Do you have a story behind your company name?

 Yes.  I wanted a name with true meaning, not only for my customers but for myself. I wanted my name to inspire me, and that was a bit of a challenge.  One night my husband Tim and I were going back and forth with name ideas and all of a sudden he blurted out "Bella Botanicals!?" When the words came out of his mouth I was like "perfect!" 

Bella = Beautiful and Botanicals = Nature .... And our slogan is (Naturally Beautiful Skincare)!!  We think nature is beautiful, we think skin is beautiful, we think women are beautiful, and we wanted a name that supported that. I was thrilled when I saw Bella Botanicals wasn’t trademarked and I hopped on the paper trail to snag it. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to nab it on social media and for our URL, so we went with mybellabotanicals for those.

We love that! Tell us more about how you got started? 

I got started by attending a local workshop on soap making. I made batches upon batches of soap,  both solid and liquid.  After that I started making body butter and lip balms. When I realized I wanted to get serious about formulating I enrolled into Formula Botanica and got my certification for Organic Skincare Formulating. From there I really worked hard to figure out what formulas I wanted to offer to the general public. I really wanted to grow organically and let my customers drive the brand.  After one year in the business I was able to cut back to part time as an xray technician and began to throw the majority of my time into bringing Bella to life. Although I'm still laying the groundwork for where I want my brand to go, I'm excited to say that I have a thriving business. 

What inspires you to create, why did you turn to body care products?

Knowing that through this business I give women confidence to be their authentic selves. One of our main pillars is assisting women with finding their confidence in the nude (aka without makeup). There are far too many things that demoralize females into thinking their beauty is defined by how much they can canvas over their true selves, and we’re here to say “F” that. I want makeup for women to be the exception, not the rule. I also thrive on educating women about their skin. There are so many wonderful products to choose from, however identifying what works best for your skin can be challenging. I work with many women to cultivate a skincare routine that works best for them so that they’re able to see the results they want.

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio? 

A typical day starts on the computer checking emails and scheduling posts. Then I'll pack orders and run them to the post office. After all that is completed for the day I'll restock items that are low, and order inventory. I usually get so wrapped up in my work that I often forget about lunch until 1 or 2. It can be difficult to not get lost in work when it’s something you’re so passionate about.

Do you have a favorite part of your maker process?

I absolutely love learning about new botanical skincare ingredients and experimenting with them. There are so many lovely plants out there that can do absolute wonders for the skin, and I want to experience every single one. 

What about a favorite item that you have created?

My all time favorite product is my Organic Under-Eye Roller with CBD. This product has made a world of difference for me personally. I used to NEVER leave the house without concealer on. I had dark circles and wrinkles around my eyes that really made me feel self conscious. This product has not only lightened the darkness under my eyes, but it's greatly helped to diminish the fine lines and wrinkles around my eye area, as well as reduce puffiness. (thank you CBD) I call it #betterthanbotox!! The beauty of this product is that it's 100% natural and organic. It's an oil based formula so there's no preservatives needed, and it's super gentle so that ANY skin type can use it. 

That sounds amazing! What will you be bringing to Jackalope? 

I'll be bringing my three step skincare routine, the eye roller, cbd salve, and natures kiss lip balm. 

Now that events are picking back up again, is there a part that you missed most?

I absolutely thrive on in person human interaction. I love getting one on one time with customers to talk about their skin. Skin is personal, and having that one on one to really delve into a woman's insecurities is incredibly important. I also love the people I meet. Some of the vendors I've met at shows have become close friends. It really is a lovely community of people that are hard working and inspiring. 

What do you love most about Minnesota? I love it’s natural beauty. It's such an incredible landscape that offers so much for nature lovers.. I love the local breweries, the shops, and the culture. People in MN are always so friendly.

Anything special you’d like to share?  

