From Legal Eagle to Queen Bee: head with us into the HBB hive to uncover the face behind the brand!
This month we have a real treat for all you lovely readers – we are inviting you all in behind the doors of HBB to delve into the inspiration and working behind the small honey skincare business, Honey Bee Beautiful, in an exclusive interview with our very own Queen Bee, owner and founder Catherine Clark.
After a 20 year career in law, Cath gave up the daily grind of commuting and office life in favour of a more relaxed lifestyle and a return to country living and the natural world. Eight years ago she started keeping bees; fast forward a few months, and Honey Bee Beautiful was born.
Meet the real Cath Clark
Q1: Firstly, HBB’s concept is centred on the natural and simple. What does the term ‘natural skincare’ mean to you?
Cath: “I know that this term can be used rather loosely by many brands, but at HBB honesty and transparency with our ingredients and everything else is very important. In terms of our formulations, what I wanted to do was, wherever possible, use base ingredients from nature over synthetic ingredients. For example, I feel very strongly about never using synthetic fragrance; we only ever use natural essential oils for the scent in our products for their wonderful aromas, the therapeutics, and to avoid the toxins and negative effects of synthetic fragrance. The same goes for our natural preservatives.”
Here at HBB we search to find the best natural beneficial ingredients for each product rather than using a long list of different ingredients to achieve the same result, or worse, which could impact negatively on the efficacy of the product if too many conflicting active ingredients are used together. This use of a pared down, natural ingredient repertoire also allows us to cater for more sensitive and reactive skins – without synthetics and with the use of fewer ingredients, there is less chance of our skincare range causing irritation from ingredients reacting with each other and therefore proving more suitable to those who have reactive skin.
Skin expert Joanne Evans of Skin Matters champions the shorter ingredient list, “the more ingredients you apply, often the more harm you are doing to your skin”. In agreement is Jennifer Chwale, top dermatologist from New York’s Union Square Laser Dermatology: “The more ingredients a product has, the greater the likelihood that you may develop irritation to one of the ingredients in the product. Also, as you increase the number of ingredients in a product, there’s a risk that the active ingredient becomes less bioactive, so you may not get the benefits of the most important ingredients.”
This is something we don’t want to happen with our HBB products, so by keeping things natural and simple we allow our specifically chosen oils for their skin and aromatherapeutic benefits and the brilliance of our raw Welsh honey and pure beeswax to shine through for optimal results.
Cath hopes that our clear, simple, easy to understand ingredient labels speak for themselves.
Rather than labels like this (taken from the face cream of a very well-known beauty brand):
Aqua / Water, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearic Acid, Stearyl Alcohol, Peg-8 Stearate, Synthetic Wax, Cyclopentasiloxane, Lecithin, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract / Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Peg-1 Stearate, Eugenol, Ethylparaben, Triethanolamine, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Palmitic Acid, Silica, Cellulose Acetate Butyrate, Polyphosphorylcholine Glycol Acrylate, Polycaprolactone, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Poloxamer 188, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide / Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dimethiconol, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, 2-Oleamido-1,3-Octadecanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Ceramide 3, Disodium EDTA, Rosa Gallica Extract / Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Methylparaben, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Octyldodecanol, Parfum / Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol.
At HBB, you will find labels like this:
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera), Calendula Flowers infused in Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annus, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract), Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Cocoa Butter (Theobroma Cacao Seed), Beeswax (Cera Alba), Red Kaolinite (Red Clay), Rose Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium Graveolens), Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon Cablin) (Allergens: Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Limonene)
We know which one we find easier to understand and to grasp what is actually in the labelled product and we hope that with our simple use of ingredients and clear labelling you will find it easier to navigate our range too.
As Cath mentions we use only 'Pure Essential Oils' rather than synthetic fragrances which means that you benefit from the added therapeutic properties of our products which help to relax, uplift, and soothe the senses.
Cath explains that in HBB’s water-based products which require a preservative, (most of our products are non water based -anhydrous- so we are able to make use of nature’s naturally preserving oils), we only ever use a carefully selected natural, plant based eco preservative instead of the commonly found synthetic, chemical preservatives found in beauty products. Such synthetic preservatives have been shown, “to cause adverse long term health effects. Parabens and formaldehyde- releasing ingredients are commonly used to preserve products, but studies have shown the harmful effects of exposure to these ingredients.” (Preservatives to avoid and choose instead). This is a risk Cath stands strong on avoiding.
Q2: So, pure essential oils are a key part of many formulations at HBB. Is it important however to offer alternatives without these for sensitive/reactive skins?
Cath: “Yes the market is still not great for those with sensitive or reaction skin, it’s just not sexy to formulate a scentless product. We listened to our customers early on and decided to offer a range which was completely free of essential oils and our Sensitive Bee Range was born.”
