each other very often. Being together somewhere as beautiful and peaceful as Arran made it even more meaningful and it is a trip I will always treasure. What is your favourite ARRAN product and why?This is such a hard question because I genuinely have so many favourites. I absolutely love the After The Rain Reed Diffuser, the scent is so strong and I get so many compliments on it. That being said, I never leave the house without a bottle of Island Dusk in my handbag. It is my go to scent and always makes me feel put together. Emma - Corporate & Hospitality Business Manager What is your role at ARRAN and how long have you been here? My role primarily involves business development and account management, focusing on fostering growth and maintaining strong client relationships. I’ve been with ARRAN for 7 years, following a long career in hospitality that began in a village pub and progressed through roles in hotels across Norfolk and Edinburgh, where I first discovered ARRAN products. Joining ARRAN felt like a natural and exciting next step, transitioning from promoting hotels to partnering with them. What is your favourite spot on Arran/any fond memories?My favourite spot isn’t actually on the island itself, it’s the view as you come up to Brodick on the ferry. Seeing the whole island emerge as you approach is just stunning and always gives me a sense of excitement and wonder. What is your favourite ARRAN product and why?My favourite ARRAN product is the new Island Dusk fragrance. The scent captures the calm, magical feeling of the island at dusk, and it’s such a lovely way to bring a little bit of Arran into everyday life. Hailey - E-Commerce Executive Tell us about your role at ARRANI have been part of the team for almost two years. My role focuses on the day-to-day running of our website — ensuring everything looks beautiful, functions seamlessly and delivers the best possible experience for our customers. A big part of what I do involves analysing customer data and behaviour to continually improve the online journey, from navigation and product discovery through to checkout. I’m always looking at ways we can enhance the user experience, optimise performance and make shopping with ARRAN as intuitive and inspiring as possible. What’s your favourite spot on Arran?My favourite place on Arran is actually my auntie’s house. I have so many special memories of visiting during the summer. We would spend sunny days down at the beach, playing on rope swings and discovering new hideouts in the woods. It always felt like a little adventure. Those memories still make Arran feel incredibly special to me. What’s your favourite ARRAN product?My favourite product has to be the Island Dusk Shower Gel. It smells absolutely divine — especially when paired with the Island Dusk Eau de Parfum. The fragrance is long-lasting and I’ve had so many compliments when wearing it. It transforms everyday showering or bathing into something much more luxurious and indulgent. It feels like such a small ritual, but it really elevates your mood and sets the tone for the day (or evening). Why We Celebrate International Women’s Day International Women’s Day is a time to honour achievements, share stories and champion the women shaping our lives and businesses. At ARRAN, we’re proud to celebrate the women whose dedication, creativity, and expertise help bring our brand to life — from Janet Russell to the entire ARRAN team. Thank you to all the women of ARRAN, and to our wider community, for inspiring us every day. Here’s to women who lead, create, and inspire — today and every day.
