Behind the Bubbles
ECO EM’S BLOG
BEHIND THE BUBBLES: MORE FROM ECO EM
A Day in the Life of an Eco-Business Owner: Behind the Scenes with Eco Ems Gifts
Running a small business is such an adventure, especially when that business is dedicated to promoting eco-friendly living and sustainability. For me, it’s not just about creating products—it’s about nurturing nature, and our health, and embracing a simpler way of life. Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at Eco Ems Gifts, where I create plastic-free, vegan-friendly bathroom and skincare essentials.
The Spark Behind Eco Ems
Six years ago, Eco Ems Gifts was born out of a simple realisation while I was litter picking: as a society, we create so much waste, harming our environment. My passion for sustainability began there, and I wanted to offer an alternative. I created products that are good for the planet—with compostable packaging and natural ingredients—and are also good for you, helping people eliminate plastic and toxins from their daily routines.
Our range includes bath bombs, facial cleansers, shampoo bars, conditioner bars, and soaps—all made in bar form, which helps reduce the need for plastic bottles. I source all my ingredients from reputable suppliers, ensuring they are as local as possible to support small businesses and reduce our carbon footprint.
A Typical Day at Eco Ems
Like many small business owners, I juggle two jobs. During the day, I work full-time as a Key Account Manager. But as soon as the clock hits 5 PM, I shift into Eco Ems mode. After a quick walk with the dogs to reset, I get straight to work on Eco Ems Gifts.
A typical evening might include making bath bombs, labelling and packaging products, preparing orders, or managing the administrative side—whether it’s working on accounts, writing blogs, or posting on social media. Each night, I try to focus on one task to make progress, though I often find myself excited to start new projects! I do aim to finish one thing at a time….
At the weekends, my focus is entirely on the business. I enjoy visiting local markets and craft fairs to showcase my products and meet new customers. It’s an opportunity not just to sell products, but to share the things I’ve learnt about low-waste living and natural beauty with people face-to-face.
Crafting Eco-Friendly Products
Every product I add to the collection follows the founding principles that inspired Eco Ems: it must be plastic-free, made with natural, vegan-friendly ingredients, and packaged in a way that’s compostable or recyclable. For example, our body scrubs are wrapped in plant-based wax paper and labelled with recycled paper. I handpick ingredients from trusted, local suppliers, ensuring that every item is eco-conscious and aligned with my values.
My personal favourite? Our range of cold-process soaps has been a hit with customers both online and at craft fairs. These soaps lock in moisture while gently cleansing, and their natural ingredients have made them a favourite among people with sensitive skin, especially those with eczema or psoriasis.
The Challenges of Being an Eco-Business Owner
One of the biggest challenges I face as an eco-business owner is getting people to fully understand why these swaps are so important—not just for the environment but for their health too. Many are hesitant to switch from their tried-and-tested plastic bottles to something new, and it takes effort to educate people on the benefits of natural, low-waste living.
But the rewards? They’re so worth it. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is hearing from customers who have sensitive skin and have found relief using Eco Ems products. Knowing that my creations have helped them feel better and more comfortable in their skin keeps me going.
Where I Create
My workspace holds a special place in my heart. I’ve dedicated one of our bedrooms to all things Eco Ems, over the last three years I have turned this room into my HQ. It’s filled with shelves that keep my ingredients and products organised, helping me make the most of the space. My favourite piece of furniture? A packing bench built by Matt from an old kitchen worktop and reclaimed wood—a true reflection of the Eco Ems ethos of upcycling and sustainability.
Around me, there are macrame plant hangers, views of my vegetable patch, and some of my favourite motivational quotes, including one that says, “Do the things that make you happy.” This space allows me to stay connected to my eco-values while creating and packaging every order with care and love.
Looking Forward
As we prepare to move into a new home with even better views, I’m excited to share that next chapter with you all. But for now, Eco Ems Gifts continues to grow in this cosy space, surrounded by plants, and driven by my passion to help people make eco-friendly choices in their daily lives.
It’s not just about selling beautiful, sustainable products—it’s about fostering a mindset of low-waste living and natural beauty. I love hearing from customers about the changes they’re making in their own lives and homes, and it’s a reminder that every small step toward sustainability makes a difference.
Thank you for joining me behind the scenes at Eco Ems Gifts. If you’re interested in learning more about making eco-friendly swaps in your own bathroom or skincare routine, feel free to reach out or explore our products. Together, we can nurture nature and take care of ourselves—inside and out.
Visit our website to explore our full range of eco-friendly skincare products and sustainable gifts.
Thank you for reading this weeks blog, Behind the Bubbles: More from Eco Em.
Peace and love
Eco Em xx
