Cotswolds entrepreneur turns nit problem into business

Nit Happens, based in Kingham, Oxfordshire, was launched by Ewelina Szulc-Barnsley, who turned her experience of helping friends and family with head lice into a fully-fledged business.

The service offers in-home lice removal using natural products and has gained a loyal customer base across the North Cotswolds.

Ms Szulc-Barnsley said: “It’s definitely not a glamorous business, and probably not a job many people would choose at first glance, but that’s exactly why there’s such a need for it.

“Families are often stressed, overwhelmed and embarrassed when dealing with head lice, and I wanted to create a service that genuinely helps people without harsh chemicals or shame.

“What started as helping friends and family has turned into a business I’m incredibly proud of.

“Now I want to help other women create the same opportunity for themselves.”

With growing demand for her services, she is now developing a franchise model to support other women in building flexible, family-friendly businesses of their own.

The business focuses on a calm, judgement-free approach and uses only chemical-free products, essential oils, and specialist lice-removal equipment.

Ms Szulc-Barnsley believes franchising could offer a path to business ownership without the uncertainty of starting alone.

She said: “I want to create a franchise model that gives women the training, support and encouragement to build something for themselves.”