Indie Oxford Stories: Julie Mutton at Bare UK
Welcome to Indie Oxford Stories, our series celebrating the incredible people behind Oxford’s independent businesses. These are the makers, bakers, creatives, and community builders who bring so much heart to the city. Each story offers a personal story about what inspired them to start, what keeps them going, and how you can support the local businesses that matter so much to life in Oxford.
You can explore more features in the full Indie Oxford Stories collection, browse our Directory of Independent Businesses, or find your nearest indie on our interactive Map.
How would you describe your business in a sentence?
Our aesthetic laser business cares deeply for each and every client by making them feel better about themselves.
What first inspired you to start your business – was there a lightbulb moment?
I had laser hair removal myself many years before in London and it worked so well I wanted to share the joy in Oxford.
How did you actually get started?
I took a small loan from the bank to purchase my first laser machine, retrained completely and literally set up shop in my old room at my parents’ house outside of Oxford. It wasn’t long before demand grew, and within a year, I was moving into central Oxford…
What felt most daunting about starting out, and how did you overcome it?
Everything felt daunting, it’s quite normal if you are passionate to make something work well. But this was the second business I have set up from scratch and my whole family are self employed so for me I couldn’t see any other way of making a living.
What has been your biggest challenge so far?
My challenge initially was managing the finance side of the business – but very early on I employed a bookkeeper and an accountant to make sure everything was being maintained correctly on this front – to allow me to spend time on other important things in the business.
What has been your proudest moment?
I have many of these, and it’s always when someone tells me I’ve changed their life! (For the better, of course)
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about running a business?
Relax – if you are passionate about what you do, know your trade well, and you do your very best to keep your clients happy, everything else will follow.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and gain valuable knowledge from people who have already walked for a while in those shoes. Write a clear to do list and start ticking them off- step by step… you’ll get there!
What’s next for you and the business?
We have just launched a brand new service – laser tattoo removal, which is quite exciting!
How can people support you right now?
Spread the word – if you know anyone who would like permanent hair/thread vein removal or an unwanted tattoo removed – send them our way!
What is your favourite thing about running a business in Oxfordshire?
Our treatment room overlooks Christchurch and the other dreaming spires of Oxford so we never get tired of our view especially as the seasons change 🙂
Who in the Independent Oxford community inspires you?
Every single Indie I meet is always 100% passionate about what they do and they are always will to share their knowledge and joy with others.
What does being part of the Independent Oxford community mean to you?
I feel that someone always has my back… as we are all in it together- navigating the ins and outs of running a small business in an ever-changing world!
Fun fact about you that people might not know?Many moons ago, I met my childhood heartthrob, Simon Lebon. I was completely star-struck and couldn’t think of anything to say, so I asked him what he was doing later 🫣😆🤣
Tea or coffee? Tea 🫖
Early bird or night owl? Night Owl 🦉
Book or film? Film 🎬
