Today we’d like to introduce you to Vivian Brinkman.
Hi Vivian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started when I began searching for natural solutions for our own family. I started by researching cleaning products for our home—and I was horrified by what I learned. We were being exposed to harmful toxins every single day without even realizing it. That led me down a rabbit hole into the world of personal care products and natural remedies. Because if what we’re breathing in is that harmful, what about what we’re putting on our skin every day?
I learned that, on average, we’re exposed to over 14,000 chemicals before we even leave the bathroom in the morning. As a mom of two boys, that hit me hard. One of my greatest responsibilities was to protect my children—and here I was unknowingly exposing them to toxins before they even had breakfast.
I had been a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, taking pride in growing much of our own food, making things from scratch, and keeping ultra-processed foods out of our diet—especially after our youngest son was diagnosed with learning and behavioral challenges. I threw myself into cleaning up our home environment. I took classes, both online and in person. I studied with a botanist in Georgia and an aromatherapist in Pennsylvania. I never intended to start a business—my only goal was to support my family and serve my community better.
But what I was learning set my soul on fire.
I began to understand that everything we need to survive—our food, our shelter, our medicine—is found in the garden. Every plant has a purpose, just like we do. I believe we are each created on purpose for a purpose, and so often we’re held back by pain, sickness, or fear. I wanted to help people get unstuck.
My first product was a mineral-based deodorant I formulated for my family. I simply couldn’t go back to store-bought versions once I knew how toxic they were—especially how they affect our lymphatic system. A friend who owns a store invited me to my first Makers Market, and that’s when something clicked. I fell in love with helping others live better, healthier lives. I began sharing how what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream, and how that can impact hormones, the endocrine system, and so much more.
That day, my purpose began to unfold. I didn’t set out to start a business—I set out to “mom” a hurting community of women who needed to be seen, heard, and loved. Women looking for trustworthy solutions for their families. I wanted to build a community that empowered, inspired, and equipped others—and that kind of energy is contagious.
That’s how The Bohemian Mama was born—a health and wellness company that handcrafts natural personal care products and remedies using only the finest herbs and minerals. From our bestselling Magnesium Body Butter, to arnica magnesium butters, poke root balm, herbal salves, sinus balm and more—each product is made with love and intention.
Since 2016, we’ve been part of hundreds of Makers Markets, partnered with over 20 wholesalers, and launched a website to expand our reach. We’ve also opened the doors to the newly renovated BoMa Barn in Diamond, Ohio—a space where we host events and gatherings of all kinds.
From Makers Markets that support fellow small businesses, to wellness workshops and retreats featuring experts in their fields, to cozy community nights like painting classes, crochet workshops, sourdough baking, and even coffee parties—everything we do is about connection, healing, and coming back to what matters most.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest challenge for me has been balancing my time. I love what I do, but I love being with my family even more.
The next challenge has been growth. Paperwork, ordering supplies, keeping track of inventory, hiring, navigating social media, emails …. I thought I would get to play in the garden all day, read books, and sip tea.
Public speaking – I’m uber confident behind my table sharing my passion for health and wellness. Put me in front of a crowded room with all eyes staring at me and I forget my name + my herbs.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Bohemian Mama?
At The Bohemian Mama, we believe that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. We’re a handcrafted health and wellness company that specializes in all-natural personal care products and herbal remedies made with intention, love, and the highest quality herbs and minerals.
We’re most known for our Magnesium Body Butter—our #1 bestseller that our community swears by for better sleep, calming restless legs, easing sore muscles, and even helping with mood and anxiety. But that’s just the beginning. We offer a wide range of products including arnica-magnesium blends for pain relief, poke root balm for lymphatic support, herbal salves, sinus balms, and so much more.
What sets us apart is our heart. We never started this as a business—it grew out of a deep desire to support our own family’s health naturally, and that mission has expanded to serve a whole community of women and families who are looking for safer, simpler, more intentional ways to care for themselves.
We don’t just make products—we build relationships. We educate, we empower, and we bring people together. Whether it’s through our in-person Maker’s Markets, wellness workshops, or cozy community events at our BoMa Barn in Diamond, OH, everything we do is centered around connection and care.
We’re proud to say our brand is built on trust, transparency, and tradition—many of our recipes are rooted in folk wisdom, using herbs the way our great-grandmothers might have. No fluff, no fillers, just real ingredients that really work.
More than anything, we want people to know: you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. You have options, and there are gentle, effective ways to care for your body and your family. We’re here to walk that journey with you.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’m the daughter of immigrant parents from the island of Chios, Greece—and growing up, I always felt just a little different from the other girls in my class. Whether it was my nationality, the way I was raised, or just my personality, I never quite fit the mold—and honestly, I’m grateful for that now.
I was a total tomboy as a kid. You could find me outside from sun up to sun down with my two brothers—playing ball, riding bikes, making mud pies, and getting into whatever adventures we could. I had (and still have) a deeply curious spirit. I’ve always wanted to understand how things work—whether it’s people, places, nature, or the big picture of how it all fits together.
My faith has always been a compass for me. One of the guiding philosophies behind my business comes from Revelation 22:2: “the leaves of the trees are for the healing of the nations.” That belief—that the earth provides what we need to heal and thrive—has deeply shaped both my life and my work.
I also believe laughter and community are two of the best medicines we’ve got. Joy, connection, and a good belly laugh go a long way in this life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thebohemianmama.guru/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_bohemian_mama/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoMaTribe
