Etta+Billie's scent combinations come together to make melodious-smelling goodies for your skin and home. Behind every pairing lies a unique story filled with memories of great food, people, and travels that inspired its creation. This week we hear from E+B's CEO and soap maven, Alana Rivera, about the creation of the ever-popular Bergamot Ginger.
Tell us about the inspiration behind this scent:
The Bergamot Ginger all started back in 1994 with my obsession with Reed's Ginger Beer. I enjoyed the sharp intensity of that beverage which started my deep love affair with all things gingery. Fast forward to 2010 to the first time I smelled fresh cut ginger essential oil and immediately knew I needed to use it in one of my bath goodies. Citrus felt like the obvious pairing for the ginger, but I wanted to create something that was just a touch different than what I'd seen and smelled-that's where the Bergamot comes in. Like most people, my first (and only experience) with Bergamot came from drinking Earl Grey Tea. Once I realized it was what gave Earl Grey it's characteristic citrus notes, I went down a research rabbit hole and discovered that it's grown in Italy and Greece and has been used for centuries in perfume, food, and medicinally. It's too bitter to be eaten on its own which is why you've probably never seen one at the store (though you might be able to find it as marmalade in specialty grocers). I find the smell to be incredibly uplifting and combined with the ginger, it turned into one of the happiest scent combinations I've ever created.
The biggest Etta + Billie sale of the year is just around the corner and we are so excited so rally donations for a cause very close to our hearts - food insecurity! Each year, Black Friday weekend is dedicated to using our shopping traffic to raise funds for a local food bank. Rather than a Black Friday sale, I've always wanted to make this holiday madness about fundraising! Read more about how The Giving Back Sale is working for support families in the central coast with warm meals and supplies.
The Holiday season always brings tons of exciting maker markets and craft fairs for Etta and Billie. I wanted to take a moment to highlight some of my favorite craft fairs throughout Central California and the Bay Area - where so many of my fellow maker friends and customers have been able to see me! And lucky for you - you too can find me at these fairs this year to smell all of my delicious soaps and products in person!
We have a new Etta + Billie gift set favorite returning this year and we are so excited about it! The Holiday Indulgence Gift Set comes with one of our seasonal holiday soaps, your choice of lotion, and a natural loofa. People love it because it is a full bathing experience, and we especially love it because of how nourishing it's ingredients are!
