I haven’t bought any Haven Living Apothecary natural skincare products in over a year. Only because I literally brought a HORDE over with me when I moved to the mainland! I literally have a drawer full of ‘back ups to my back ups’.

 I dare you to search my bathroom drawers. You will find my favourites: Lavender and Tea Tree Healing Balm and Face + Body Polish, as well as Charcoal and Papaya Detox Mask. I’m now FINALLY running low and need to restock.

Green Tea and White Grapefruit Antioxidant Serum | Photo Kristie Courtney

I used to be AFRAID of natural skincare

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’ve always LIKED the idea of handcrafted, small batch potions and lotions. But my oily skin has always been embarrassing for me, and the places that sell skincare products are usually super intimidating for me. I instantly feel overwhelmed by ALL the options. I am usually a social person, but have been known to avoid eye contact and literally FREEZE when walking into a Sephora or a MAC.

Rose and Lavender | Photo Kristie Courtney

About 3 years ago, I found out about Haven Living and wanted to check out this new Port Alberni business. Desja and I immediately connected and I actually worked up the courage to ask her about my skin problems and her all natural recommendations. I picked up a scrub and mask. Why not?

Haven Living literally became a haven for me

This isn’t really the time and place for me to go ‘all TMI’ on the circumstances that led me to become a single mom when my son was two and a half.  I will share that I was knocked down hard and in desperate need of some radical self care.  Desja was also a single mom– of three– and she provided a listening ear and space for me to rant, rage, and even shed some tears. I remember feeling lost and lonely on Valentine’s Day, so stopped by Haven after work to get some goodies for myself and visit Desja. Words can’t really express how much this connection and self-care routine has helped me.

Slow Sunday Morning | Photo by Tashia Potter

Radical Self Care: I’m NOW a natural skincare junkie!

During my journey of healing, the grainy feeling of the sugar scrub on my face and the comforting smell of tea tree and lavender healing balm on my face, hands and feet became a nightly routine that continues to this day. I also love mixing my charcoal and papaya detox mask with apple cider vinegar to really clear the gunk out of my pores, once a week. For the first time in my life, I started to receive compliments on my skin. WHAT?

Lavender and Tea Tree Scrub and Healing Balm | Photo Kristie Courtney

Charcoal + Papaya Detox Mask | Photo Kristie Courtney

These mask party photos were from last summer, when we gathered some of the community’s hometown movers and shakers to participate in a fun photoshoot. This was shot in the afternoon, and we all agreed that next time we need to have a REAL girls’ sleepover together. Looking back at these photos, it’s amazing to think that TWO of these women have now had new babies, with a third expected any day now. My, how our lives can CHANGE in under a year!

Girls’ Mask Party | Photo Tashia Potter

Cheers to Ladies’ Night | Photo Tashia Potter

Charcoal and Papaya Detox Mask | Photo Tashia Potter

Speaking of change: 

Just as my life has changed BIG TIME since we first connected, so has Desja’s. Haven Living was a brick and mortar shop in Port Alberni, and is NOW primarily an online shop.

Check out Haven Living’s brand new website and discover your new favourite natural skincare:

https://havenliving.ca/

If you have oily skin like me, I recommend: Lavender and Tea Tree Healing Balm and Face + Body Polish

Charcoal and Papaya Detox Mask

Rosemary + Mint and Charcoal + Papaya | Photo Kristie Courtney

Check out @_ethigal instagram for our HUGE giveaway with Haven Living and Sealuxe. 

Haven Living and Sealuxe Gift Box | Photo Kristie Courtney

Mask Party Photos: Tashia Potter Portrait

Natural Skincare Product Photos: Kristie Courtenay Photography

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