Every year is special in the life of a business. This year is no exception to unique challenges and hardships and wins. But above all, it’s my deep gratitude for another year of having this dream that I want to express to you. Thank you for trusting me with your health and wellness this year. Thank you for reading our countless blog and Instagram posts.

When I started this journey to create Botnia, I had no idea where it would take me; I just always put one foot in front of the other. In 2010 it was classes on how to make skincare; then, it was buying my first pot and the supplies to make face cream. Soon enough, I had questions, so I asked a friend who knew about chemistry and loved soap-making to help me formulate. It was years at my spa in San Francisco trying new things and perfecting, and in 2017 it was the launch of Botnia; that year, I hired my first Botnia employee Sara (she’s still at Botnia!), and that year was a wild ride. The next years, 2018 to 2020, were about growing out of my home basement. In 2020 with the need for space, we expanded down the street. That year was just about surviving. And in 2021 and 2022, we deepened our foundations of systems, sourcing, education, and making skincare.

It’s funny as a consumer–it appears that companies just have it all together from day one, but I am here to share (which may be helpful for businesses smaller than mine) that it takes years to grow. That’s also a sign of a healthy business. Our goal is slow and steady, so we can be intentional with every move. We don’t pay for influencers or ads because we need this time to lay our bricks. Letting the dust settle between each month and year so we can build a true foundation for what’s to come.

In 2023 we’ll have the largest shift we’ve had so far as a company. Big-time moves that I have carefully been planning behind the scenes in 2022. Taking over a year to think about and plot how to roll out a product that exemplifies my vision for quality skincare. And all of it is possible because you use my skincare. You vote for my company with your dollars. Thank you for telling your friends and loved ones about us.

As we move into 2023, I’m grateful to have this time to pause and take in where we’ve been and where we’re going. So today, cheers to 2022! Thank you for being such a wonderful and meaningful part of what drives our team and me daily. From my home to yours, wishing you a healthy and happy 2023!

Xoxo,
Justine

P.S. Also, peace on earth in 2023.