Harvest (which stands for: HONEST ALCHEMY RESTORING VALUES ETHICALLY SIMPLY TOGETHER) are an organic, ethical and sustainable skincare brand. You can find their products through stockists worldwide, and in their store in Kings Heath, which opened in 2015, where you will not only find skincare ranges for the face, hands and body, and a range of signature and seasonal candles, but also their treatment rooms, where you can enjoy holistic massages and facial therapies. Their aim is to only have a positive impact on society and the environment and to give back to the local community.
We asked the Harvest team some questions:
What do you need to consider to ensure your business is as sustainable as possible?
- Our packaging is simple, recyclable, biodegradable and reusable, sourced from UK-based manufacturers who are invested in sustainable practices. We are also now proudly part of plastic-free Moseley
- We minimise waste
- Our products are only tested on people, never on animals
- All of our candles are vegan and made using soy wax which is a natural plant-based wax for a much cleaner and longer burn compared to regular paraffin wax candles. Our candle wicks are made from eco-cotton which is then coated in soy wax
- Our incense sticks are all hand-rolled in small batches here in the UK by a small family run business. They are vegan and free from chemicals, alcohol, artificial colours, synthetic scents and artificial preservatives
- We also stock a range of ethically sourced and fully traceable essential oils – these oils are extracted from plants through the process of steam distillation from various parts of the plant, like flowers, leaves, stems, roots and seeds
- We source and buy our ingredients within the UK, working with UK based manufactures to ensure we are minimising our carbon footprint
- We love to support our community and work with local businesses when we can
What do you love about running your business?
“We love helping people take care of their skin and to realise the power of nature – how it can nourish, restore, protect and heal, especially for people with problematic skin. Our store is also a welcome space of calm and serenity where we welcome customers to just come and relax and chat if they so wish, and everyone will tell you how great our store smells! We are an all-female team and support and help each other too.”
And finally, what do you love about Birmingham?
“All the contrasts and the ‘anything goes’ approach to life as well as a growing independent scene and some of the best food places you’ll find anywhere! You can take advantage of Urban living as well as lots of open green spaces to access and enjoy. We’re also known for our cultural diversity and inclusivity – Kings Heath has recently been named an official gaybourhood by an organisation that recognises leading LGBTQ neighbourhoods around the world!”
You can find Harvest online (https://harvestskincare.co/), on Instagram (@harvest_skincare) or head over to their shore in Kings Heath!