Our Story
Our origins…
Today is the five year anniversary of Wildgold and it has me reflecting on our journey; the buildup and alllllll of the learning and growth throughout the last five years but specifically our origins; the seed of a dream and the six year build up before Wildgold was born.
Flashback over 11 years ago to my 21 year old self. This is where Wildgold really began. I had recently invested in some really trendy ‘natural’ skincare which had me feeling absolutely passionate. Using the brilliance of the EWG website, I began to research the specific ingredients in my new skincare. I spent hours going down rabbit holes only to realize that it was chocked full of endocrine disrupting chemicals and carcinogens. And to my surprise, so was almost every other brand. This discovery set off a cascade of anguishing feelings that still live on inside me today.
The seed of a dream was born, I wanted to create my own skincare line. I didn’t know how or when but I began pursuing a deeper understanding of natural health, eventually taking the leap to learn about plants and sign myself up for herbal school. I studied medicinal plants in great detail at Pacific Rim College for three years, earning by diploma of Phytotherapy. I learned about how plants interact with the human body and how to treat various conditions with medicinal plants. To say this was a beautiful journey would be an understatement; it lead me to many personal breakthroughs in my mid 20’s and now this knowledge has shaped my career.
I formulated skincare that I wanted and needed, filling in what I felt like were the missing pieces. In the years before I launched Wildgold I studied in organic product formulation and natural product preservation which led me to confidently hone my formulation style; oil-based and waterless. I began to formulate skincare using the same plants that I’d use to treat clients with skin conditions in a clinical setting. I used to spend a lot of time wondering if the skincare I was using was really doing everything I wanted it to; moisturizing, restoring health to the skin, providing anti-oxidants, healing the surface marks, restoring the skin after exposure to sun/cold, all of these things are things that skincare should do. So, out of a perceived gap in the market, my multi-faceted, highly functional skincare products were born from those original creations and I still use my original formulas five years later.
I’ve always held a deep reverence for gold and to me, medicinal plants are Wildgold. My mission has always been to connect humans with these magical plants. I’m beyond proud to say that five years in my values and mission have not changed. Five years of making skincare, connecting you with truly clean beauty products and magical plants, it feels surreal. Thank you to everyone who has supported Wildgold over the years, through the ebbs and flows of business ownership and motherhood, being a one gal show, and basically counting on word of mouth for marketing, it all comes down to my amazing supportive customers. To say I’m grateful would be an understatement.
Cheers to many more wonderful years and creations. xx
Carley