Dr Catherine Fernando, 47, founded IYASU – Japanese for ‘to heal’ – after becoming frustrated that traditional doctors’ bags remained “so masculine”, despite women now outnumbering men in the medical field.
Dr Fernando, who works two days a week as a GP at Haddington’s Orchard Medical Practice, pitched the business to the Dragons after being approached by the programme’s Glasgow team last spring.
The episode, filmed in April 2025, saw her seeking a £50,000 investment with a 20 per cent share to help grow the brand, which had sold 350 bags.
Dr Fernando said she tried to keep her appearance quiet but after friends and patients reached out, she has decided to enjoy the “fame” (Image: Supplied)
The mum-of-four told the Courier: “I didn’t sleep the night before filming, then when I came home I was instantly anxious.
“I think I am well regarded and did not want anyone to think badly of me, so I didn’t tell anyone it was going on TV, I didn’t even tell my husband!
“I feel loved because, after worrying about what people would think of me, I’ve had so many messages and comments from people which have been lovely.”
Dr Fernando’s “high-quality” bags impressed the panel, which included Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett, Theo Paphitis and guest judge Susie Ma, of Tropic Skincare.
Although none of the Dragons ultimately invested, podcast host Bartlett “stuck to his word” and bought a handbag after filming.
Dr Fernando, who also runs IYASU Healthcare in Longniddry with her husband Dr Kevin Fernando, said that the experience involved months of preparation and scrutiny.
She said that, more than 100 years on from women first studying medicine, she wanted to redesign the traditional doctor’s bag to combine style with practicality for modern healthcare professionals.
The range features multiple bespoke pockets for stethoscopes, laptops and other equipment, with each bag named after a pioneering medic, including Scottish doctor Elsie Inglis.
Since the TV appearance, she said that she had noticed a boost in sales from people from “all walks of life”.
Dr Fernando added: “I’m really proud of what I have produced.
“There is a huge amount of passion behind this.
“When you put the money in at the start with the passion in, you don’t know where it is going to go.
“I’ve sold a lot of bags over the weekend and loads of people have been in touch; even a priest has even been in contact about the bags.”
The episode aired on Thursday, March 5, and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer for the next year.