MEET THE MAKER
We chat with Josie - creative behind Flora Explorer.
“I have always felt a deep connection to nature and I consider it to be my biggest source of inspiration in all facets of my life. I am hugely passionate about the role that nature plays in mental health and this has become a driving factor during the evolution of Flora Explorer.”
Photography by Lis Leathart & Josie
Can you explain your work and what you do/make?
I make herbal bath soaks from lovely natural ingredients. Each soak has a base of Epsom salts, colloidal oatmeal, organic coconut milk powder and jojoba oil. I then add a selection of dried flowers/herbs and essential oils to make a truly beautiful, mind and body loving, relaxing soak. My soaks are inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing, known as Shinrin-yoku. I want each soak to evoke the same sense of peace and calm experienced during a slow, mindful wander through a forest. I am hugely inspired by the powerful effects that plants have on our mental wellbeing.
Tell us more about the business. How did it start?
The idea for Flora Explorer started back in 2020 after the birth of my twin girls June and Olive. They arrived in February, just before the beginning of the pandemic. We were living in Melbourne at the time where it really did feel like we were living in an endless lockdown. My connection with nature and the outdoors became so important during this time - it helped me cope with the feelings of isolation as well as the trials and tribulations of being a new mum to twins! I took a lot of baths and showers as a way to relax and take a breath from daily life and it was during one of those baths or showers where I thought it would be so beneficial to have a bathing ritual that also utilised plants and aromas to form a connection with nature at the same time, sort of like bringing the forest to the bathtub I suppose!
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
So many places! Gardening is like a form of meditation for me and I feel like I get a lot of ideas and inspiration while doing it because I’m in such a relaxed state. Also, books! You’ll find me at the library at least once a week with a pile of inspiring books and magazines to peruse. I’m lucky to have a heap of creative friends and we spend a lot of time bouncing ideas off one another and sharing the work of other artists and creatives that we know each other will appreciate. I’m also a biiiiig fan of scrolling through Pinterest.
How important is it for small businesses to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
It’s so important! I appreciate it so much when someone reaches out to tell me they love what I’m doing or they share what I’m doing with others, especially on days where things feel hard and I’m doubting everything. The advice and support that I get from other small businesses is invaluable, it's nice to know we are all in this together.
What is the most important message you want to send out to others thinking about starting a business?
I’m still pretty new to the world of small business but my advice would be to just start! Don’t overthink it. Don’t try to do everything at once, do things slowly and don’t rush it – that’s one lesson I’ve definitely had to learn. Do what feels right for you as opposed to what everyone else is doing. One thing I’m proud of is that I’ve learned to treat mistakes as learning opportunities rather than beating myself up about screwing things up. It’s certainly a learning process…
Do you have any daily rituals?
Bathing, obviously! We have a new house with a lovely, deep, old bath and it's such a treat. Other daily rituals include my morning coffee, a spot of gardening, walking my dog, and ALWAYS reading a book before bed.
What art inspires you?
Such a hard question because I don’t even know where to start.
I have a background in textile design and have always admired the designers of Marimekko, particularly Maija Louekari and Maija Isola.
I enjoyed the exhibition ‘Ink on Paper: Aotearoa New Zealand Printmakers of the Modern Era’ at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū a few months back, I’m a huge printmaking fan.
My dear friend Rebecca Smallridge makes beautiful art. I find her endlessly inspiring.
Top 3 fave small businesses?
Too many amazing small businesses to choose from! But I love these three.
Wild Earth Perfume – the scents are divine.
Moon River Flower Farm - beautiful flowers grown near me.
Tegan Makes – I’m a sucker for pottery.
Where can we see more of you?
I’m trying to do better at Instagram! Find me at @itsfloraexplorer
