We asked Stephanie from Botanika Natura a few questions to learn more about her dedication to crafting natural botanical products that originate from her farm. These are carefully produced in a small workshop overlooking a beautiful valley in the south of Malta.
How did you develop your making skills? What was your learning path to get to where you are presently?
As long as I remember I was always a crafter. I spent my childhood surrounded by nature, collecting and foraging wild plants, flowers, and dry flora material. I worked as a florist and then studied Beauty and Body therapy specializing in Holistic treatments. This led me to explore Herbalism and the use of natural ingredients in herbal cosmeceuticals with a special interest in artisan soap-making and crafting balms and salves using herbs I grow, dry, and infuse in oil to benefit from their healing
properties.
Can you tell us more about how you made the step from working as a florist and Beauty and Body therapist to making your own soaps, salves, and balms?
Finding plenty of time on my hands during lockdown, I spent my time on our family estate. I started experimenting with various herbs and oils to create soaps, balms, and salves which we used for ourselves besides gifting to family and friends. Slowly there was an increase in demand for these artisan products, with the help and encouragement of my daughter we set up an online page, and Botanika Natura took off.
What would you say to someone intimidated by trying a new craft/creative discipline?
You have to let your idea grow into you, practice, and gather as much information as you can. Do not push yourself with timelines and do it when you are in a peaceful state. Stop and evaluate your creations so that you envision your growth process.
What do you do or where do you go when you need a creative boost?
Nature is my muse. It is a blessing that my workshop is in a rural environment, surrounded by local flora and my beehives. The changing of seasons, and planting, and harvesting various herbs inspire me and fuel my creative spirit.
What are some challenges to your making process? And how do you overcome these?
Working with natural ingredients has its risk factors. Adequate storing of plant oils and dry foliage in extreme heat situations. The curing factor of soaps, which takes up to 6 weeks and still have stock available requires careful planning and following safety guidelines diligently in the process.
I know it can be hard to pick, but is there a particular herb or flower that means a lot to you? and why?
Lavender (Lavandula) holds a special place in my heart. This amazing plant is both a flower and a herb. The potency and efficacy of this plant are sometimes underrated. Its use spans from culinary, and medicinal to ornamental and an amazingly beneficial essential oil.
Tell us about your workspace – where do you create and what tools do you use regularly?
My workshop is very much part of its surroundings, being an old rural field room it provides the perfect ambiance to create my soaps and ointments. Shelves are stacked with macerating herbs in jars and others with soaps emitting an enchanting smell in their different stages of curing! No sophisticated equipment is needed and all tools are pretty much basic bowls and spatulas since I follow the artisan ‘Cold-process’ method.
What does your support system look like?
Thanks to my family for the encouragement I get and each one’s support – each helps with their individual skills such as logistics, marketing, and collaboration. Also being a part of groups with like-minded people, connecting and networking gives encouragement and new insights into self-development. I constantly attend short courses and workshops in Herbal sciences and Holistic Wellness.
Are there other creatives whose work/products you particularly love or admire?
I admire the works of crafters who make use of local materials as their medium or get inspired by the Maltese habitat. Farmers, growers, and all that are in sync with nature.
What are you working on right now? Do you have any exciting things in
progress that you’d like to share?
Last year we saw an increase in interest in hosting school outings for children and older students in arts/science schools to have an insight into the process of natural artisan soap-making. This inspires me to build a more interactive project to create fun and educational workshops for these children in the future.
il-lokal features are curated and written by il-lokal, a shop featurinng work by over 80 local designers, artists, makers and independent brands from Malta. Visit il-lokal in Mdina, and online.
