Inspired Living is all about seeking out that which inspires you most! I'm sure that you love some good DIY just as much as I do, and that's why I think you need to know Susan Brewin, the owner + creator of Lark + The Lotus Naturals, and author of The DIY Apothecary. Recently I had the pleasure of trying out some lovely products from Lark + The Lotus Naturals. My selection included the charcoal bamboo deodorant (which I love and keep in my purse at all times just in case I leave w/out putting on deo), the charcoal bamboo whitening toothpaste, and the rose gold lip balm.
I love brands like Lark + The Lotus because there is so much love infused into the products, reminding me of why I got involved in the Indie Beauty Industry in the first place. I truly appreciate all types of skincare and personal care, but there is something about handcrafted that speaks to me. The gentle approach, the personal touch, and attention to detail truly fascinates me.
I enjoy using the deodorant; I like the scent, it glides on smooth and is long lasting. I am very conscious of what I put in that area because the glands under the arms can be very sensitive. The whitening toothpaste is lovely, and I am continuing to use that, as well as thankful that it comes in a generous size! My favorite is the rose gold lip balm because it is so yummy, and it keeps my lips hydrated, unlike some other lip balms which seemed to do the exact opposite. I now have my eye on the green tea lip balm, and based on my affinity for tea... I am pretty sure I need it!
You may be the type of person who loves to get your hands in the mix with at-home, do-it-yourself projects, and since we are all at home anyway, what better time than now? That's why we went behind the scenes to get an interview with Susan Brewin, to give you some background on her and her new book The DIY Apothecary, which you can purchase on Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is available in paperback for those who like it "old school", and in digital version for the millenials + beyond! In this book you will learn how to create simple and fully customizable self-care recipes from lip treatments, body butters, at-home spa treatments, body wash, baby products, to fabulous gifts that your loved ones will adore!
Inspired Living Interview w/Susan Brewin
Owner/Creator of Lark + The Lotus Naturals
+ Author of The DIY Apothecary
1- Where are you from originally + currently located?
I am originally from a small town in Northern Ontario but have traveled much and worked in Sydney, Australia, and Calgary, Alberta. For the past 20 years I have lived in Barrie, Ontario which is just north of Toronto.
2- What inspired you to create Lark + The Lotus?
Over the years I have been increasingly concerned about chemicals found in our daily products. I began experimenting with recipes and started to recreate my natural version of self-care products that were 100% natural. Word quickly got out, and soon I was getting requests from family and friends to make them body butters, lip balms, even pain salves. That's when Lark & the Lotus was born.
3- How did that name come about?
I wanted a unique name that would speak to my brand. I gave this much thought. Birds are my spirit animal, and I have a true connection with all things zen and peaceful. Lark & the Lotus just came to me and it felt right as it represents natural and peaceful beauty.
4- What is your favorite aroma?
This changes with my moods, but currently I am all about sage. I prefer earthy, woodsy, scents.
5- Why is plant-based + organic important to you?
Plants contain everything we need to heal and thrive. By choosing organic and non-GMO plant-based ingredients we are eliminating pesticides and harmful chemicals that are found in commercial products. It's also important that animals are not harmed in any way.
6- What are the top five tips that you would give someone for proper self care?
* establish a daily self-care routine
* remove make-up every night before bed
* whatever moisturizer you apply to your face; apply it to your neck and tops of your hands as well
* read the labels on your products and avoid products that contain preservatives, dyes, and fragrance
* don't neglect your teeth. Brushing and flossing daily is important too
7- Congratulations, you recently published a book, please tell us a bit about it, and what motivated you to write it!
I worked for a publishing company for 2 years blogging, proofreading, and editing around the time that I began Lark & the Lotus. Writing has always been a passion of mine, so it seemed like the natural next step for me was to write about what I had learned creating natural products. I enjoy sharing my recipes, and helping people to be in control of what they put on their bodies. I would rather see consumers ditching the chemicals and using natural. Making your own is easier than you think, and a lot of fun!
8- What do you see in the future for the green beauty + wellness industry?
I believe there is increasing awareness of the harmful beauty industry, and a growing interest in living clean, living green, eco-conscious, and waste-free. Green beauty is fast becoming more common and accepted as our understanding of health and wellness grows. I encourage caution with large corporations who claim to be 'green', but still test on animals, continue to use chemicals and fragrances. Read the labels before you buy.
9- What are some of the greatest challenges that you've had to overcome?
I am thankful for the many challenges I've had, because it helped me to believe in myself. I don't view roadblocks as problems anymore, just learning experiences. One of the first big challenges was learning to heal myself naturally. I was a low birth weight baby, and often sick with colds and viruses. I missed a lot of school, and was on antibiotics several times a year. In my 20's I began to try herbal remedies, and my health and immune system greatly improved.
Another challenge has been dealing with lifelong anxiety. As a child and teenager, I was painfully shy, insecure, and afraid to venture out on my own. At 21, I pushed myself to travel abroad alone, and although I was scared to fly, and afraid to be alone, this helped me grow in many ways and shape who I am today. I still deal with anxiety, but don't let it hold me back.
10- What are some of the greatest rewards?
I have so much to be grateful for but I feel health is the greatest reward. Health is not something to take for granted, and I have been blessed with good health, and an excellent healthcare system.
Of course my two children are also a great reward, and I am thankful for them every day.
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