Bare and Bloom

28 June 2025

A story of rediscovery, quiet beginnings, and the power of following curiosity.

Daniela’s world is filled with scent, soft rhythms, and the thoughtful making of her business Bare and Bloom. What began as a lockdown experiment in aromatherapy has become a heartfelt business inspired by nature, and tradition.

I’ve always been interested in natural remedies, herbs, essential oils, anything connected to nature and healing. I took courses in aromatherapy, massage, and herbalism over the years, and aromatherapy in particular became a really important part of how I managed things like hormonal imbalances and anxiety. It gave me tools to support myself in a gentle, holistic way.

When lockdown happened during Covid, I suddenly had all this time on my hands, and I decided to try making aromatherapy candles. I ordered a kit, just out of curiosity and from the very first time I poured wax, I was completely hooked. That process led me down a bit of a rabbit hole. I started learning everything I could about candle making, which eventually led me to soapmaking… and that’s when something just clicked. It was like I’d remembered something I didn’t even realise I had forgotten, as if I had returned to something I didn’t even know I’d lost.

From there it just flowed, I wasn’t planning to start a business at first, but it naturally evolved into Bare and Bloom. It became a way to bring together everything I love: nature, intention, slow rituals, and creating something meaningful with my hands.

There’s something about this way of working that feels very grounding

It’s just me when it comes to the making. Every product is something I’ve created by hand, from formulation to pouring to packaging. My husband is very much my behind-the-scenes support. He keeps things ticking along with admin and is probably my biggest cheerleader.

My cat Jiji, a very curious ginger, is always nearby, usually sitting in empty boxes or supervising from a shelf. And my two daughters are always the first to try anything new I make. They give me honest feedback and lots of encouragement. It’s a small family effort in many ways, even if I’m the one doing most of the hands-on work.

We’ve turned our living room into a small studio space for now, it’s where I do most of my making, and it’s also become my quiet corner of the world. I have a space for jars of infused and dry herbs, shelves of essential oils, and open drawers of soaps curing slowly, I love how sometimes you can smell the scent of a particular soap stronger than the others. It’s not a big space, but it holds a lot of intention.

I like to sit there with a cup of tea and just think, sometimes sketching out ideas, sometimes simply being still. I don’t often have music on, as I get easily distracted; I prefer the natural quiet, and the subtle rhythm of the work itself.

I make all my soaps using the traditional cold process method, a time-honoured technique that allows the ingredients to retain their natural properties and benefits. Unlike commercial soaps, cold process soaps also naturally retain their glycerine, which helps keep the skin soft and hydrated. I’m drawn to herbs, clays, and plant oils not just because they smell lovely or feel nice, but because each one has a reason for being there, whether it’s to soothe/nourish the skin, gently cleanse, or offer a moment of emotional well-being.

There’s something about this way of working that feels very grounding. It’s not just about making a good soap; it’s about honouring the old ways. I often think about the herbalists and wise women who worked with plants long before us, and the knowledge they passed down. That’s the energy I try to bring into what I create.

What makes these creations special, I think, is the way they bring us back to the elements, to earth, water, plant, and scent. They invite a deeper connection to the natural world and to ourselves. It’s not just about skincare; it’s also about remembering where we come from, and making space for small, grounding rituals in our everyday lives.

It felt like such a small thing on the outside, but it meant everything

I don’t have one headline-grabbing story yet, so far it’s been a series of small, very human moments that add up to something meaningful.

I still remember my very first online sale, hearing the ping and watching the notification pop up on my phone. I just sat there, a bit stunned, then ran to tell my husband with happy tears in my eyes…an actual stranger had just made an online sale! It felt like such a small thing on the outside, but it meant everything.

Over time, those moments have started to add up, like returning customers coming back for more, or someone taking the time to tell me how much they loved what they ordered. That never gets old. Every kind message, every repeat order, it still means the world. It’s those quiet connections that make all the difference.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything I do, from the ingredients I choose to the way each product is packaged. I try to make sure that everything we use can either be recycled, reused, or returned to the earth in some way. That is also why our soap labels, candle dust covers, business and thank you cards are made from seeded paper containing British wildflowers, offering a quiet invitation to give something back to the earth.

I also try to support other small businesses wherever I can, whether it’s sourcing ingredients, materials, or supplies. I’m also mindful of where those ingredients come from, making sure they’re ethically sourced and aligned with the values I care about.

It’s not about being perfect, but about taking small, steady steps that feel right. Rooted in care, honesty, and a genuine respect for the natural world.

Right now, we’re simply enjoying where we are. There’s a lot of pressure in the world to keep expanding, to grow bigger and faster, but I think it’s important to not compare yourself to others and focus on your intentions and always keep in mind why you started.

For us, it’s more about staying true to our values and creating from the heart.

As long as our customers are happy and we’re able to keep crafting with care and purpose, that feels like enough. For me, growth is less about expansion, and more about doing what we love with care and intention and staying true to our path.

IMAGES ©Bare and Bloom 2025

Thank you, Daniela, for sharing your story. I can so easily picture you in your home studio, shelves lined with jars and soaps, crafting with quiet intention. Your words are a reminder that meaningful work doesn’t need noise, it needs heart.

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