One of the great things about running a business like Byron Bay Gifts is supporting local businesses. We didn't hesitate in adding the SOAK range to our pamper gifts because the products are organic, thoughtful and beautiful to use. Dealing with other local entrepreneurs gives us lots of joy and hearing about what makes SOAK Byron Bay tick is a real pleasure.
So, not only are we able to share their beautiful products with you in our gift hampers, we can now share their business ideas and the philosophy behind this unique beauty product range. Here more from Kate, part owner and designer, as she chats business with us.
HOW WE STARTED SOAK AND WHY...
SOAK developed from the notion that what we put on our bodies ought to be as important as what we put in our bodies, ie. organic, natural, replenishing, healthful.
We became more aware of the amount of chemicals and ingredients we'd never heard of in most skincare products and began to look at alternatives and the effects of different salts, oils, botanicals and clays on the body and it's well-being often from techniques and bathing rituals centuries old. We stocked up on delicious ingredients and then began the long process of recipe development and the fun part, testing. We spent months devising and perfecting our recipes all tested by ourselves and our two small children (who invented some strange concoctions) the only animal involved was our dog Molly overseeing our efforts!
"An important priority for us was that all the ingredients were certified organic and natural and that all the colours and aromas came from them and not hidden added ingredients."
THE PACKAGING, DESIGN & INGREDIENTS...
What was important was to have a 'look' for our product that reflected the simplicity of the ingredients so we came up with the design ourselves keeping the labels plain but distinctive. The packaging took a while to get together as we wanted to offer glass jars and bottles as much as possible so customers could recycle them but it was surprising how long this took to source. The lids in particular were tricky to get right. We're still working on aspects of our packaging, a work in progress or labour of love. An important priority for us was that all the ingredients were certified organic and natural and that all the colours and aromas came from them and not hidden added ingredients.
WHAT WE LEARNED ABOUT SOAK ALONG THE WAY...
SOAK is still a very young business as we only launched at Easter so we're learning constantly and are sure there's more to follow! The best thing is learning how other people have a similar mindset and also want to use healthful, organic products on their skin. On a more basic level we learnt very quickly that Matcha Green Tea Luxury Bath Milk quickly transforms from green to brown when packaged in clear jars and left in the sun! A lesson from our stall at Byron's wonderful Easter market but quickly remedied.
WHAT'S SPECIAL/UNIQUE ABOUT SOAK...
All our products are lovingly made here in beautiful Byron Bay in small batches to keep the organic ingredients nice and fresh. We wouldn't sell anything we hadn't devised, thought about, tested and passionately believed in.
WHAT'S COMING UP IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS...
We'd love to develop an affordable but organic body everyday wash suitable for all the family. A Magnesium spray to target tense or aching muscles may also be in the pipeline.
"All our products are lovingly made here in beautiful Byron Bay in small batches to keep the organic ingredients nice and fresh."
FAVOURITE PLACE IN BYRON BAY...
For me that would be my morning run to the lighthouse at sunrise or anywhere my children are. For my hubby that would be on his board in the sea.