A 37-year-old “mumpreneur” from Wanstead who designed her own skincare products to help her son’s eczema has won a national award.

Violet Reid, of Herongate Road, saw her Shea Mooti company recognised in eco and organic champion Janey Lee Grace’s platinum awards on Wednesday of last week. The mum of three began to research soap-making and went on a course when her first son Alexander, now seven, was born with very dry skin, cradle cap and bouts of eczema. She said: “I started doing them [the soaps] at home and I got totally addicted.”

Violet began making oils, body butters and other products for friends and family before deciding two years ago to turn her hobby into a business.

The former nurse has now outsourced the manufacturing of her products while running the business from her Wanstead home.

She gained funding through investment company Angels’ Den and now has a skincare range of five products for mothers and babies, with more to be launched next month.

The award was given for the Mamas Belly Rub Stretch Mark Oil which uses shea butter.

Violet said: “We’re doing a lot of boutique and online sales. It’s been a brilliant year.”

Visit www.sheamooti.co.uk for details.