Fragrant, vegan, free from aluminium, Cacao Pow Deo Bar is the first natural deodorant in a jar. A UK based small independent business which is specialist in producing natural deodorant bars, Cacao Pow Deo Baris the perfect healthy solution for any skin type. Made with cacao butter, the organic formula applies smoothly in your armpit area and ensures a powerful odourless pit all day long.

Please introduce yourself. Tell us about why you decided to create Cacao Pow Deo Bar? 

More than a decade ago now I developed eczema in my armpit area and at around about the same time I was diagnosed with a condition called Fibromyalgia. After carrying out a HTMA (hair tissue mineral analysis) I found out I had elevated levels of aluminium in my body which I wasn’t eliminating well. I had to get serious about cleaning up my lifestyle. I ditched the aluminium anti-perspirant and went on a quest to find a suitable natural deodorant. Every time I tried a new one it either wasn’t effective or made me sore in new ways. I decided to experiment with my own formula and after many tweaks arrived at something that was perfect for me. It turned out lots of my friends also had similar issues, so I started supplying them with my deodorant and it snowballed from there. We've since developed into a husband-and-wife team based in London. I look after all aspects of the business and Aiden supports with admin and communication.

What quote do you live by?

"Do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life"

What is the most difficult aspect of running your own label? 

As a very small business it's a fine balancing act in juggling the day-to-day operation with duties including accounting, admin, marketing, manufacturing and wholesaling - never boring!

What has been the highest and lowest point on your journey so far? 

After leaving a 15-year teaching career and taking a leap of faith to build a business from scratch, it's been a constant high with our product hitting the shop shelves of other like-minded small businesses plus getting feedback from customers stating our brand has been life-changing for them. The lowest point has probably been the COVID pandemic as this presented many challenges being a small business owner.

When there are setbacks how do you continue to stay motivated?

Having previously been a Design & Technology teacher every day in the classroom environment presented different challenges so am always adapting and problem-solving especially in navigating through the current lockdown landscape.

Describe a typical day in your life?

I always endeavour to get all orders out during the morning. The afternoon is either dedicated to producing a batch of products or preparing a batch for sale. The early evening is spent looking after the various social media channels.  Aiden looks after the admin-side of the business including emails, liaising with our bricks & mortar partners and expanding our wholesale operation.

Where do you see your brand in five years? 

Never losing sight of our core values and continuing to deliver a high-quality, ethical product for our loyal customer-base.

If you could give one piece of advice to our readers, what would it be? 

To shop consciously whether it's buying an item of clothing that you wear till it falls to pieces or shopping locally to help create an identity on the high street and support local communities.

How do you define success? 

Building a sustainable business that supports health and wellbeing.

What is the part of your life experience you would alter if you had the chance to?

Looking back I would have taken a leap of faith in launching a business at a much younger age.

Website: https://cacaopowdeobar.com/

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/cacaopowdeobar/