As a child and young adult, I struggled to find my beauty. I put my time and energy into things and people that were ultimately destructive, all because I couldn't figure out how to love myself. My journey to self love is ultimately what led me to start this brand. Truly loving myself gave me the power to come into my own truth, and I want this same thing for all women. I want to inspire women and girls of all ages to love themselves for who they are instead of what society tries telling them to be. To connect with their true nature, whatever that may look like. I want women to stop viewing self care as "selfish" but as a necessity for harnessing true happiness and peace. Women are asked to do so much in this world, and we've constructed this ideal that in order to be loved we need to be perfect. It's just not realistic nor is it healthy. Bella is my platform to touch women with this message. We’re more than just a company selling beauty products, we’re on a mission to change the way the world sees beauty.
Another thing worth mentioning is that we formulate some of our products with CBD. CBD is known to be anti-inflammatory, analgesic (skin numbing), and a potent antioxidant. We utilize it in our leave-on products so that the body can get the full effect of this potent botanical ingredient. 

We love your mission and why you create- so inspiring! We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Bella Botanicals:

Website | www.mybellabotanicals.com

Instagram | @mybellabotanicals

Why do you create?

My mission is to bring healing energy into the world and to spread light, joy, and happiness to people through my art.

That is great- what inspires this creation process?

Metaphysical sciences really inspire me. I am very intrigued with the healing powers of color and organic materials such as rocks, crystals, and glass. I also am very inspired by geology! I wanted to be a geologist when I was in college but I could not pass the lab tests. I have realized all these years later, that the concepts of geology (strata and minerals) are at play with my compositions and material choices.

What is your favorite part of the maker process?

My favorite part of the maker process is allowing the hand/brain connection to work with my materials. As I'm not able to render into a drawing what I may see or feel from memories, dreams, or ideas, I "channel" while I'm working and am always delighted with the outcomes. It is very freeing to not have strict constraints on designs or ideas!

What’s a typical day like for you in the studio?

I like to spend 2 hours early in the morning before the family wakes up in my studio. I've always been a morning person and this early morning time sets me up for a balanced and happy day. I put on my full spectrum light for some light therapy and insert my earbuds to either listen to a guided meditation or music. I do work part time, so on the days I am in my home studio after my morning charge up and ensuring the family is sorted and ready for their day, I then spend several hours creating back in my space. I thoroughly enjoy looking around at my materials, thinking about designs and combinations, and bathing in the creative energy that my studio provides.

Do you have a favorite piece you have created thus far?

This is a rather difficult question to answer as I love everything I make. I will answer with the most meaningful piece, which is a sculpted mirror called "Dad's Amend." My dad is a mythological figure in my memory now, and while working through a 12 step-program for alcoholism, one of the most freeing and powerful amends I made was to my dad posthumously. He called me "Hummy" and I created this mirror with a hummingbird to honor that nickname. I worked through years of hurt, trauma, abandonment and was able to release decades of negative feelings and reached a state of forgiveness and peace.

What do you love most about Minnesota?

There is something very soothing about the farmlands, rivers, and lakes of my home state. I love driving along the bluffs along the Mississippi river and always look at the strata lines and the curves of the river. I admire the lines, colors, and textures of the landscapes here in Minnesota. I particularly love when I am visiting my parents and family in Winona, a lovely town on the Mississippi River. My favorite thing to do when home is to take a boat ride along the backwaters of the Mississippi and look for birds and sunning turtles on logs. It is these simple pleasures that fuel my creativity.

What do you enjoy most about in-person events?

I am new to the festival circuit! I have done two shows this year and won a "Festival Favorite" award in both shows. What I have really enjoyed is the happy energy that people have when visiting the shows. I give away "magic rocks" to booth visitors and the smiles that leave my tent are priceless.

What will you be bringing to Jackalope?

Oooh! I'll be bringing all sorts of magical and sparkly mirrors, healing pendants encased with gemstones, copper and gold, some garden art, and a big bowl of magic rocks.

Anything special you’d like to share?

I am super excited to be part of the inaugural Jackalope Art Fair in Minneapolis. We have such a great creative space in the Twin Cities and people really appreciate artists and festivals. I anticipate an amazing turn out and a super fun weekend - October is a favorite month of many Minnesotans, including myself. The location is fantastic and I know I'll attract more friends and family who may want a craft beer!

We can’t wait to see you in person this October 2nd & 3rd when Jackalope makes our debut in the Twin Cities!

Where to see more of Shelley Beaumont:

Website | www.Shelleybeaumonthealingmosaics.com

Instagram | @shelleybeaumontartist