Juniper & Bliss: Pioneering Organic Cotton Industry with Wellness at its Core
Juniper & Bliss Products and Process
Founded by Yasmin Hossain and Katty Castiou, Juniper & Bliss was conceived out of a personal health crisis. Yasmin was diagnosed with breast cancer, which led her to spend significant time in bed. This period of convalescence ignited a spark in her to make foundational changes to her lifestyle, starting with the bedding she was lying on. Understanding that our skin, our body's largest organ, absorbs a great deal during our sleep, Yasmin felt it essential to ensure that her bedding was free of toxins. When she couldn't find toxin-free, organic cotton bedding, she decided to create it herself, marking the inception of Juniper & Bliss.
The Birth of a Vision
Juniper & Bliss's first product was plant-dyed, hand-woven organic cotton bedding. The company's philosophy revolves around promoting wellbeing with every creation. They firmly believe in harnessing the restorative power of nature, the allure of plants, and the quality of slow, patient work. Juniper & Bliss offers pieces that are plant dyed, organic, sustainable, and ethically produced in small batches. Their commitment to being chemical free, plastic free and environmentally responsible extends to every corner of their operation, including their supply chain.
A Unique Approach and Philosophy
Juniper & Bliss's unique approach involves the use of plant dyes and hand-woven organic cotton. A significant amount of their time is spent in their natural dye studio in Kent, England, where they work with a variety of natural elements like flowers, leaves, seeds, barks, and cones. The surrounding woodlands, meadows, hedgerows, and walkways provide ample resources for foraging natural dyes. Besides, they also work closely with handloom master weavers and natural dyers' cooperatives in Kolkata, India, privileging them with the opportunity to work with traditional artisans whose craftsmanship is filled with soul and stories.
Products and Services
Juniper & Bliss offers a variety of naturally dyed pieces for the home and wardrobe. Their product line includes plant dyed, hand woven organic cotton bedding, table linen, organic cotton towels, plant dyed hand-woven and hand-knitted scarves, zero-waste bags, and botanical artist inks, among others. These products reflect their commitment to promoting overall wellbeing and fostering a stronger connection to nature.
Standing Out in the Crowd
What sets Juniper & Bliss apart from competitors in the industry is their unwavering commitment to creating environmentally friendly, ethical, and sustainable products. They have established partnerships with socially compliant manufacturers like the Belgian atelier protégé, which makes their bedding and employs differently-abled workers. The cooperatives in India they work with all operate under a fair-trade policy, and the yarns they use are GOTs certified. Their work goes beyond simple product creation, reflecting a deep-seated commitment to social enterprise and authenticity.
Connecting With Customers
Juniper & Bliss connects with their customers and community through social media, face-to-face interactions, and word of mouth. They make it a point to educate their customers about the differences between genuine eco-friendly products and those that merely claim to be. They believe in empowering their customers by providing them with the information they need to make informed choices.
Looking Ahead
As for the future, Juniper & Bliss plans to continue on their current path, allowing their business to grow organically and exploring new opportunities as they arise. Their primary goal is to continue offering genuine alternatives to conventional products, fostering a stronger connection with nature, and promoting overall wellbeing. Despite the challenges posed by large companies' greenwashing tactics, they remain committed to their vision and look forward to continuing their journey.