An interview with maker missbeesbalms as part of our 'Get to Know...' series.
Tell us a little about yourself and your business…
Founded and formulated by Fiona Brannigan, a medical herbalist with over 20 years of clinical experience, missbeesbalms is a unique and gorgeous range of highly effective, small batch apothecary goods that make supporting your wellbeing as uncomplicated as it should be.
I make expertly formulated herbal tonics, functional teas, pure plant skincare, and eco plant wax essential oil candles.
Where are you based?
Liverpool
Tell us a secret about you?
I taught Steve Wickham from The Waterboys how to knit.
How do you make your work?
All my products are made using traditional methods in a time honoured way. The infused oils I use in my waterless skincare are created using the slow heat method so as to preserve the benefits more effectively. The fairly traded shea butter, and all of the most delicate oils like rosehip are also melted/blended slowly rather than using direct heat to make our balms and skin oils more potent.
I avoid all synthetic preservatives, using only Vitamin E and jojoba oil instead.
My teas are made using organic whole leaf herbs rather than 'teabag cut' herbs to preserve the health benefits and to make a more therapeutic brew (and you get more for your money!)
My herbal tonics are made using practitioner grade tinctures for maximum benefit to your health and wellbeing.
Describe your studio…
Like all the best businesses, I work from my kitchen but am hoping for a studio this year!
Tell us about your materials - where do you source them from and are they important to you?
Everything is sourced from co-operatives and small businesses whose ethics and values I share. Organic, biodynamic, regenerative, sustainable, and fairly traded ingredients are central to the products I make. Knowing these businesses are also mindful of their environmental footprint is very important both personally and professionally.
Why is it important to you that your work is made as responsibly and sustainably as possible?
It's a central, crucial value. Creating products that are responsibly and sustainably made is a mindful practice. I want to demonstrate that therapeutic products for your wellbeing don't have to cost the earth in terms of ingredients or packaging or excess products - I love a multitasking product!
How and why did you start your small business?
I brought my products to the wider market in 2018. Previous to that, they were only available to patients I saw in clinical practice and I wanted to change that and make them more accessible. All my products are unique - whether that's the type of product or the ingredients within a product.
Any fun facts about your business, or achievements you want to shout about?
I worked with Donna Wilson on a hand balm collaboration a couple of years ago. She's the warmest and most encouraging woman and it was a great project.
What do you love most about your small business and do you have a favourite piece of work?
I love creating unique products of the highest quality and receiving customer feedback on the results they've produced. I love a happy customer!
I can't live without my replenishing face oil.
What do you think are the benefits of people supporting independent business?
As the saying goes... where you spend your money is a vote for the future. Customers are names not numbers. An independent shop knows its customers. You can provide a personalised service. Independent shops like PRIOR have curated the highest quality collection of products that each hold a story of their own.
Tell us about your favourite purchase from a fellow maker. What is it and who made it?
Lima Lima jewellery - a copper dome ring.
What are your favourite things about PRIOR - both as a customer and a supplier?
I love how the products all seem to manage to come together so perfectly despite being made by so many different makers. The shop is very cohesive and the products are such high quality.
As a supplier, I feel my products are in good hands and are showcased in such a unique setting. Sitting amongst retail giants in Cabot Circus, PRIOR has proved it can hold its own.
Do you have a goal for where you’d love your business to be in the future?
I'd love an open studio where I could run workshops and teach folk how easy (and vital) it is to use herbs in everyday life.
