Be proud of your pension: Meet Beth, owner of Lavender Moon

Through our partnership with Legal & General (L&G), we’ve invested some of your pension savings into property projects across the UK, including an initiative to help revitalise Poole town centre in Dorset. As part of this, Bethany Holland was one of 10 entrepreneurs given the opportunity to set up a shop in Kingland, part of The Dolphin Shopping Centre.

Beginning with just a 50p investment in a thrifted scarf, Bethany Holland transformed her side hustle into Lavender Moon, a thriving boutique in Poole. Specialising in Western-inspired fashion, the shop now generates over £18,000 a month in revenue. 

We sat down with Beth, to hear more about her story and how she felt about Nest’s involvement in the regeneration of her local area.

What inspired you to start Lavender Moon?  

This business is a blend of both sides of my personality. I am a country girl, and I love the spiritual side of life. I wanted to share this passion with others and create an inclusive community. 

Did you know that Nest members contributed to funding the regeneration of Poole town centre through their pensions?  

I have only recently learnt of Nest’s involvement in the regeneration of the town centre and its partnership with Legal & General. It’s so great to know more about how this project was delivered. Knowing that Nest pension holders in the local community have contributed in a small way to making it happen is just fantastic. 

Why is investment in places like Kingland important?  

I think investment is absolutely needed in small towns like ours. So often in the press you hear that towns are run down and actually we're not. We're full of exciting, artistic, entrepreneurial individuals. Having investments from companies like Legal & General and Nest means that we get to be showcased in our local towns and it just builds such a wonderful community spirit. 

What's been the proudest moment since opening the doors here in Kingland?  

I think my proudest moment is building the Lavender Moon community. We have evening events where women get together to meditate and share stories. We have hat-making parties too. There isn't a day that goes by where somebody doesn't come into Lavender Moon and say how much they love the shop and how much it means to Poole. And that has been the most wonderful experience for me. 

What would you say to everyday investors who have their pension with Nest, now knowing they’ve supported your dream in a small way?  

Us independent retailers engage with customers on a personal level and make communities shine. Thank you for playing a part in that magic! The last six months have been life changing. My monthly turnover has jumped from £2,000 to £18,000 since I joined the street. Without this scheme this wouldn’t be possible, and that is in part thanks to the investment Nest from its local members. 

For entrepreneurs like Beth, the opportunity to have a large shop was life changing. When businesses like Beth’s thrive, they create jobs, pay rent, and contribute to the local economy – all of which helps to boost your pension savings.