Louise Fisher
Meet Louise of Foot Forte Podiatry and Rothie Cabins in the Cairngorms National Park, and find out how her enterprise journey has evolved over time and what support GrowBiz was able to provide.
Getting Started
Louise’s entrepreneurial journey formally began in 2020, although the foundations were laid earlier, around 2015.
After qualifying from university in 2014, she created a 10-year vision outlining where she wanted to be professionally and personally. That long-term plan became a guiding roadmap, shaping decisions and providing direction.
In 2020, she began actively putting the pieces in place to build the business, lifestyle, and professional identity she had envisioned - moving from planning into action.
The Enterprise Journey
Louise moved to the Cairngorms in 2021, choosing life in the outdoors and open space, yet with the security of securing an employed role. Living in a rural, community-focused environment highlighted a significant opportunity to meet unmet local needs with her professional skill set and knowledge.
Since relocating, her entrepreneurial journey evolved significantly and she launched a Podiatry clinic as a sole trader, building a strong reputation operating from the local established clinical setting of Cairngorms Clinic.
Alongside this, Louise and her husband also established a short-term accommodation business.
Louise left her employed role in January 2025, embracing a life of full time self employment. She says: “I’m proud of what I’ve learned on my entrepreneurial journey and the ability to feel confident in it, rather than overwhelmed.”
She feels this has been achieved through hard work and determination, with support from great local people and businesses.
Louise is also proud of the short term accommodation business, which has been a fun journey, a new industry to explore and learn, and currently operates effectively with a sustainable story and ethos embracing the land, nature and net zero responsibilities—whilst providing sustainable luxury accommodation in the Cairngorms.
Image: ©Niven Photography
Support Along the Way
With two businesses operating, one in set up phase and another in growth phase with a 12 month vision of expanding into new premises, Louise had lots of learning to do, and questions to ask, and so sought support.
She accessed resources and webinars on Business Gateway throughout February and March 2025, but felt she needed more personalised support and guidance, which is where GrowBiz came recommended.
GrowBiz provided mentorship, strategic sound-boarding, support with leasing decisions, financial forecasting, incorporation, accounting tools, contract review, funding signposting, and networking opportunities and relationship building.
Lousie says: GrowBiz has continually helped me and my business to operate effectively and safely and been a continual guiding support and point of contact for the past 12 months of my business journey.
“The most significant impact of GrowBiz support has been the feeling of mentorship and guidance - helping me feel less alone and overwhelmed with starting and operating in business.
“Access to experienced advisors provides guidance, reassurance, confidence, and clarity during key decision-making stages, enabling me to apply to my own personal circumstances and this has been invaluable, not only for the past 12 months during business set up and growth, but I suspect will continue to be invaluable as a self employed business owner in the Cairngorms.”
“The most significant impact of GrowBiz support has been the feeling of mentorship and guidance”
Louise encourages entrepreneurs to use mentorship, peer networks, and local support organisations, emphasising the value of face-to-face conversations and community connection to feel empowered and supported on your business journey.
As well as GrowBiz, Louise has used services such as Business Gateway, Cairngorms Business Partnership, Marketing Monthly with Highland Edge and Emma Paterson Consulting which all provide local business support in the Cairngorms.
Her top tip is: “Embrace your entrepreneurial journey, be proud of your purpose and passion that drives that journey and do it with support!”
Looking to the Future
Louise is building a highly reputable healthcare practice in Badenoch & Strathspey, and has achieved and maintains a strong reputation as a trusted, community-valued service.
Her current focus and next big step is to complete the move into her new clinic premises for which is currently undergoing renovations. She hopes to open the new clinic in February 2026, which will become the stepping stone for expansion and sustainable business growth.
Another important focus is a personal one, which many business owners may relate to! This is to prioritise pockets of time for restful recovery to capture that all important balance of work and play and precious family time.
Discover more:
Foot Forte Podiatry
Website: www.footfortepodiatry.co.uk
New Clinic Location from Feb 2026:
Unit 17/8, Spey Valley Business Park, Dalfaber Industrial Estate, Aviemore, PH22 1 S T
Rothie Cabins
Website: www.rothiecabins.com
Location: Lower Tullochgrue, Rothiemurchus Estate, near Aviemore.