Kaitoke Wilds

I live on the magical Aotea (Great Barrier Island). I make small-batch, holistic skin/hair/body/mind care, using locally (Aotearoa-wide) sourced organic ingredients wherever possible. 

I’ve always been more than a little bit obsessed with natural skincare, so it was probably inevitable that I would begin making it for myself. My formulation journey actually began with aromatherapy, I was blending essential oils to help support my wellbeing postpartum when I was feeling very low. 

The idea of incorporating those healing aromas into skincare really fascinated me, so I started to experiment with holistic face and body oils for myself. I would spend any spare second I had studying plants and skincare from various practices. I feel as though I will always be learning, and expanding this skill set, and that excites me!

Favourite things about what I do? Where do I begin?! There are so many things that I love about what I do. I’m actually a little bit obsessive about work (Capricorn!), and my brain so often jumps into work mode when I’m ‘out of office’. I find formulating and making tinctures and infusions very soothing, I love the rhythm. I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings; the gardens, the bush, the ocean, so I’m always subconsciously on the lookout for new plants to work with, and new ways to work with them. I love dreaming up new products and I usually have a few experiments on the go. I love discovering locally-grown ingredients that I can work with, and building relationships with passionate growers across the country. - Felicitas Weisbach