11 October 2012

A Conversation with Soo Ae of Soo's Garden



Many of the ingredients in Soo's Garden divine skincare products are grown in Soo Ae's own garden(!), and those that aren't are sourced from ethical and sustainable producers.  Preservative free, delicious fragrances and ingredients - yummy!  Here, Soo Ae shares a glimpse into her creative world....

Who is Soo Ae Jang?

I was originally from South Korea and now live with my partner in Napier where I grow and process herbs for use in my natural skincare products.  I have recently started a small business, Soo’s Garden, to market and share what I produce.  I am very inetersted in natural health and use ingredients that focus on skin nutrition.

What is your handmade groove?

I see myself as a part of the natural world.  I am fascinated by the connections between the biochemistry of our bodies and that of the natural plant world.  I am inspired to live a helathy and ethical life, growing and producing what I can with a view to the long term ecological sustainability of our environment and its people.  I particularly love to share what I have learned and what I have made.

What is on your bedside table right now?

Several books about herbs, soaps and a dictionary. (I am a messy woman!)

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?

I am fascinated by different philosophical schools of thought and how these relate to lving a good life.

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year, which ones would they be and what are they about?

1.                  I would love to attend a herbal gardening workshop that focused on the ethnobotanical history of plants and health.
2.                  I am particularly interested in learning practical ways to manage our own nutrition through knowledge of foods we can produce in the home and garden. I believe that this knowledge lends itself to positive social connections and can counter the isolation of modern living.
3.                  I have always loved philosophy and would enjoy the opportunity to examine and discus inspiring thinkers.

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?

I work during the day researching, producing and crafting my handmade skincare.  My partner works fultime in the wine industry.  We both enjoy supporting each others passions as well as sharing interests beyond these areas.

What is your favourite creative screwup?

Still working on this!

Kitchen table or studio?

I have a dedicated room for my work but seem to have spread throughout the house, garage, garden, kitchen and yes, the kitchen table!

Do you have a wish list and can you tell us whats on it?

I would love to have enough land to grow as many different herbs as I can and share their benefits and my knowledge.




You can find Soo's Garden products ..... here

1 comment:

  1. Many thanks for sharing Soo, I passed your interview on to a herb loving friend of mine, cheers Marie

    ReplyDelete

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