Recently certified Choose Cruelty Free, Blossom Eco Skin Care was created by Monique Finlay, in rural NSW, Professional Beauty caught up with her to find out how it all began.
Why did you decide to create your own range?
I started formulating products while I was pregnant for use on myself and my son when he was born. I was already eating organic and was becoming increasingly aware of the huge amount of synthetic/chemical ingredients commonly found in skin care, even products formulated for babies. I knew that up to 60 per cent of what goes on the skin is absorbed and ends up in the blood stream, so I keen to find the most pure and organic skin care.
At the time, nothing available passed my close scrutiny, so I was forced to manufacture my own products. It soon became apparent other mums wanted to purchase what was in my ‘magic brown bottle,’ as my son never had nappy rash, even in cloth nappies. It was at this point I realised there were plenty of other mums just like me, who read labels and get concerned by ingredients in all the big brand baby products. So I decided I would help by manufacturing and selling my products and offering all those other mums a clean, safe, organic alternative.
Soon after launching the range of baby skin care products the mums starting asking me to formulate products for them. Within a year or so we had the first four adult products on the market and have since gradually introduced the seven more specialised products.
What was the process from conception to manufacturing?
The initial concept of ‘blossom eco skin care’ through to manufacturing was a long and involved process. I already had the formulations I had been using on my son but it involved analysing the market and what was already on offer, deciding on the exact product and the formulation, formulating trial products, testing for stability/shelf life, issuing to our test/trial group, obtaining surveys back from trials, fine tuning formulas, re-trialing, all at the same time deciding on the brand details, and being a new mum!
What is unique about the range?
Among other things:
Certified Organic Ingredients – Clean and green with no GMO/pesticide residue. Our average Certified Organic content is extremely high, 97 per cent plus. We describe our products as “Organic wholefood for your skin.” We formulate from the organic bounty that Mother Nature provides for us.
No water or fillers or bulkers – We don’t scrimp on the ‘goodies’ and your skin will love us for it. We believe if water was such a good moisturiser then all we’ll need to do is shower.
No toxic/synthetic nasties – Our products are safe even for the youngest and most sensitive skins, as well as those with eczema. They contain no artificial ingredients, synthetics, paraben preservatives, petrochemicals/petro derivatives/silicones/paraffin, sulphates or TEA, DEA or formaldehyde formers or propylene glycol.
Eco– Much thought is given to each and every ingredient, piece of packaging, manufacturing and general business in order to minimise the impact we have on our environment. We reduce, re-use and recycle. We choose to use recycled paper for our brochures, our business cards are post-consumer recycled paper and printed with non-solvent-vegetable inks. Our packaging is made of glass. The only animal products used are beeswax and honey which are harvested from Certified Organic farms with no harm to the bees.
Who are your biggest clientele and how did they hear about Blossom?
Our clientele demographic is very broad. This is mainly due to the fact we provide skin care products for everyone from newborns right through to mature adults. Due to the pure, Organic, eco nature of Blossom our clients tend to be health and environmentally conscious people. Some have dealt with eczema or cancer and have found us because of our purity. Alot of them have met us at our ‘Blossom pop up shop,’ at demonstrations in stores, at the Sydney Organic Expo or have been referred to us by a friend who is ‘blossoming’. We have always found that face-to-face or ‘word of mouth’ to be the best form of advertising.
What has been your proudest achievement?
As far as Blossom goes, my proudest achievement has been establishing and getting into the market place a range of products that offer the client a wholesome, sustainable, organic alternative that is manufactured with integrity, a conscience and respect for the environment. I am proud of the fact that we have many long-term clients which just goes to show that we are consistently delivering on our promise.
What are your favorite products?
Now I am in my forties it’s all about antioxidants and age minimisation so I have three favorite products that constitute what we call ‘The Rose Trio” – Antioxidant & Age Minimising.
‘Rose Face Crème’ antioxidant rich – an emollient rich day crème with Rosehip, Rose, Shea butter, Goji Berry and White Tea. Leaves the skin silky smooth, hydrated, nourished, glowing and protected from environmental stress. Can also be used around the delicate eye area.
‘Rose Facial Mist’ hydrating – a super hydrating mist that nourishes and protects from environmental stress, tones and smoothes.
‘Facial Oil’ nurturing – an exquisite blend of precious oils including Rosehip, Rose, Frankincense and Calendula to help invigorate, rejuvenate and smooth fine lines.
Who can become a stockist?
Any discerning business interested in giving their clients a premium organic, wholesome, sustainable skin care choice. We are keen to expand our group of stockists to include more therapists and spa’s and for our product range to be offered for ‘In Salon’ treatments. We firmly believe in the ‘try before you buy’ concept and what better way to do this than have a professional treatment with Blossom Eco Skin Care products. Once your client has ‘blossomed’ there is no other choice and we feel that as specialists these outlets and their staff are perfect for professionally explaining the range, its benefits and prescribing the perfect regime for the client. We are also looking at taking on some Blossom consultants who can run their own small business. Anyone interested should contact us.
What’s next for the brand?
As usual we will continue to offer premium organic products as well as help educate the public about the importance of a wholesome, organic diet for your skin. I have always felt that my role is as much an educator as skin care manufacturer. Leading an organic, green lifestyle, as sustainable as possible I have always been keen to help others ‘green’ their lives. I have a blog as part of my website and cover topics such as safe/safer haircolour, why go organic, etc.
Visit www.blossomeco.com.au to find out more.