Where the Idea for JustBe Botanicals Was Born
Whilst working as a holistic therapist on a Mind Detox retreat in Turkey, Gail noticed that the guests thought they had come for rest, recovery, perspective, versus what they were really looking: love, happiness and to simply be themselves. They had all forgotten who they were and how to just be themselves.
The idea of JustBe was born.
Returning to Edinburgh, Gail began developing an oil to use in her Lomi Lomi massage practice - the deeply nurturing Hawaiian massage method she had trained in, which she has always described as the Rolls-Royce of relaxation. Those first four blends became the foundation of everything that followed: JustBe Loved, JustBe Happy, JustBe Energised and JustBe Sweet.
JustBe Botanicals was founded in Edinburgh in 2010. It has been hand-blended, authentic and intentional from the very first drop.
Armathwaite Hall - Where JustBe's Spa Story Started
Following a successful trial at Armathwaite Hall Spa in the Lake District, one of Britain's most beautiful country house hotels, Gail was asked to develop a full range of treatments, including a signature ritual inspired by the surrounding natural elements.
That treatment became JustBe Elemental.
The JustBe Elemental Treatment
JustBe Elemental uses Atlantic sea salt and Scottish peat, two of nature's most extraordinary ingredients, to detoxify, nourish and restore the skin.
The treatment begins with the JustBe Pure Salt Scrub to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation. Warm JustBe Pure oil: a soothing blend of mandarin and lavender, is drizzled over the body before a mineral-rich peat mask is applied.
Peat has been used therapeutically for centuries. Rich in minerals including iron, zinc, copper and magnesium, it has powerful moisture-retaining qualities, improves skin elasticity and has natural anti-inflammatory properties. While the client rests in a thermal cocoon, a pressure point facial and nourishing scalp massage complete the experience.
Once the peat is removed, warm oil is gently massaged into the skin. The result: skin that is detoxified, purified and toned, naturally hypoallergenic and deeply nourishing for even the most sensitive complexion.
JustBe Elemental became the number one treatment at Armathwaite Hall, where it remained a signature experience for many years. It was the beginning of the professional spa chapter of the JustBe story.
The JustBe Treatment Candles
For those who wanted to recreate that spa nourishment at home, JustBe developed its treatment candle. This 100% candle is designed to melt at 42°C, just above body temperature, so the warm oil can be poured directly onto skin safely. As the wax melts, the essential oil aromas are released into the air. The warmth encourages muscles to relax, while the liquid wax deeply moisturises and lightly scents the skin.
Each candle provides approximately 30 hand treatments, though the oil can safely be applied to any part of the body. Gift sets include a pair of cotton-rich treatment gloves. For a foot treatment, simply massage in the oil and pull on a pair of socks to allow the essential oils to absorb overnight.
A Truly Multi-Sensory Range
From the beginning, JustBe Botanicals was designed to engage all five senses.
The aromatherapy oils address scent. The facials and body treatments bring therapist touch. The herbal teas engage taste. The Inspiration Cards, a set for each mood blend, provide a visual and contemplative dimension. And the JustBe In-Tune music album, written based on the frequency of the essential oils used in each blend, the same frequency as birds and bees, completes the sensory experience.
Every treatment, each product and every ritual is designed around one question: how would you like to feel?
Five Ways to Simply Be You
Gail's five principles, shared in the original Kindred Spirit interview, are as true today as they were when JustBe began:
Give yourself permission to be 100% authentically you, now. No need to wait, change or do anything first.
Start making conscious choices.
Be comfortable not knowing.
Your best is good enough.
Enjoy the journey.
These are the values that JustBe Botanicals was built on. They haven't changed.
With love from the very beginning, Gail