We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Violet Henson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Violet below.

Violet, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a fun one – what’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

I believe in 2 things that don’t always go with the narrative. First, I believe in using non toxic materials (plants and flowers) to dye my garments. I am passionate about keeping our bodies free from toxins, and one way is to buy plant dyed fabrics that are safe and healing for our skin. People may not necessarily disagree with this, but they don’t put importance on it as they should.

Another important idea that most people disagree with, is, sourcing materials and clothing from sustainable places. For example, my company uses majority upcycled clothing, as opposed to new clothing that is not sourced responsibly. I believe in trying to reuse what we already have and many other companies just want to produce, produce, produce to make a profit as high as possible.

I am trying to help people be very conscious of what they are putting on their bodies and where it comes from.

Violet, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Botanical Spells is something that I am very proud of. I am passionate about health and plants, so being able to merge these two together feels really good. I am a natural dyer and artisan. I hand dye garments, and silks using only plants and Earth’s elements, I forage and collect flowers/plants from local farmers and help to take invasive species from the environment. For example, here in San Diego, Eucalyptus grows abundantly. It is a great dye plant, and also invasive. So by foraging it for my business, it also helps the environment thrive.

Not only do I create one a kind, wearable plant dyed garments, but I also have a beautiful service for newly married couples. Instead of letting all the flowers go to waste, I use them to dye you a one of a kind silk garment (or multiple garments) using your flowers. This is a great way to preserve your wedding flowers and turn them into a unique, sustainable garment you can have forever! This is one of my favorite services, and I have been able to create some beautiful pieces for beautiful couples!

I also love to teach my trade! I love hosting workshops and teaching others how to dye their own fabrics. It is really magical to physically work with the plants and see them create a beautiful, one of a kind piece. I love collaborating with other businesses and hosting workshops, as well as doing private parties!

Have you ever had to pivot?

It was the end of 2019, and I had many things come to a head. I had been on a major health road for some time and I was really embracing holistic healing. I had to make some very drastic decisions on how to heal my body, that went against the norm. This new way of living and thinking put into perspective what was important and what I needed to let go of. I moved on from relationships that no longer served me, embraced new identities, and left old ones behind. I experienced loss but also found the MAGIC in life. This is also the time I discovered plant dyeing and it propelled me on this journey. I was forced to pivot, but I was also choosing to make all of these decisions. And although a lot happened at once, it was all the recipe I needed to get me to where I am today! I learned to listen to my intuition and my body, and to be a little more fearless. I am so proud of all that I have done and I have experienced so many wonderful gifts because of it.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

I try and find clients through multiple sources. I really enjoy meeting people face to face. Whether its at markets, or workshops, I prefer to interact in person and really get to know my clients and for them to know me.

online, I use mostly Instagram, and it has worked pretty well for me. Word of mouth has also been a great source of business!

Contact Info:

• Website: botanicalspells.com
• Instagram: @botanical_spells