Antonia and Jonny Philp are the founders of Nursem where they source the most incredible hand cream that was specifically designed for sore and cracked skin. Nursem constantly work tirelessly with the NHS  providing promise packs to healthcare workers across the country helping them to heal sore hands from constant washing and cleaning.  During the pandemic they donated their last 10,000 packs of Nursem Hand Cream to the NHS when demand was at is highest from retailers. 

This month we are putting the spotlight on some of our suppliers and sharing stories of how their business came about and how they have coped during a pandemic. 

Tell us a bit about yourself: 

I’m Antonia, and alongside being a co-founder of Nursem, I work as a Paediatric Transplant Specialist Nurse. I’m also a very lucky Mummy to two boys who definitely keep me on my toes – Oscar (3) and Harry (1). My husband Jonny and I set up Nursem a number of years ago after the idea came to us following a heavy stint of back-to-back shifts which left my hands extremely sore and broken down.  A trip to occupational health led to me to take two weeks off work in order for them to recover! I knew I was not alone in having this problem so Jonny and I set about creating a solution. The result was Nursem, a range of therapeutic skin care formulas designed for anyone with hard-working hands.

How has the pandemic impacted your business?

Like many other businesses it has been an incredibly challenging year for us – with some real highs and lows.  There have been some tough decisions, like giving our last 10,000 tubes of Nursem away to an NHS Trust when all of our retailers were desperate for stock – but in hindsight that was a test for us, and we made the right decision – so I’m incredibly proud of our team and the choices we made when put under pressure. There is also much more awareness now throughout the general public for the effects of relentless hand-washing, and the role that the NHS plays when we need it most – so in a ‘glass half full’ sort of way, I believe a lot of positive things have come from what has been a horrid few months for everyone.

A lot of our packages are sent for people going through something, whether that’s illness or a break up or a tough time at work. What’s your go-to product or thing to do when you’re feeling the need for TLC?

It’s been a hard year for everybody, and a little gift can really be the ‘pick me up’ that you need during those tough times.  Personally, I love a bath with lots of bubbles… oh and a good cup of tea with some chocolate. Chocolate always helps!

A really thoughtful thing someone has done for you?

A group of friends bought me a bunch of goodies on my return to work after maternity leave. There was some Chocolate, Prosecco and a lovely candle! It really took the edge off returning to work at the start of lockdown number 1, something which I had been apprehensive about for some time.

Your toughest challenge?

Ohh that’s a toughie, but probably becoming a Mum!  It’s the best but one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Throw in my job as a Nurse, and Nursem, and it definitely keeps me busy.

What makes you laugh?

We nurses love silly humour, it can really perk you up after a long day on shift – that and when my kids come out with the occasional one-liner (that I usually say) that catches me off guard.  They pick-up everything!

Words to live by?

Treat others the way you wish to be treat.  That and a smile goes an awful long way!

Complete this sentence: I wish…

I could pause time; my boys are growing up too fast.

And finally, given the madness of the last few months, how are you?

Very well, thank you!  We’d love a return to normality soon to see friends and family again, but I’m thankful for the times we’ve had together as a little family and how much closer we’ve grown.  We want to wish everyone reading this health and happiness for you and your families too!

Find out more about Nursem here. 

Check out our instagram for the DBHF and Nursem ‘nominate a healthcare worker’ for a chance to win 1 of 50 Nursem Promise Packs.