THE friends behind New Forest Botanics have created a bespoke scent for a new range of products on sale in Highcliffe Castle’s gift shop.
Jax Dinnage and Katherine Rudge started creating toiletries for use in their guest homes just over a year ago, going on to produce candles, soaps and essential oils.
The pair were approached by the castle to come up with a blend for candles, room sprays and diffusers to be sold in its shop, which was undergoing a revamp.
Jax Dinnage and Katherine Rudge, from New Forest Botanicals, at Highcliffe Castle’s gift shop
“The scent had to be representative of the castle,” said Jax, who lives in Bransgore. “We went back with different blends and eventually produced a beautifully delicate scent named ocean rose, mixing the fresh scent of the sea with the sweetness of roses from the castle garden.
“We’re honoured to have worked with those behind this beautiful and historic building, and of course we’re so pleased they noticed and chose to support a local business.”
Jax and Katherine started New Forest Botanics after struggling to find locally branded toiletries for use in their holiday lets that were affordable.
They had an eco focus from the outset, ensuring their bottles were biodegradable, and after huge success at various Christmas markets in the early days their products are now stocked in shops across the Forest including Bradbeers in New Milton, Bellalocus in Beaulieu, and Rock Paper Scissors Creative Interiors in Burley.
“We source our essential oils from Fordingbridge and make the candles, rooms sprays and diffusers here in my kitchen,” said Jax. “The scents, which are unique to us, are sent off to the legislator and they make sure it’s not carcinogenic.
“We can make it here but we can’t sell it until it’s signed off.”
The shower gel and body lotion, produced from a blend chosen by Jacqueline and Katherine, is bottled by Walter Geering, a manufacturer of luxury eco-friendly toiletries for the hospitality industry.
The path to success has not always been easy for Jax and Katherine; as well as working exceptionally hard alongside their other jobs, they lost their silent business partner Adrian, Katherine’s husband, last year.
“He helped with our website and had really great vision, but more importantly he was so full of belief for us,” said Jax. “Katherine wanted to make it work for him – she’s been through hell but Botanics kept her going and we know he would be proud of us.”
New Forest Botanics now supplies restaurants including the Colin Nash Restaurant at Hinton and Rosie Lea House in Lymington, and has a hospitality range featuring a collection of miniatures, dispensers and refills.
For more information visit www.newforestbotanics.uk