When people picture the world of manufacturing, they don’t always imagine a woman at the helm. But that’s exactly where Emma Webber stands, as the founder of Natural Spa Factory, she has built a thriving UK manufacturing business in an industry still largely dominated by men.
What started as a simple idea to create low run, natural, ethical spa and skincare products has grown into a respected brand supplying luxury hotels, spas, and retail partners worldwide. And it has quietly done so under Emma’s leadership, vision, and refusal to be boxed in by expectations since 2009.
“When I first started, people often assumed I was in marketing or admin — not running the company,” Emma admits. “There’s still this unspoken idea that manufacturing is a man’s world. I wanted to prove it doesn’t have to be.”
Building a business from the ground up
From sourcing sustainable ingredients to navigating complex regulations, Emma has had to learn every corner of the industry often without a roadmap. She started pre Google.
“Manufacturing is detailed, technical and relentless,” she says. “But it’s also incredibly rewarding when you see your products out in the world.”
She credits determination and curiosity as key to her journey and a willingness to ask questions others might not.
You don’t have to know everything from day one. You just have to be willing to learn fast, and to keep showing up.
Redefining leadership on the factory floor
As the team has grown, Emma has been deliberate about the culture she’s building — collaborative, open, and empowering. It’s clear that men and women differ when the lead.
Working with her husband she can see their styles differ.
“I want people to feel proud of where they work and supported to do their best,” she explains. “Especially for younger women coming into manufacturing or business in general for that matter. I want them to see that they have a place here, and that leadership can look like them. Although, my preference, as always is attitude and skill matter more than gender.”
“Different perspectives make better decisions. Our strength comes from the mix of people, not from all thinking the same.”
What’s next
Natural Spa Factory is now preparing to underpin its operations with advanced digital systems and Artificial Intelligence to support its next stage of growth.
“Our ambition isn’t just to get bigger — it’s to get smarter,” says Emma. “We’re embedding digital tools across our formulation, production and quality systems, so we can work faster, make better decisions, and scale sustainably.”
By combining its human expertise with intelligent systems, the company aims to unlock new levels of efficiency, innovation and responsiveness — setting a blueprint for how boutique manufacturers can grow without losing their soul.
“Technology will never replace our people,” she adds. “It’s here to empower them — to give them time and tools to do their best work.”
Her advice to others looking to break into manufacturing is simple but powerful:
“Be bold. Be prepared to work hard. And don’t wait for permission.”
Because if her journey proves anything, it’s that the face of manufacturing is changing — and women are leading the way.
