Meet Gillian the maker of Beyond the Ferns soap

In a time where our beautiful planet is suffering the results of humankinds frivolous waste, I believe making small steps towards caring for ourselves and our environment is the least we can do. With Beyond the Ferns I wanted to do my part by producing skin nourishing natural soaps that are 100% natural, palm oil free, cruelty free, toxin free, plastic free, vegan friendly, recyclable, biodegradable + striving to be as sustainable as possible.

Many skincare products on the market contain synthetic colourants & fragrances to attract the senses of which many are made using harmful toxins in order to make a cheaper product. Being a mom with a growing family of three children that’s using more and more cleaning products, my eyes began to open to these realities and recoil at the sight of the over-flowing recycling bin. It became my mission to introduce a more  nourishing soap that ticked all the boxes with ingredients intended to be food for the skin, a therapeutic stimulant for the senses, and a chance for me to inject my creativity into each soap.

Name inspiration

The name Beyond the Ferns signifies a place of pureness and tranquillity. A place where nature has the power to cleanse and heal the mind, body and soul. For a long time painting has been a therapeutic outlet for me so when deciding on the name for Beyond the Ferns, the painting shown here sprung to mind. It was painted a long time ago when my youngest was three. Being quite a visual person, choosing a name that could transport the mind to a place of nature at its best felt the truest approach to take. It brings back all those memories from the many woodland walks had finding calm and wonderous adventure in the early years of raising children. Leaving the forest always felt like a mindful cleanse which is how I wish for my soaps to leave you,

My approach to soap-making is much like how an artist approaches a painting. Every batch is carefully crafted with intention, blending colours, textures, and scents to create something nurturing and visually inspiring. Just as a painting tells a story, my soaps are designed to evoke a moment of calm and connection to nature, Nature always being the truest form of inspiration for artists.

“As an artist finds the beauty in the ordinary, its my passion to make the ordinary soap bar beautiful.” - Gillian

Commitment to sustainability

When deciding on making only 100% natural soaps, by using the traditional method carved out very early on the ethos for the business. Sourcing ingredients locally where possible was a must. Using foraged botanicals is always a plus but when it comes to the plastic free packaging, a minimal approach seems to synergise the whole essence of the brand. The brand needs for the packaging to be natural with a modern twist but it is really only seen as a casing for the soap, not the highlight. As each soap is 100% biodegradable and due to the ingredients used, plant life, animal life and waterways will remain free from pollution making them extremely earth friendly.

There is a school of thought which believes our ancestors had it right the first time round. a sentiment I wholly believe in. When it comes to choosing traditional methods, quality is always produced. This will always remain the ethos for Beyond the Ferns.