The move follows two decades of service as a doctor in Scotland and is influenced by the increasing number of women entering the field of medicine. The launch of IYASU, which translates to ‘to heal’ in Japanese, took place in March 2023.

IYASU was born out of Dr Fernando’s dissatisfaction with the predominantly masculine products that dominated the market. She began conceptualising IYASU back in 2019, focusing on creating environmentally friendly bags and backpacks made from RPET and PU vegan leather. Her vision was to provide functional yet stylish alternatives to the typical brown leather doctor’s briefcase.

Dr Fernando approached Business Gateway for support in 2018, receiving guidance from local advisor, Steve Newlin. Mr Newlin assisted her with a range of Business Gateway’s start-up services, such as formulating a business plan, devising marketing strategies, advising on digital strategy, and shaping IYASU’s brand identity.

Leveraging support from Business Gateway, Dr Fernando secured funding from the Scottish Enterprise’s By Design grant, allowing her to hire a professional designer to perfect her collection. Dr Fernando also contributed her expertise to ensure the bags catered to the everyday needs of a GP. An additional boost to her venture came from the Lacer start-up fund, which awarded her £1000.

Dr Fernando, originally from Comrie, Perthshire, and a graduate of Aberdeen Medical School, launched her first collection of sustainable bags and backpacks earlier this year. Taking inspiration from healthcare pioneers, each of the bags is named after a leading female medical expert, such as ‘The Elizabeth’ named after Elizabeth Blackwell who was the first woman to qualify as a doctor in the USA.

Dr Fernando hails from Comrie, Perthshire, and is a graduate of Aberdeen Medical School.

Dr Fernando said: “Business Gateway has been a wonderful help for me to bring my idea for IYASU to life. Having worked in hospitals and general practice for over 20 years my brown leather bag did not reflect my personality and my stethoscope was constantly tangled around the other equipment due to a lack of pockets.

“I was willing to spend a reasonable amount of money on a work case, but I could not find anything I liked.”

Mr Newlin said: “It has been a joy to watch Catherine take her idea and turn it into a reality with ongoing support and encouragement from Business Gateway.

“It demonstrates how anyone with an idea and the right mindset can build a great business, and is yet another example of innovation in Scotland, which flourishes with help from the business support network.”