I grew up in a small town and since I can remember I was fascinated by scents. As a child, I collected all sizes of exquisite glass bottles filled with exotic perfumes and oils. No one was allowed to touch them. I could spend hours cleaning them, opening and inhaling these scents. I was transformed to a totally different place and space. My dad built special shelves for these little treasures of mine and when the sun filled my room there was an explosion of colour dancing everywhere as the sun kissed these precious bottles. I remember lying on the carpet watching all this splendid playfulness.

My parents and family used to grow our own fruits, vegetables and herbs that were filled with rich earthly scents and my dad’s flower garden was a playpen for bees and butterflies. He taught me the importance of the moon while planting, harvesting, even the best time to fish is embedded in the cycles of the moon.

My mom passed away in the beginning of my last school year and I decided to go and study B.Social.Science/Nursing. My degree consisted of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, chemical science, psychiatry, sociology, microbiology and many more. My parents believed in natural medicine and now I could have a foot in both worlds – natural and medicine. I have been a bookworm since I can remember and somewhere on my journey, I read about the power of essential oils and a whole new world opened for me. I could not get enough.

I got my certificate in hot stone therapy massage where I also learned about carrier oils and the power and effect of essential oils. I studied colour therapy and got my diploma in herbalism. I am also a Reiki practitioner that is based on energy healing.

After a failed medical business and relationships and many hardships I met an angel in disguise who gave me wings to fly again, to believe in myself and I started creating my products to sell at Christmas markets.

Life itself is a Journey and mine led me back to the medical field as a representative for Spine, Craniomaxillofacial and Neuro products. After 8 years I decided to change my life forever and to focus my love and passion full time on Willow And Bark.

Although I mostly created and blended all kinds of lotions and potions for family and friends, it is time to invest in growing my network of friends with Willow And Bark’s on-line shop and blog where I will share more information on the properties and benefits of the ingredients I used.

Just a special thank you to my partner who supports me on my journey, giving me the opportunity to live my dream. Thank you to all my friends and family, who always give great reviews to better my products where needed from a special blend of foot oil, bath salts, creams, and herbal teas. Thank you to all of you who supported me on my journey. May it be in the beginning, middle or at the end of the growing phase of Willow And Bark so that Willow And Bark can be born on a whole new level. Thank you to all the visitors to Willow And Bark’s website and on-line shop – may you linger a little longer to feel at home while browsing.

May you find joy and love hidden in the smallest of things LIFE offer every day.
Blessings and Blossom
Riana