Kate Parks is a soap maker and skincare designer who runs her business, Baressential, from Athy, Co. Kildare.
Baressential is a family business and Irish artisan skincare company where imagination, art, ethics and plant power are mixed to make perfect pampering gifts. All of Kate’s skin-loving products are inspired by nature’s bounty and are completely natural and respectfully sourced from nature.
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
There really isn’t a typical day as I have so many hats to wear trying to grow and manage our business and make a living wage. I could be working on photography, packaging design, website design, sales, accounts, fundraising and, if I’m lucky, product design.
What do you like most about your work?
Working with my materials, plant oils, butters, botanicals and especially creating scent. I love the fact that they have their own intelligence and I am always learning.
What do you like least about your work?
Doing the accounts!
What’s your favourite craft item in your home?
My mug made by John Ryan Ceramics.
What other maker in your discipline do you most look up to?
All really, creativity is the heart of it.
What advice would you give someone who is considering this craft career?
It’s not for the faint hearted!
How do you start your day?
Meditation – it’s become a lifesaver
What’s the first thing you do when you leave the studio?
Take a deep breath of air and thank fortune to be so lucky to be able to do what I love.