Also, don’t forget – if you purchase a product from us and it doesn’t work out for your skin, please do not worry, we offer a full money back guarantee – see HERE for more details!
Cath: “I have never been a confident person and, as such, have regularly put barriers up throughout my life. The one person who has always encouraged me to smash through these barriers, and who often liberates me with, “Why can’t you?’’, is my sister, Libby. She is caring, supportive and totally non-judgemental and I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. In fact, she is the inspiration behind many of my HBB products, particularly our award winning Garden Bee Universal Balm which was designed to help her dry, cracked feet.
In terms of inspiration for the business, I would have to say, Dr Sara Robb (chemist and formulator). When I was a new beekeeper and wanted to learn more about how to make natural skincare with honey and beeswax, I went on her soap making course at the National Honey Show and that is where the HBB journey began. Sara was so kind in sharing resources with me about her chemist and on what other things I would need to do to make and sell my skincare and so became my mentor in those early years. But, more than that, I connected with her kind, ‘down-to-earth’ and sunny nature. She continues to be an inspiration ‘til this day.”
Do you suffer from dry, cracked feet like Cath’s sister Libby? Talking to Cath it is clear how important it was for her to be able to solve this issue for her inspirational sister and she hopes that the resulting award winning formulation of her Garden Bee Universal Balm, drawing on the antiseptic, regenerative and moisturising power of nature’s larder, can help you too. With reparative bee propolis – read more about this amazing ‘ bee glue’ HERE – beeswax, honey, natural oils and butters, our ‘bee-utiful’ customer Kay has also found this balm beneficial, “ I can honestly say it is the best foot product I have ever used."
Cath: “Usually the morning starts with co-ordinating with Bec how the day is looking and what tasks are needed for the day. Mondays usually involve making products that have started to run low and packing the weekend orders for post collection at 4pm. Other days will involve planning marketing campaigns, writing blogs, research and development of new products, communicating with customers about product recommendations and order queries, welcoming customers who visit our cabin, ordering supplies, dealing with the accounts and all the other things that need doing when running a small business.”
Cath: “If money was no object, I would almost definitely be working with animals in some shape or form, maybe running an animal rescue centre or becoming an animal whisperer. When I was growing up, I would spend most of my time with animals, whether it was taking out warm milk and eggs to our German Shepherd who lived outside or looking after and riding my friend’s pony. There were no smart phones or computer screens when I grew up with evenings spent out in the fields (cue ‘when I was young’ etc..etc..haha!) Other than that I would love to have become some kind of therapist.”
Having successfully undertaken many natural therapy courses including Reiki and Swedish massage, Cath indulges her inner ‘therapist’ through the creation of HBB’s aromatherapy range, have a peak HERE, and strives to offer customers caring, holistic advice, hints and tips throughout her messages, emails and newsletters.
Q.6: We love animals! Please tell us a little about what pets you have!
Cath: “In order of size we have newly acquired Trudy Girl, a rescue dog all the way from a shelter in Macedonia, then Squeak the cat with the loudest meow – she’s the one that comes on 3 mile walks with us through the woods, then we have the twins, Lilly and Lolly from Usk cat rescue, the most loving sisters we have ever had. Outside we have our little flock of rescue hens who love to come inside and have been known to lay eggs in our bedroom and settle down on the bed for a nap and, of course, we have our amazing bees.”
Cath: “This is too hard a question to answer…..I am going to have to say two – the first would be a either a soap or a shampoo bar, probably a shampoo bar as I could use this for hair and body washing, I could also use it for washing up and hand washing. Then I would need to pick a moisturiser as I’m thinking my skin would get quite dry in the sun ……so what to pick….. I think it would have to be my favourite face oil – Busy Bee - as I could use this on my face and body for a deep moisturisation and repair of my skin and the raspberry seed oil would give me some protection against the UVB rays.”
Cath’s favourite Busy Bee oil - Why is Rosehip so hip?
Have you tried Cath’s ‘couldn’t live- without’ Busy Bee facial oil? It really does smell divine! Containing a mixture of raw Welsh honey and premium natural oils including rosehip, raspberry and passionflower to rejuvenate, it really is sure to leave your skin fresh, glowing and hydrated. Perhaps you fancy helping to slow the ageing process naturally? Well, did you know rosehip oil contains vitamin C and A (retinol) which are both necessary for the production of collagen for skin elasticity and firmness? A great desert island choice by Cath for some UV protection as the presence of these vitamins in rosehip and raspberry seed oil have been, “shown to synergistically combat visible sun damage and help prevent photoaging.” (Rosehip oil benefits for Skin) .
