Exploring Life & Business with Alison Wahl of The Botanical Balm

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Wahl. 

Hi Alison, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I didn’t set out with the intention to start my own company; I was just interested in finding something soothing for my newborn son’s severe eczema. I’m not sure if you’ve looked at ingredient lists lately, but I find many of them downright scary. It became my mission as a mother to make sure I knew what I was putting both in and on my son’s body. 

With a little bit of research, I quickly fell in love with herbalism. While I’ve always felt connected to the Earth, learning about herbs and their many healing properties felt very fulfilling for me. Once I saw how effective my first salve was (not only on my son but on a variety of skin concerns) I wanted to dabble deeper. I ended up creating my own unique lip balm recipe, and I was hooked. 

I now infuse over 15 different types of organic, medicinal herbs into oils, and these oils are what make my recipes unique to my brand. I believe in ingredient transparency, simple recipes, and pouring love into each and every product. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
In the beginning, there was a lot of trial and error with my salve recipes. My son’s skin was extra sensitive, so I had to rule out ingredients that irritated his skin. It was extra work on top of learning how to take care of a newborn, but I was fueled by my desire to find an all-natural, organic option for him. 

Now that my son’s 15 months old, the biggest challenge is finding time! I’m a stay-at-home mom, so he will always be my number one priority. I often work while he’s napping during the day, or I work after he goes to sleep at night. 

As you know, we’re big fans of The Botanical Balm Co. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The oil-infusing process is a long one, but it’s very worth it. I infuse my medicinal oils by placing a glass jar filled with organic herbs and sweet almond oil in a sunny window for up to six weeks; this way, they retain as much of their healing capabilities as possible. I’ve found that many common bodily afflictions can be soothed by applying the right combination of herbal oils, and it’s been very rewarding for me to be able to help those I care about. 

What’s next?
I have several local shows/fairs that I’m looking forward to. I’ve spent quite a bit of time preparing for them! I really love meeting new people and talking about the different products that I make. I always list event information on my social media pages for those who want to come visit me and test my products.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.botanicalbalmco.myshopify.com
• Instagram: botanicalbalmco