Romy Fraser qualified as a primary school teacher in 1968 and taught at a free school in south London for six years, inspiring her to dream of one day setting up a school of her own. When, in 1981, she was offered a shop to rent in Neal's Yard, Covent Garden, she thought of it as an opportunity to raise funds for such a school. By the time she sold Neal's Yard Remedies in 2005, it was a global an international business enterprise selling 1,400 products worldwide and with 30 shops across the UK.

The education centre that Romy set up in 2007, Trill Farm, was an organic farm and home to small collection of rural enterprises. A place to promote the benefits of nature for food and farming, health and wellbeing. Romy sold Trill Farm in November 2020 to focus on her charitable work with the Trill Trust.

Romy was presented with an honorary doctorate in Business Administration from Bournemouth University in 2007, recognising her dedication to establishing and growing a brand that embedded the principles of environmental and social responsibility at its core. She was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours 2008 for services to the health and beauty industry.

Romy has two daughters and five grandchildren, and lives in East Devon with her dog, Rosa.