We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tavia Trulson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Tavia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Oh, Beehave! Goods is more than just a business to me; it is the culmination of my life’s journey and my deep-seated passion for nature, sustainability, and healing. My mission is to bring nature back to our bodies while educating people about the critical importance of native pollinators and plants. This mission is profoundly meaningful to me because it is rooted in my experiences and the values I hold dear.

For several years, I led youth trips focused on biodiversity, land conservation, and sustainability. During these trips, I felt a growing motivation to find opportunities in agriculture where I could make a tangible impact. When the pandemic hit, I moved onto an organic microgreens farm and began an apprenticeship program. This experience was transformative. I planted a massive flower garden filled with native plants and flowers, initially for the beauty of having vibrant blooms right outside my door, but also to invite in pollinators. As the flowers grew to full bloom, I was enchanted by the daily visits from butterflies and bumblebees. Their presence was a constant reminder of the intricate and vital relationships within our ecosystems.

The first month of hard farm work took a toll on my skin, leading me to create a balm for hand relief. In the farm kitchen, I developed a creamy yet solid lotion bar balm made from local beeswax. This balm not only provided much-needed relief but also became the first product of Oh, Beehave! Goods. I started selling it on the farm, then at farmers’ markets, makers’ markets, and now in retail shops.

My mission to bring nature back to our bodies stems from my love for nature and natural products. As a yoga teacher and bodyworker for over ten years, I have always prioritized using organic and safe products. However, I never found a company that focused on bumblebees or regenerative farming. I wanted to provide a product that was healing, brought the natural world back into our lives, and educated people about this connection.

The problem we are addressing lies at the intersection of skincare, environmental sustainability, and pollinator conservation. Conventional skincare products often contain harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can harm both human health and the environment. Moreover, the use of plastic packaging contributes to pollution and waste accumulation. Research indicates that conventional farming practices, involving synthetic chemicals and pesticides, harm soil health, plant life, and overall ecosystem well-being. Studies have shown that these practices lead to soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of water sources, directly impacting bumblebee populations and native plant biodiversity.

By sourcing ingredients from organic farms, Oh, Beehave! Goods ensures that its skincare products are safer and more effective for consumers while contributing to the preservation of healthy ecosystems. Our commitment to zero plastic and zero waste packaging further mitigates environmental impact.

Our holistic approach to skincare integrates environmental stewardship and pollinator conservation. We are among the first in the industry to prioritize zero plastic, zero waste packaging, setting a new standard for eco-friendly beauty products. Our commitment to sourcing local beeswax and organic ingredients directly supports pollinator habitats and contributes to biodiversity conservation. Our focus on education and advocacy distinguishes us as we empower consumers to make informed choices that benefit both themselves and the planet.

My mission is to educate about native pollinators and plants. I want people to consume with a conscience, understanding not only what they are putting on their skin but also what is being put on Mother Earth’s body. Consuming with a conscience means choosing regenerative farming practices that care about biodiversity and having native plants for native pollinators. This is crucial for maintaining healthy soils and plants that truly heal us. My journey from leading youth trips to creating skincare products is a testament to my dedication to these values and my commitment to making a positive impact on both people and the planet.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Tavia, and I am the Founder and Maker of Oh, Beehave! Goods, a mission-driven company that specializes in beeswax-based organic body care products. The journey that led me to create Oh, Beehave! Goods is one of higher education, experimentation, and a deep love for nature.

I began my journey in the skincare industry in a somewhat unconventional way. My BA and MA education and career history are in the now fast-growing field of Environmental Sustainability. With this background in Sustainable Development, Youth Environmental Programs, and Social Justice, I focused on managing/analyzing nonprofit and government organizations’ program development, effectiveness, and growth. In 2019, after leading a biodiversity and community development month-long youth program in Costa Rica, I decided to move onto an organic microgreens farm and apprentice there. It is here where Oh, Beehave! Goods was born.

Turning back time, in 2016, a friend gifted me a book called “Green Beauty” for my birthday. This book contained a variety of natural beauty recipes, including a simple balm recipe that piqued my curiosity. Intrigued by the potential of natural ingredients and my need for a healing product for my farmer hands (all cracked, dry and sun-beaten!), I started experimenting with different recipes and dove deeper into the benefits of essential oils, plant oils, and butters for the skin. This venture wasn’t too foreign as I had been teaching yoga for 10 years and offering Bodywork alongside my project and youth development work. Natural oils and aromatherapy products were always on hand. When I started making my products for the skin, I had a wonderful time smelling and creating these delicious aromatherapeutic blends.

It took me three years to refine the original three-ingredient recipe from the book. I’ve created product formulas that now include more than double the original ingredients! My extensive research and experimentation paid off. Today for customers, I have a recipe that is non-greasy, super durable, and temperature tolerant. These amazing products stay fresh without going rancid or separating—common issues with many natural products. That is something I am very proud of.