In fact a study showed that rosehip oil inhibited the creation of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen in the body as we age. This natural rosehip in our Busy Bee oil can also help reduce hyperpigmentation from, not only sun exposure, but also that caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. Our customer Nicole found Busy Bee oil made her post pregnancy skin, “feel fab, soft and wonderful”, and the lovely Helen finds, “this wonderful oil just sinks into your skin, leaving my face feeling nourished and loved without being greasy.” What’s more it’s the only oil with clinically proven properties for blurring scar tissues, for the nourishment and relief of sensitive skin and the promotion of cell regeneration. (www.Greenpeople.co.uk)
Cath: “Every product we make has a ‘performance’ base and isn’t just made for the sake of it, whether this is to help dry skin, eczema, breaks outs, menopausal skin etc..so it would have to be one of the ones which has some of the best performance. For me, that has to be our multi award winning Nurse Bee Universal Balm. I love this for many reasons, it was one of the early formulations at HBB, it has all the magical ingredients from the hive (raw honey, beeswax and propolis), it solves all my and so many other people’s dry, cracked, bitten, burned, sore, itchy and any other skin issues, I ADORE the scent and it was the very first product that got shortlisted in the prestigious Free From Skincare Awards.”
As well as marvellous beeswax, we have raw Welsh honey – a natural moisturiser, nourisher, antibac and antiseptic – it helps keep the skin free of infection and moist but not oily; helps skin to rejuvenate and refresh depleted cells.
Mandarin oil: a rejuvenation powerhouse with the ability to replenish and renew your complexion and help even out skin tone. Also is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Cath: “This is probably one of the most important parts of what makes HBB unique. We want to be able to connect with our customers on a deeper level to offer support in their lives when times are tough. Yes, our products help problem skins, but it goes deeper than that, I like to think that we can help the ‘problem behind the problem’ whether this is mental health, bereavement, confidence issues, disability or general health and wellbeing. I suppose we are a holistic brand that wants to offer more than just our products. It is amazing what nature can offer in this regard.”
Formulation of our products in small batches is a truly personal, caring process. All of the range is handmade and hand poured by us, with thought, attention, pride and love put into each final skincare product. We take the time to personally, thoughtfully package every parcel.
Q12: What’s your favourite thing about the location where you work?
Cath: “I love living and working in the country as it means that I am surrounded by trees and nature and can walk Trudy down to the river every day.”
Are you near us? Our very local customers tell us how it is really pleasing to know that the raw honey used in the products they buy from us very likely came from the nectar collected by the bees in their own garden. What a lovely thought we think. If you are local, you would be very welcome to pop down and visit us to see for yourselves where your orders are made and packed – we are generally on site Monday-Friday but please do message prior to visiting to check as we do often work remotely. Click HERE for our directions as we can be a little tricky to find if you haven’t visited before!
Your visit is almost like having a personalised shop just for you with product recommendations, samples and welcoming chit chat....
Oh, and if there are any art lovers amongst you the beautiful Gallery at Home is nuzzled just over from us – here the lovely owner and curator Sonia Pang will offer you the warmest welcome and serene space for creativity and peace to enjoy a coffee and immersion in some stunning artworks.
Now, lets get a bit more personal……
Q16: What do you like doing in your spare time Cath?
Cath: “If I could choose what to do on my perfect day it would always be the same – going out for a long walk either on the cliffs, up the mountains or through the woods with Michael and Trudy girl (our rescue dog), and sometimes Squeak the cat, getting plenty of fresh air and watching nature (usually involves bee spotting) followed by a hearty dinner and a glass of red wine.”
Barrier balms rich with beeswax and honey are great for protecting skin from harsh weather if, like Cath, you enjoy spending lots of time out in the fresh air. Take a look at our best selling protective and nourishing beeswax and honey lip balms HERE and to protect any dry patches of skin on the face from the elements try smoothing on our Sensitive Bee Universal Balm.
Our hands certainly endure lots of exposure to the fresh air so why not try our Honey Bee hand cream rich in rapeseed oil (also called canola oil) and honey it will help protect your skin from environmental pollutants and keeps it soft and nourished.
Rapeseed oil also has natural inflammatory properties so if you suffer from any inflammation or stiffness in your joints, try a nice soak followed by massaging on our rapeseed oil rich body cream in Rose and Frankincense or Lavender and Lime after your outdoor adventures to help soothe those aching limbs.
What’s more experts (www.nakydaco.com) praise the use of rapeseed oil (rich in omega 3 and vitamin E) in skincare for its ability to boost collagen production in the body, and its high level of antioxidants that help prevent skin from sagging – all of our hand, face and body creams contain a generous helping of rapeseed, to help our customers achieve radiant, protected skin. For our customer Luna she says our, “light but hardworking hand cream has turned my dragon scaled hands into peachy soft mittens!” Check it out HERE
Cath: “I am sure Michael could come up with a long list, the most recent one is forgetting to lock the front door, but I think it would probably be my ‘hyper-ness’. I don’t do slow very well and I know that laid back people might get irritated with my need to do everything fast paced, including getting the washing up done before sitting down - I mean who wouldn’t want to get the chores out the way before relaxing? But, in all seriousness, I know this isn’t necessarily good for my health and I need to learn to slow down and not pressure myself to get ‘that list’ done above everything else.”
