Introducing Kathleen Jeffrey, the sole business owner and creative force behind Kat’s Westcoast Naturals. This artisan company specializes in crafting natural bath and beauty products, including soy wax and crystal candles, as well as eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Each product is created in small batches with a commitment to being biodegradable, eco-friendly, and mostly vegan.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Kat’s Westcoast Naturals. We craft natural bath and beauty products. Soy wax candles/crystal candles. Natural cleaning products.
~ Artisan
~ Small batch
~ Eco friendly
~ Biodegradable
~ Natural plant-derived skin care (often ingredients grown /diffused by me) organic
~ Most is vegan
What made you want to do this work?
By profession, I’m in psychology and education full-time.
About six years ago, I noticed that my neurodivergent child was washing a lot. I also noticed that they had very red skin from this. I then looked at what was actually in some of the products that they were using and discovered they were full of chemicals. This was a bit of a shock to me because these were products that most of us use every day. Therefore, I figured there had to be a better product and a better way.
My son – now at university – has always helped me to make and design my products. I think he finds it very therapeutic!
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I couldn’t believe the amount of chemicals going into our bodies and our environment without knowing it. Purchasing these types of products greatly reduces these harmful effects all around.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Everyone. I make products for all.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Still trying to grow it at the moment. I’m continually investing a lot into product basics such as soap moulds, displays etc
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Maple Ridge BC
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Q: Probably, what do you put in your products?
A: What I really love about our products is of course that they are natural biodegradable and eco-friendly. But to be honest, many people make products like that.
What is special about our products is that they are fun and colourful, while still being good for you and the environment. They’re creative and unusual in this kind of space where many Bath and body makers create more plain products.
I also grow many of my own plant products that I use in my creations. I make my own lavender oil for instance. I am certified through Cornell University in Medicinal Plants.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
I absolutely love making and creating and thinking of new designs. What also sets me apart is, I always come up with new designs and new ideas and I don’t tend to carry, with the exception of a few items, the same things over and over again.
I often make brand-new seasonal products, and you may only see them once or twice. It’s always changing, always creating, always evolving.
The worst part for me is packaging… It’s kind of tedious and boring🤣
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I always love when I’m at markets or other places and people ask me: did you make that? Of course, I did.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I am surrounded by so many amazing makers and creators when I’m in the market space. It’s so hard to name even just a few because artisans and makers at markets are absolutely dedicated people who work long and hard to bring their products to the market.
I always believe that we need to lift each other up and support each other even other fellow soap makers.
Nancy B is just amazing! So amazingly creative.
Lacey Jayne is an amazing fellow soap maker who puts her heart and soul into her products.
LEK Designs makes beautiful bracelets and coordinates the one-of-a-kind artisan advent calendar that I participate in.
Jill – Artist. I cannot say enough about this jewellery maker. I would buy almost everything she has!!
Jeanette L. Jonsson. Cannot live without her beautiful fall pumpkins!
Willow & Sage has the best natural wild-crafted teas