Entering the Market

My entry into the market began at local farmers’ and maker’s markets. These grassroots venues provided a platform to introduce my products to the community and receive direct feedback from customers. The positive response encouraged me to expand to fairs and crafter markets, and eventually, I will transition to online sales to reach a broader audience. I want Oh, Beehave! Goods to become a recognized brand in the local market.

What Sets Oh, Beehave! Goods Apart

Oh, Beehave! Goods is distinguished by its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. My products are crafted using local beeswax and organic ingredients, which are carefully sourced to ensure they are safe and effective for customers while supporting healthy ecosystems. I prioritize zero plastic and zero waste in my packaging, setting a new standard for eco-friendly beauty products.

The problems I solve for my customers go beyond providing high-quality skincare. I address the growing demand for natural products that do not compromise human health or the environment. I offer solutions for all people seeking relief from dry skin that also benefits eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. The formulations are gentle yet effective.

Mission and Achievements

One of my proudest achievements is the product line that not only heals and nurtures the skin but also educates consumers about the importance of pollinator conservation and sustainable practices. My mission is to bring nature back to our bodies and for customers to learn about the crucial role of bumblebees and native plants in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Since the very beginning, I have been motivated by a desire to make a positive impact on the environment, and have been planting gardens with native plants and flowers to invite back pollinators into their natural environments through companion planting and permaculture techniques. Through my products, my hope is for people to foster a deeper connection with the natural world and to do that same- plant and grow their bumble bee-attracting plants. My goal is to educate customers about the importance of consuming with a conscience—making informed choices that support regenerative farming practices, biodiversity, and the health of our planet.

Final Thoughts

At Oh, Beehave! Goods, we “beehavers” believe in the power of nature and the importance of protecting it. My products are a testament to this belief, offering a unique blend of quality, sustainability, and education. I am committed to creating positive change, one balm at a time, and I invite you to join me on this journey.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

Yes, I do it all myself. From the very beginning, I have been involved in every step of the manufacturing process for Oh, Beehave! Goods. I purchase the ingredients, formulate the products, make small batches, pour them into their containers, label them, and find markets to sell them. I also handle all the marketing, online presence, and customer interactions.

I began this journey in a small kitchen on an organic farm, using tins I found at a craft store. In my second year, I discovered compostable tubes and started pouring the products into these tubes, while continuing to offer recyclable tin options. This shift was part of my commitment to zero plastic and zero waste, and I spent over two years conducting market research to ensure these options resonated with my customers.

One of the significant challenges I faced was designing and creating the labels. It took a long time to figure out the right size, colors, and logo look. Initially, I had to bootstrap and use basic labels, but over time, I managed to upgrade to waterproof labels and eventually added top and bottom labels for a more professional appearance. This evolution in packaging was crucial for making my products look professional, despite being entirely handmade by me.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way have been invaluable. First and foremost, I’ve learned the importance of patience and persistence. Developing a product that meets high standards of quality and sustainability is not a quick process. It requires constant refinement and adaptation. Additionally, I’ve learned the significance of listening to customer feedback. Their input has guided many of my decisions, from packaging choices to product formulations.

Another key lesson is the importance of resourcefulness. As a small business owner, especially one who is bootstrapping, you need to be creative and make the most of what you have. This has driven me to continuously improve and innovate, even with limited resources.

Overall, the journey of manufacturing my products has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. It’s a labor of love, and I am proud of the high-quality, eco-friendly products I create. Most people are surprised to learn that I do everything myself, from formulation to marketing, but this hands-on approach ensures that every product reflects my values and commitment to sustainability.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

One of the key factors that helped me build my reputation within the market is my hands-on approach to customer engagement. By attending markets in person, I am able to meet and talk with customers and attendees directly. Introducing myself and sharing my story, beliefs, and mission helped create a personal connection. People appreciate knowing that there’s a real person behind the products, someone genuinely passionate about sustainability and the importance of rewilding our landscapes and bodies.

Moreover, the quality of my products contributes to building my reputation. My balms are unlike any other on the market—they offer deep moisturization, a non-greasy formula, and versatile applications. The feedback from customers who try my products is overwhelmingly positive, often highlighting how effective and enjoyable they are to use. This word-of-mouth endorsement from satisfied customers has been invaluable.

Additionally, being a zero-plastic, zero-waste company has resonated deeply with environmentally conscious consumers. This commitment to sustainability not only sets my brand apart but also aligns with the values of my target market. Customers appreciate knowing that their purchase supports eco-friendly practices and contributes to a healthier planet.

In essence, the combination of personal interaction, exceptional product quality, and a strong commitment to sustainability has been crucial in establishing a strong, positive reputation within the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ohbeehavegoods.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohbeehavegoods/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohbeehavebalms
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oh-beehave-goods/?viewAsMember=true