Interview with Simona and Ruby, Founders of The Botanist, an Eco-Friendly Home Care Brand

Tucked away in the bustling city of Dubai, a dynamic duo, Simona and Ruby, are spearheading a green revolution in the world of household cleaning. They founded The Botanist as a creative and sustainable solution to their quest for eco-cleaning products in the market. The Botanist offers a line of home care products that are toxin-free and eco-friendly.

Uncover the roots of The Botanist with the founders, Simona Sotirovska and Ruby Giroux, as they shed light on the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind this promising venture.

The inspiration behind the launch of The Botanist stems from Ruby’s experience with eco-friendly cleaning culture during her time in France. When they relocated to Dubai, they noticed a growing interest in sustainability, but the availability of natural cleansers was limited in the region. She says,

“Even though the market was changing and there was an increasing interest in eco-friendliness, the shelf still had a minimal selection of natural cleansers.”

Frustrated by the lack of suitable options, she started experimenting with soap recipes in her kitchen. She tried and tested different combinations until she got a breakthrough with a friend’s family recipe laying the foundation for The Botanist's plant-based cleaning products.

The founding duo emphasizes the importance of understanding the ingredients used in everyday products. The chemically engineered home cleaners contain toxic substances, which when used around our children and pets, pose a serious concern. The unregulated nature of the cleaning industry leads to vague ingredient lists and potentially undisclosed harmful components, such as certain fragrances. This lack of transparency can lead to severe health implications. When these substances are washed down the drain, they fail to biodegrade, thereby perpetuating their harmful impact long after they have been used in our homes.

Simona discussed the thorough process of developing their cleaning products. She says,

“We have three broad categories that we try to satisfy for each of our products, namely safety, performance, and sustainability.”

Each of their product undergoes a rigorous evaluation of its biodegradability, production methods, and safety profiles. Their extensive research process involves multiple rounds of testing to ensure that the products not only meet their high safety standards but also deliver effective performance and fulfill their intended purpose.

Every ingredient that goes into The Botanist products is carefully chosen. The essential oils that are incorporated in their products have distinctive benefits. Some of the founder's favorite essential oils often used in the cleansers are eucalyptus, lavender, and a combination of sweet orange and lemon.

The Botanist also reiterates their commitment to sustainability by using eco-friendly glass bottles for their packaging. They aim to eliminate the reliance on single-use plastics in household cleaning routines. These glass bottles are not only designed for reuse but also for easy refilling with their range of low-waste bulk or concentrate refill options. In comparison to conventional cleaning products, their refill packaging contributes to a significant 90% reduction in plastic usage. Recently, they have introduced a new refill packaging made from 55% biomaterial which is derived from renewable sugarcane instead of traditional plastic.

Since its inception in 2019, The Botanist has received an overwhelmingly positive response from both customers and the local community in the UAE. The success of this enterprise can be attributed to its local production and premium quality. The brand was able to strike a chord with the community as the products are manufactured locally. They continued to garner the support of their customer base by being accessible and budget-friendly even during hard times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking into the future, the founders envision The Botanist as a comprehensive provider of non-toxic solutions for all aspects of home care, including cleaning and personal care. Their ultimate mission is to empower individuals to cultivate a wholesome living environment in every aspect that spans from the cleanliness of home surfaces and air quality to the well-being of their own bodies. With this holistic approach in mind, they are diligently developing an array of products that will further expand their offerings in the realms of home care and personal kits.

By prioritizing safety and nurturing a sense of trust in the products used daily at home, The Botanist aims to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the well-being of both individuals and the environment.

The Botanist has ventured out into international markets like Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. By expanding their brand reach, they aim to create a paradigm shift in how individuals perceive and approach household cleanliness.

The Botanist products are currently available on their website, along with select retail partners in the UAE, including the Garden Center, Waitrose, and Crate & Barrel.