You all know what White Rabbit Skincare is and who we are, Premium, Plant based, Plastic minimal, Produced by hand, Planet friendly skincare. What you may not know is who our founder is and why she started White Rabbit Skincare to give you all of your favourite natural skincare products. So here you have it, Meet our maker, Melanie!
Hello everyone
i'm Melanie and i'm the founder and owner of White Rabbit Skincare, which I started in 2014 from my tiny kitchen in my flat after being diagnosed with stress-related psoriasis.
I wanted to make products that were not only packed full of incredible plant-powered ingredients that actually do make a difference to your skin, but were kind to the planet too by being biodegradable and recyclable and plastic minimal in the packaging they are presented in.
I left my last job just before Christmas 2016 and literally threw everything I had into White Rabbit Skincare. Running my own business has literally been the best and hardest thing I have ever done, but I can't imagine my life being any different now, and every single time we get an order or someone leaves us a kind review, my heart could literally burst - I will never not be thankful for all your support x
1. When did you become Vegan? And what made you become Vegan?
I had been vegetarian for as long as I can remember, but I 'officially' became vegan in 2017 after transitioning over a period of time - it wasn't a cold turkey (pardon the pun) decision overnight. I love animals and I literally couldn't justify saying I loved (some) animals whilst eating others. There are SO many vegan options available now - from food to clothing! - that it really is very easy.
2. What is your favourite White Rabbit Skincare product and why?
I can't choose just one! But if I REALLY had to, it would be the Eucalyptus & Lavender Cleansing Balm. I love that you can remove makeup with it and cleanse skin without drying, and it exfoliates too when you use with a face cloth to remove
3. How did you come up with the different products and their scents and ingredients?
I am self taught, and when I started I literally got a 'make your own skincare' book which suggested various recipes and combinations. I'm very into research so spent aging researching plant-derived oils and how best to combine them together and what the benefits are.
4. How long does it take you to make each product?
It really depends on the type of product. For example something like the toner or serum and beard oil, you can literally weigh out the ingredients, combine them and then pour into the packaging. The balms and cleansing water have to be heated up/melted down first and then left to cool overnight so they take a bit longer, but the moisturisers take the longest: the waters and the oils/butters/wax have to be heated up separately, the combined together, then mixed together as they are cooling. Once cooled the preservatives and essential oils can then be added, then put into packaging.
5. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start their own business?
Just start. There will never ever be a 'right' time. If you are passionate about something you will always find a way for it to work. Seek as much advice and help as you can on the way - you have to be Jack of all trades when you start, but in order for your business to grow you have to bring on other people.
6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I can't imagine ever not being involved with White Rabbit in some shape or form, but perhaps a little less hands on. I'd love for the team to grow and thrive, and for us to be working out of a lovely big commercial unit, still making all the products in house!