HERE for 14 instant ways to help calm yourself down and take your mind off trying to race through everything. As we chatted, Cath mentioned how her walks, animals and most recently her projector night light all help her to relax and slow everything down. For further hints and tips on how to stop the rush, have a look at: Ways to stop 'Hurry sickness'.
Embracing the world of essential oils and aromatherapy here at HBB has also helped Cath to find relief from the constant ‘go, go, go’ mentality and ’rush’ anxiety. 
Our Sleepy Bee range was developed to help others channel their inner calm and foster the relaxation needed for sleep. The range is based around the hard hitting ‘calming’ oils of lavender to soothe stress and bergamot which has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure: “Bergamot can help you lower high blood pressure by relieving stress and calming agitation through diffusion, or application to the skin (www.healthline.com, www.happypreppers.com). Try our lavender and bergamot Diffuser Blend, our Aromatherapy Candle or apply a bergamot and lavender blend directly to the skin with our Sleepy Bee Balm.
Cath: “How one man can cause such catastrophic devastation for the world.”
For a more aromatherapy based solution to help support stress relief have a look at our Relieve Bee essential oil blend with peppermint oil - great for stress headaches as it, “has been shown to improve tension headaches and is considered a standard treatment for acute headaches", according to a 2016 published review. We absolutely recommend diffusing this oil whilst eating cake!
Q21: If you could invent a superpower, miracle skincare product that could DO ANYTHING what would it be?
Cath: “It has to be world peace. Imagine getting that product onto Putin’s face!”
Wouldn’t that be great Cath. I’m sure we are all dreaming of this right now.
- Natural wax that’s well tolerated with a soft, creamy texture that’s non pore-clogging has a low rate of allergic reactions being suitable for every skin type.
- Has natural staying power for anchoring balms to your skin allowing delivery of long lasting benefits
- Locks in moisture by acting as a protective, breathable layer on the skin’s surface helping skin keep its natural balance for a healthy, radiant complexion.
- Its natural barrier properties help protect the skin from environmental damage and the resulting spawns of damaging free-radicals which are known to cause premature ageing.
Given they do so much for us, Cath explains that how HBB treat the bees is of paramount importance: "We are always sure to leave them with plenty of honey for themselves – this is also one of the joys of being a small outfit, we do not need massive supplies - if we do find we need more then we support other local, caring like minded beekeepers by sourcing from them."
Cath: “It applies to the passed and to the present - Accept yourself for who you are! If I can reach that goal during my lifetime I will have achieved something.”
Q25: Has your range matured with you over the years?
Cath: “Over time my confidence and knowledge has increased so I am now approaching formulation, design and problem solving with different goggles than I did at the start. I have now entered a different phase of my life age wise, undergoing a hysterectomy, currently going through the menopause and dealing with more changing and ageing skin and have seen how nature and natural therapies can benefit these transitions such as face and body yoga, gua sha use, products for changing skin etc…”
Cath prefers to opt for exercise that is holistic, burns fat, supports core strength and fits into her busy life. She recommends trying the program she uses, ‘Yoga burn’ with Zoe, find the details HERE.
Cath has found using our Gua Sha tool a natural, easy to use at home aid for keeping her skin bright and supple and facial outline sculpted at a time when it can feel like everything starts to ‘droop’. Get your own uplifted glow on with this circulation improving tool which breaks up stagnation -induced retention, by following Cath’s ‘how to use’ video HERE.
Q26: How has your range helped you overcome any personal challenges in your life?
Similar to Cath’s experience, many of our ‘bee-utiful’ ladies like Alice, Roisin, Genevieve, Leanne and Clare, have found relief from cystic acne, sensitive skin, combination skin, rosacea and oily T-zones through using the ‘Busy Bee’ range. Click HERE to view the range and their reviews! So, if you too fancy letting nature transform your skin with ‘Busy Bee’ for daily cleansing, toning and moisturising have a peak at the starter set HERE. If you already buy our raw Welsh honey why not have a go at slathering on your own honey mask to soothe combination skin and acne? Simply smear a layer over the skin, leave for twenty minutes and rinse with warm water.
Ten Quick-fire Questions for Fun!
If you HAD to choose ONE which would you pick!
Cath: “Always ‘night in’, ‘cwtchy’ is my middle name.”
Cath: “This is so hard I can’t choose.”
Cath: “Shower but strive for bath (must slow down)”
Cath: “Runny.”
Cath: “Lavender – can’t get enough of how it makes me feel calm.”
Thank you so much to Cath for answering and elaborating on soo many questions! It actually started out as 15 tops but then we got chatting….. 😉
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