Sandhya Sharma is the creative mastermind behind ethical bath and beauty brand Bahari Blossom. All of her pieces are handcrafted with natural organic ingredients and full of moisturising oils, butters and exotic fragrances, offering a truly indulgent treat at every bath time. We caught up with her to discover how her adventures to the most beautiful places on earth, and a passion for nature, have served as inspiration.
1. How did Bahari Blossom come about?
Having suffered from eczema and sensitive skin since childhood, I was disappointed with the limited products that were available. So I decided to learn how to create products that were not just plain and unscented but pretty and fun to use, and suitable for people with sensitive skin. The first thing I learnt how to make was soap and that was it – the journey began from there!
2. There are lots of things we fancy in your Etsy shop – what’s your best-selling piece?
Thank you! My best selling item is the Custom Made Bath Time Treat Box in which you can choose from any 6 of my Bath Bombs, Bath Melts or Bath Truffles to make your own personalised gift of luxurious Bath time treats.
3. All of your products are natural, sustainable, vegan and cruelty free. Why is this important to you?
Being a nature and animal lover it was always important for me to use only ingredients that were natural, sustainable and cruelty free to make my products. I have been passionately against animal testing since I was a child and found out what it was. I also use fairly traded ingredients such a Shea Butter that comes from Ghana and helps to support the local community there, as supporting fair trade organisations is very important to me as well.
I also believe in natural remedies that have been used for centuries and passed down through generations. I am lucky to have inherited a lot of wonderful recipes from my Indian/Kenyan Family.
4. You work with a lot of gorgeous fragrances, which scents conjure up the happiest memories for you?
I love that all of the scents evoke so many different memories, but my absolute favourite has to be Frangipani as it reminds me of amazing exotic holidays to Mombasa, Goa and Hawaii. It is my favourite flower and the smell is just so enchanting. One sniff just whisks you away to a tropical paradise!
5. Do you have a personal pampering routine?
I like to pamper myself with a long hot soak in the bath after a long day with candles, and some bath bombs of course!
6. Your products are inspired by travel and nature. What’s your favourite spot to go to for a bit of ‘nature time’?
My favourite place to go is to the beach or seaside, I absolutely love to be by the Ocean is it definitely my happy place.
7. What do you do to keep your ideas fresh?
I find inspiration for new ideas all around me, sometimes from a new fragrance, or fruits and flowers of the season. I also like to research into new ingredients and keep up to date of what is new in the world of beauty.
8. What do you love most about running your own business, and what do you like least?
I feel very lucky that I have the opportunity to be able to do something that I love to do everyday. I especially enjoy the process of creating a product and seeing it come to life, and to see someone use and enjoy something you made is the most fulfilling part of it all.
The downside of having your own business is trying to do everything yourself! It does get quite difficult at times to keep up with making, marketing, promoting and selling your products as well as admin and other important tasks.
9. What’s your guilty pleasure?
Definitely chocolate! I can’t resist! Milk, dark or white they are all yummy!
10. What areas of your work or personal development are you hoping to explore further?
I would love to develop my packaging and make Bahari Blossom a recognisable brand. Also I hope one day to be able to blend my own fragrance oils to create my own unique fragrances and maybe candles and perfumes too.
Bahari Blossom
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BahariBlossom
Chloë Owens
