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| Region/Nation | Newport, Wales |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Clear For Men |
| Owner | Louis Watkins |
| Partner | Business in Focus |
| Social Media |
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| Website | clearformen.co.uk |
Louis Watkins is the founder of Clear for Men, a Newport-based skincare and men’s mental health awareness brand.
Founded in 2021, Clear for Men creates skincare products designed to empower men to feel confident while normalising conversations around mental health. Its signature cleanser, Take Five, encourages men to pause daily for self-care, supported by an online community where they can share experiences.
His motivation for launching the business came from his own struggles with anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic. Having lost both his apprenticeship and the structure of college, Louis found himself isolated and without purpose. Developing daily routines such as walking, cooking, and skincare helped him regain a sense of stability, and inspired him to create a brand that would give other men a similar reminder to take time for themselves.
Since then, Clear for Men has grown steadily, with products sold via its website, social media platforms and marketplaces, as well as through independent stockists such as The Station in Bridgend and Superdrug Marketplace. Louis is now looking to expand into hotels, spas and other outlets, while also working on sustainable packaging innovations and future product launches, including an SPF moisturiser.
Impact of the Start Up Loan
£12,000
loan to fund sustainable packaging innovations and future product launches.
Business in Focus
supports businesses in their stepping stones to success and work closely with the Start Up Loans programme as they are integral to helping businesses start and grow.
The Start Up Loan gave me the confidence and funding to take Clear for Men from an idea into a real business. For me, skincare is about more than just looking after your skin - it’s about taking a few minutes each day to pause, reflect and look after your mental health too.
I want Clear for Men to show that self-care isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength. Being named a Start Up Loans Ambassador means I can use my platform to encourage other young people to follow their passions and hopefully make a positive impact along the way.
- Louis Watkins Founder of Clear For Men
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