Rachel is the founder and maker behind Pearl and Bee who created the beautiful lip scrubs that featured in our September box!
Rachel, the maker behind Pearl and Bee, initially began looking into natural skincare when her daughter Pearl was born 3 years ago and had very sensitive skin. Starting with body butters and nappy creams, Rachel then moved on to wanting to try and make soaps. She chose very rich, moisturising butters and oils to nourish and protect my daughters skin. All of Rachel's products are plastic free and are completely eco friendly - right down to their biodegradable and compostable packaging.
We asked Rachel a whole load of questions to help you meet the maker behind the business!
What inspired Pearl & Bee?
The simple answer is my daughter! When I became a mum I wanted to use the most natural products on her and around my home. When I began researching so called "natural" or "sensitive" baby products I was so shocked at the chemicals inside them.
What is your favourite product?
I genuinely love all of my creations but if I had to pick... it would be my lavender and oat milk soap, or my body butter. Both are SOOOO good for your skin!
You talk a lot on your website about sustainability and protecting the planet, what has driven this business goal and what steps have you taken to ensure this is a pillar for your business?
I've always been conscious about my impact on the environment... but again as a parent I definitely wanted to teach Pearl my daughter how to care for the planets future and make a positive impact. I think so many people feel overwhelmed thinking that to become eco conscious happens overnight... but each sustainable swap we make (no matter how small makes a massive difference) my products are all chemical, plastic and silicone free. Our packaging is entirely compostable or recyclable and I'm proud to say I'm a zero waste business so I reuse and recycle all of my packaging etc. Each order comes with plantable wildflower paper which when planted grows flowers for our bee population too.
What is your favourite part of running your business?
It's a great creative outlet which I am so so passionate about. I also love knowing that what I'm making is so good for skin.
Have you faced any unexpected challenges and how did you overcome them?
Working for yourself is great, but quite often you are working more hours per week than a full time employed person. Juggling long hours with a child and being sometimes sleep deprived is hard. Can't say I've mastered it yet but I LOVE what I do so it makes it worthwhile.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
I was contacted by British Vogue to feature in their magazine which was quite amazing.
If you could give a little piece of advice to anyone looking to start their own business what would it be?
Be prepared for a lot of hard work (especially in the first year) and just make sure to believe in yourself. I suffer with anxiety and still have to have pep talks with myself sometimes. If you're passionate about your business you can achieve more than you think.
How do you find being a mum and running a small business?
As I mentioned earlier, it has its challenges. We have a lot of rescue animals in our house, and we recently began homeschooling my daughter so being organised is a must. My daughter says when she grows up she wants to run a business like mammy... knowing I'm setting a good example that my daughter can do anything she she puts her mind to to is an incredible feeling.
What’s your favourite me time combination?
I'm a total outdoorsy kind of girl... me time usually involves being out in nature, walking through a forest is my favourite.
What do you get up to when not being the boss?
Hiking, camping... exploring as much as we can outdoors.
To follow this incredible small businesses journey, make sure you give them a follow on their Instagram page!
