MEET THE FIND: Isabelle Lewenhaupt of Björk & Berries interview

Björk & Berries is a Swedish ecoluxury brand, they began as a small project in northern Sweden with the desire to bottle the experience of our nature – its beauty, scents and healing properties. They took to the woods to handpick leaves and berries to capture the essence of Swedish flora in their first natural perfume and with that, set the foundation for what Björk & Berries is today.

• Tell us about your brand and how you came about?

I: Björk and Berries began as a small local project in northern Sweden with the desire to preserve the magic of our nature, its beauty, scents and healing properties. We took to the woods to handpick leaves and berries to capture the essence of the Swedish flora in our first natural perfume and with that, set the foundation for what Björk & Berries is today.

Björk, the Swedish word for Birch, also known as the life-giving tree is our signature ingredient and a symbol of our unique nature where we also find other potent ingredients like birch, sea buckthorn and blueberries.

In developing our products, we use the best nature has to offer and through the latest technology, transform it into luxurious formulas where texture, scent and performance are of equal importance. All our products are made in Sweden according to our ecoluxury criteria - kind to skin, nature and people.

Björk and berries is owned by me and my family. Our farm, Fäviken in the North of Sweden is a special place for Björk and Berries. There, we have our own mountain garden where we grow a few select ingredients and experiment with plants and herbs in the harsh seasons of the north. The beauty of the deep forests and mountains is a daily inspiration.

We continuously work on our mission, to preserve and share the magic of Swedish nature and beauty traditions with the world.

• What’s your biggest challenge as a brand?

I: Our biggest challenge is constantly striving to be more sustainable, whilst never compromising on the quality of our products – scent, texture and performance. Products that are cherished and cared for, and ultimately used are inherently more sustainable than wear-and-tear. We want to create the best products but also take care of the nature we take from, and never produce more than we need, or create unnecessary products. We take our time to make it right and don’t rush through production – we call it slow beauty. It’s a never-ending journey and we are constantly learning how to improve. Some exciting changes are coming next year – stay tuned!

• Tell us your favourite quote, mantra or best piece of advice

I: “Don’t think you can do it all yourself" – I would never be able to do what I do without my amazing team and their knowledge. I also have people outside the business that I meet regularly as objective sounding board which is very helpful. No one can be superwoman or know it all.

• Tell us your proudest moment as a business

I: Behind the scenes, we have conducted a large project this year – with the aim to make our assortment and packaging more sustainable, and beautiful. I am so proud of my team and what we have accomplished in-house. Nothing is launched yet but I can’t wait to share next year!

• What's your best beauty or life hack?

I: My beauty hack is using our re-activating body serum in my hair – for shiny hair and a brisk walk in the forest for the best glow.

• What's your biggest extravagance?

I: I’m a member of a raclette club. We meet for cheese and wine once a month.

• Who is your hero?

I: My mum, who’s sense of humour and amazing taste is a constant inspiration.

• What are your three favourite shops?

I: Svenskt Tenn, CQP (my husband’s sneaker shop in Stockholm), and Liberty London.

• Where are you off to on holiday this year?

I: To our family farm in the North of Sweden – where Björk and Berries also grow herbs for their bath salt from the garden.. Quality time with family and cross-country skiing!

Now, let’s FIND Out About You

• Wellies or Flip-Flops
• Bubble Bath or Hot Shower
• Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter
• Cinema or Theatre
• Paperback or Kindle
• Yoga or Run
• Pressed Juice or Cocktail
• Serums or Oils