Describe your journey, how did you find yourself starting Forager Botanicals? When I became pregnant with my daughter I started reading about all of the toxic ingredients in beauty products. So I switched to all natural products, everything from shampoo to deodorant. But what I couldn’t find is a perfume line that used only natural ingredients and wasn’t over powering. I had always had an interest in making perfume and started taking a few classes locally from different perfumers. I fell in love with essential oils and mixing and creating my own unique combinations. With my background in designing graphics and packaging I though why not start my own line.
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What makes you most excited about clean beauty and this industry?
The most exciting thing about the clean beauty industry is all of the amazing entrepreneurial women who have started their own lines and are challenging the status quo. It has been really exciting to be a part of the growing indie beauty industry. All of these amazing small brands who are really the innovators now and the big beauty brands are looking to them for trends and relevancy. Now if only there were more distribution channels for small brands!
Where do you find inspiration for your products?
I find the inspiration for my products from nature. I really want to create scents that mimic mother nature. Like walking through a forest or picking a wild rose. These are the experiences I want to channel and bottle so you can experience them everyday.
What are your favorite ingredients to work with and why?
The fun thing about working with essential oils is I am always being inspired by new ingredients. Right now I am obsessed with Jasmine. It is one of the few essential oils I find just as amazing on it’s own as blended with other scents.
What is your most beloved product by you/your customers?
Our Woodland fragrance has been a big hit and has a real following. It is very non-traditional and has lots of woody notes but isn’t too masculine or heavy. It is a great fragrance for transitioning into the fall.
What does your personal beauty routine look like?
I am changing my beauty rituals all of the time so it is anything but routine. Lately I have been really into making my own concoctions from things in my kitchen. The other day I made the most amazing facial mask using oatmeal, egg whites and honey. I swear it worked better than any thing I have ever bought over the counter.
What makes you feel beautiful?
I feel really beautiful after spending a day at the beach. Something about being sun kissed, swimming in the ocean and the complete sense of freedom of being outside in nature all day makes me feel beautiful.
What is your philosophy on makeup and which, if any, products do you use?
With two little ones running under foot I don’t have as much time as I used to get ready in the morning. But one thing I always make sure to do is dash on a little bit of gold eye shadow. My favorite of the moment is from the Lilly Lolo Laid Bare Eye Palette which I recently picked up from Credo Beauty. This summer I have also loved the Ilia Illuminator for giving my skin a shimmery glow.
Do you have any advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs…hmmm that’s a hard one. I guess my advice is don’t give up. There have been times when I think “This is just too much work!” and I want to throw in the towel. But my husband is my biggest champion and always rooting me on. And the next day I wake up and I am ready again to give it my all. I think it also is really helpful to make some friends who are also entrepreneurs. I have several friends I have met through having my own business and we try to get together every few weeks for coffee or lunch and I think it is really important to have someone (or a few people!) to bounce ideas off of, gain insights from and know you are not alone in this crazy journey.
Can you share anything you are currently working on for future release?
Right now I am gearing up for the fall and winter seasons. I am working on some new fragrances that are warmer, earthier and a bit more sensual. Can’t wait to share them with you all!
Forager Botanicals Coconut Isle Body Oil was featured in our monthly Clean Beauty Box! To learn more about getting luxe clean beauty delivered to your doorstep click here.
