An interview with maker Bristolmade as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
I’m Lisa, the very proud creator behind Bristolmade. I have a passion for holistic wellness, using nature's wonders, intertwined with some science. I've produced luxurious skincare solutions that nourish both the mind and body.
Where are you based?
Bristol
Tell us a secret about you?
I have a huge crush on Greg Davies, there, I said it.
How do you make your work?
Every batch is made with love & care, it’s the part of my job I enjoy the most. I choose not to heat our ingredients during the manufacturing process to preserve the integrity and potency, they are whipped at high speed instead. This also reduces the energy consumption used when making up fresh batches.
Describe your studio…
I work in several different spaces, I have a storage and packing room that’s an extension of my home. I have managed to squeeze in some plants, photos and it’s painted pink. With some serious Tetris like skills I’ve made great use of the small space. The dining table is my office and the kitchen, what’s left of it, Bristolmade has taken over, is where the magic happens.
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
The glass we use is bought from a family run business over in Wales, I am on first name terms with them and love I can support another small business. I always try to buy directly from producers as it means they get a better price, removing third party distributors who squeeze the producer isn’t always easy but it feels right.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
As a brand that dedicates and commits all of our business decisions around our community and people in need, it is without question that making sure our work and products are kind to the planet too. We believe that both people and the planet go hand in hand, so to make a positive difference in people's lives, you also need to be consciously mindful of our environmental impact.
How and why did you start your small business?
Bristolmade came about with a realisation that sunscreen ingredients were not only unpronounceable, but what were they and was I going to put it on my children’s skin! I then looked at the ingredients in other products we were using and was again quite horrified. So I started researching what alternatives we could use and with a lot of trial and error produced simple and effective solutions with just plant butters and oils.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
- Cocoa butter smells like white chocolate, when I’m making or developing products, I have to stop myself from tasting it!
- All my kilner jar openings have to be facing the same way.
- I love symmetry.
- I use syringes to fill up lip treatments.
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
My most favourite creation is micellar water, I love it so much and so does my skin. It’s without a doubt the product I get the most positive feedback on and is my all time best seller.
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
Independent shopping gives customers the opportunity to discover unique and exciting products, know where their money is going and how it’s directly helping an individual or family and gives people the knowledge that they are promoting local entrepreneurship.
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
A print of a painting done by a very good friend called Anna Christie, it’s of Freda Kahlo. It’s opposite my bed so I get to see it every morning and night.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
As one of the very first shops who took my work I’m eternally grateful to Beck and PRIOR Shop, you gave me the opportunity to expose my products to a wider audience.
I love the passion and drive that PRIOR has for small businesses and the importance of sustainability and innovation, you give shoppers a place bursting with options to make responsible shopping decisions. I also massively appreciate your understanding of my inability to fill in forms and correctly drop off stock.
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
I just want to keep making and selling products that align with my values.
View Bristol Made's handmade collection at Prior Shop here.
