by Metropol | June 24, 2026 8:34 am
Tucked amongst Rangiora’s busy town centre, Alicia, Jared, Amanda, Emma, Becca and Cam beaver away, pouring, packing, and perfecting orders for skincare brand Beauty & Bloom. Lab coats on, they smile, wave, and welcome me like family. Because, in 2021, Stacey volunteered her time and knowledge to formulate a thoughtful range of bath and body oils, room fragrances, magnesium sprays, and pillow perfumes for the Beauty & Bloom team to manufacture.
“In a world so driven by consumerism, I often think: what if more of the products we purchased were connected to a social cause or a deeper purpose?” Beauty & Bloom, founded by Stacey alongside service manager Renee Davis and her team from local disability services and support organisation IDEA Services North Canterbury, is where this team of six come to make a difference every day. “Projects like this make my heart sing. There is a genuine purpose behind them.”
Beauty & Bloom’s beginnings
In 2004, Stacey started in a support role at the emerging New Zealand skincare brand Trilogy. Her journey since marks two decades in an industry of which she is now renowned, award-winning, and highly sought-after. Stacey is a pioneer in the fusion of natural and bio-tech skincare, or what she calls “the best of both worlds green and science”.
So when a long-admired aunty with years of experience in the disability sector presented an idea to create a meaningful range of products, Stacey formulated a range that could “stand in a commercial environment while also giving people purpose, confidence and opportunity”. Formulas are simple, built to feel good on the skin, smell beautiful, and carry a little twist of care. “A product does not need to be overly complex to feel special or to perform well,” she says.
“Beauty & Bloom represents inclusion in action. It’s about creating beautiful products, but it is also about creating pride, belonging and a sense of possibility for the team behind them… I have never met a group of people who are so authentic, brave and full of heart. They show up every day with hope, enthusiasm and a willingness to be part of something bigger.”
Back in the Beauty & Bloom headquarters, the makers couldn’t agree more. “The team has become better than it ever has before,” Jared explains, scientific advisor and Doctor Who enthusiast. “We’ve become a big family and that’s what it’s all about. We’re making a difference.”
Crafting products of Stacey’s standards takes time – especially with Cam keeping a close eye on quality control – but she’s proud to have volunteered every hour since the start. “I have never counted the hours, because when something is a passion project it does not really feel like work,” she says. “I love being able to support, encourage and inspire them, and in return they inspire me just as much.”
From small town to television
When TVNZ’s Seven Sharp visited the Beauty & Bloom building, the team felt a wave of emotions: Stacey was filled with pride, Becca recalls how nervous she felt, and I learn of Jared’s ulterior motive – he hopes to take television presenter Jeremy Corbett’s job. When the episode aired, the makers and their families sat around a television drowned out by the sound of orders ringing through in hundreds. “Everyone was screaming at the TV when the orders came through,” Jared remembers.
Beauty & Bloom became a hive of activity in the weeks following while they worked to fulfil each special order, which comes with a personalised note handwritten by Amanda. “We work together as a team… that’s what it’s about. Effort, concentration and work. We’re keeping Beauty & Bloom running and getting it out there in the public so everyone can see it,” Jared says. “It’s been one big journey.”
This job – and the friendships, passion, and opportunities that come with it – has changed their lives. For Jared and Emma, it solidifies a nine-year love story. Stacey says seeing the makers celebrated for their efforts in features like Seven Sharp or magazines is a dream come true.
In a few years, they hope to run the business on their own in a brand new factory and become a big success – Jared hopes that comes alongside a healthy dose of fame, with customers all over and the world and “paparrazi and flashing cameras following us wherever we go.”
Behind the big dreams is Stacey and Renee’s selflessness, and many more pairs of kind hands. “I must say Stacey and Renee have been wonderful to the Beauty & Bloom team,” Emma says. “They’re our family,” Jared adds. “I think Stacey and Renee are just the most wonderful people in the world because they’re just incredible the way they work.”
“Stacey is really kind-hearted and she’s marvellous at taking care of all the Beauty & Bloom products. Renee is an amazing lady and I really enjoy having both of them around,” Alicia chimes. Cam gives his stamp of approval with a big thumbs up. “And Renee gives the best hugs,” Jared smiles.
Purchase products made with purpose by Beauty & Bloom at beautybloomproducts.com, with nothing over $25.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/skincare-local-products-with-social-purpose/
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