11 Years In, Still Moving Forward
2025 marked 11 years since FINDRA began. 11 years of learning, growing, listening, and quietly building something we believe in. What started as a small idea rooted in a love of the outdoors has grown into a community-led brand shaped by the people who wear our clothing, visit our shop, swim with us, ride bikes with us, and share their stories along the way.
It was a year that reminded us just how important those connections are. From meaningful collaborations to personal adventures, here are some of the moments that made this year special.
Welcoming Donna Bruce, as our new product developer
As we look back on 2025 at FINDRA, it’s been very much a year of looking forward. A year spent pausing, reflecting, and laying strong foundations for what comes next. We’ve invested heavily in product design, returning to our core purpose and taking the time to get things right, from fit and function to fabric choice and performance.
Behind the scenes, this year was also about strengthening how we work and how we create. We were delighted to welcome product developer Donna Bruce to the FINDRA team, bringing a depth of experience and technical insight that has already made a meaningful impact on our product development.
With an MSc in Fashion and Textile Innovation from Heriot Watt University, and previous roles as Senior Product Developer at Berghaus and Rab, Donna has worked closely with Alex throughout 2025 on a range of new products due to launch in Spring 2026. Together, they’ve been refining our technical offering, questioning details, and shaping the next chapter of FINDRA with care and confidence. Much of this work has happened quietly behind the scenes, but it’s been an exciting and important chapter, and we can’t wait to start sharing what we’ve been working on.
Watch our Product Development Reel here
Meeting Jules & Greg – and Taking the Plunge Together
One of the standout moments of 2025 was meeting Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill from the much loved BBC series Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim. A programme that’s about wild swimming, yes, but also about human connection, real people, and the powerful relationship we have with water.
Back in October, Alex and her three sons had the opportunity to take part in filming for series three, spending a memorable morning swimming at St Mary’s Loch, followed by hot drinks, cake, and a good blether. Having followed their adventures on screen, it felt incredibly special to meet Jules and Greg in person and share a swim together. If you haven’t watched the series yet, we can’t recommend it enough.
That swim marked the beginning of a friendship rooted in shared values, curiosity, and a love of getting outdoors. A few months later, we were thrilled to welcome Jules and Greg to FINDRA Innerleithen for the final night of their book tour celebrating Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim. Alex sat down with them for a relaxed and honest conversation, followed by a book signing, and from the moment they arrived, the atmosphere felt really special.
With a small but brilliantly engaged audience, the evening was intimate and personal, giving everyone the chance to hear more about their journey and shared passion for wild swimming. Jules and Greg were incredibly open, down to earth and easy to chat with. It was one of those nights that reminded us just how powerful storytelling, community and a shared love of the outdoors can be.
Alex’s Trip to Assynt & Climbing Mount Suilven
One of the most personal highlights of the year for Alex was taking part in a Resilient Leadership Expedition to Assynt, in the North West Highlands of Scotland, alongside a group of like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders. The central challenge of the trip was to climb the mighty Suilven, an experience that tested her both physically and mentally, while offering rare time and space for reflection away from the day-to-day pace of running a business.
Standing at the foot of the mountain, Alex found herself facing familiar doubts. Was she fit enough? Strong enough? Capable of getting to the top? It’s a feeling many of us recognise, whether on the hill or in life. Yet as the expedition unfolded, a simple but powerful realisation emerged: you can’t always see the path ahead, but by putting one foot in front of the other, you’ll find a way.
The climb became more than a physical challenge. It became a lesson in resilience, patience, and perspective. Step by step, moments of uncertainty gave way to quiet confidence, and along the way, Alex forged connections that extended far beyond the mountain trail. The expedition was led by Mollie Hughes, whose leadership, insight and calm presence helped shape the experience.
We’re excited that Mollie will be joining us at the FINDRA Shop & Café in 2026, bringing her spirit of courage and curiosity back to our community.
Launching Lunches at the FINDRA Shop & Café
One of the quieter successes of the year has been the introduction of lunches at the FINDRA Shop & Café. What began as a simple idea has grown into something genuinely special, a welcoming space where people can gather, shop, refuel and slow down together.
This step has been made even more meaningful by the fact that Alex’s own sons have taken ownership of the café’s day-to-day running. Drawing on their combined experience in hospitality, and growing up with an entrepreneurial mum, they’ve helped create a warm, relaxed and thoughtful experience for everyone who visits FINDRA Innerleithen.
Alongside this, the Shop & Café has continued to grow as a true community hub. Throughout the year, we’ve hosted book launches, music nights and exhibitions by talented local artists, and it’s become a favourite go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether it’s a delicious lunch, coffee and cake, or a browse through the FINDRA collection, everything we do is rooted in supporting local producers, from bakers to coffee suppliers, all based right here in the Tweed Valley.
Sponsoring MTB Leadership Courses with FNY Collective
Supporting women to build confidence and leadership in the outdoors remains central to FINDRA’s purpose. In 2025, we were proud to sponsor Rachel Isherwood and Laura Jones to complete their Mountain Bike Leadership course in partnership with the FNY Collective.
This initiative is about more than qualifications. It’s about creating pathways for women to lead with confidence and showing that mountain biking and outdoor leadership belong to everyone. Hearing reflections from past participants like Emma Whettall reinforced just how powerful visibility and representation can be in spaces where female role models are still too few.
We’re excited to follow Rachel and Laura’s journeys and, in 2026, to share their stories as they reflect on what the course has meant for them and how it’s shaping their futures.
Looking ahead to 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, our focus remains the same: creating thoughtful clothing, nurturing community, and supporting people to get outdoors in ways that feel good to them.
There are exciting developments on the horizon. We’re delighted to welcome Mark Held as our new Chairman, with an official announcement coming early in the year. Our new Spring collection will also launch, bringing fresh ideas and innovation to the FINDRA range, alongside more community events and shared adventures.
At the heart of it all is the same commitment we started with 11 years ago. Finally, thank you. To everyone who has been part of FINDRA this year, whether you’ve worn our clothing, visited the shop, joined us for a swim, or quietly supported us from afar, we’re deeply grateful.
FINDRA is shaped by its community, and we’re excited to see where the next chapter takes us, together.
Sunday Inspiration
Favourite book
The Mountain is You - Brienne Wiest
A gentle but powerful reminder that the biggest challenges we face are often internal.
Favourite Quote
Favourite Song
A timeless reminder to meet what’s ahead with quiet confidence and hope.
