How Vancouver Island Inspires the Products I Create

I’ve always felt like Vancouver Island has a heartbeat of its own—a gentle rhythm you can sense the moment you step onto the ferry or arrive at the shore. It’s in the salt-kissed breeze, the towering cedars, and the lingering mist that dances along the coastline at dawn. It’s also the heartbeat that guides me in creating every single product for Island Enchantments. This is not just another skincare brand; I’m a person who’s fallen in love with this place, and I want to share its magic with you, one handmade treasure at a time.

I remember the exact moment I realized how deeply Vancouver Island’s natural palette affected me. I was standing beside a moss-laden log, feeling the crisp air and noticing how the soft greens blended into the muted browns and greys of the forest floor. Something about that tapestry of colors just lit a spark in me—I wanted to capture that same sense of calm and warmth in a bar of soap or a soothing all-purpose mist. Over time, that spark turned into Island Enchantments, my small, one-person business dedicated to bottling up the island’s quiet beauty.

My inspiration grows with each step I take outdoors. Whether I’m walking along a rocky shoreline, breathing in the sea air, or wandering through a sun-dappled forest path, I can’t help but notice new shades, scents, and textures. Maybe I spot a cluster of driftwood that inspires a subtle grey tone, or I catch a hint of cedar that sparks a fresh idea for an essential oil blend. Vancouver Island is like the ultimate mood board, and I love incorporating its earthy, down-to-earth vibe into everything I make.

Sourcing local ingredients whenever possible is also important to me. It’s my way of giving back to the community that enriches my life every day. I feel a little spark of pride whenever I add locally harvested seaweed to my bath salts or use honey from a nearby beekeeper in a special recipe. It feels good to know that each jar or bar carries more than just a formula—it carries a piece of the island’s landscape and the hard work of its people.

I’m also inspired by the slow pace of life here. Living on Vancouver Island has taught me to take a breath and notice the small wonders around me—like the sun setting behind the mountains, the call of an eagle soaring overhead, or the rhythmic crash of waves on the shore. That sense of calm and reflection underpins every product I create. I don’t ever want my soaps or bath salts to feel rushed; I want you to sense a bit of that peaceful island rhythm each time you use them, whether it’s lathering up in the shower or unwinding with a fragrant bath.

One of my favorite things is hearing from people—especially those who’ve moved off the island—saying my products help them feel connected to home. There’s something magical about the idea that a simple bar of soap or a soothing roller blend can evoke images of tall evergreens, salty sea air, and that unmistakable hush you find in the deeper parts of the forest. It’s like I’m bottling up a little piece of Vancouver Island and sending it wherever life takes you.

Because it’s just me behind the scenes, it can get challenging at times—juggling product development, packaging, and all the details of running a small business. But I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. Each time I experiment with a new ingredient or tinker with a fragrance combo until it’s just right, I’m reminded of why I started: I love this place, and I want to share it with others in a meaningful, heartfelt way.

Thank you for letting me bring a taste of Vancouver Island into your life. My hope is that Island Enchantments gives you a moment of quiet reflection—a chance to slow down, breathe in that crisp island air, and remember that nature’s beauty is always right at our fingertips. From my little corner of the island to wherever you call home, I’m so grateful to have you on this adventure with me.