Close your eyes and prepare your mind and body for a blissful escape to the warm caress of a brilliant sun, clear blue skies, soft coral sand and the sound of the turquoise ocean lapping against the shore. Brimming with natural essential oils and exquisite fragrances which are unique to the brand, Guava & Gold is a new, elegant capsule collection of luxury, cruelty-free bath and body products. Relax, dream and escape to the ultimate sun-filled paradise, all in one bottle.

We speak to Clare, the founder of Guava & Gold about why she started the brand and what makes her beauty products so special

Tell us a little about yourself, and what inspired you to create Guava & Gold?

Before I created Guava & Gold, I had a successful career as a barrister in London for more than 25 years and part of my job was about finding creative ways to solve other people’s problems. It was a fantastic, stimulating career but there came a time when I wanted a new challenge and to take my creativity in a totally different direction. I travel frequently and I set out to develop a luxury bath and body collection which would evoke people’s favourite holiday memories every time they used one of the products and which would be a lovely pampering treat or make a wonderful gift.

My goal was an elegant capsule collection of premium products, with ethical credentials, capturing unforgettable exotic holidays memories in a single bottle. All inspired by the beauty of our oceans, daydreams of tropical beaches and maybe also the occasional cocktail of course!
Although it is still a new, small brand, it is hugely important to me that Guava & Gold plays its part in making a difference for others whenever it can. I look carefully at the ethos and practice of the companies the brand works with and make donations to help to alleviate hygiene poverty, which can have a significant, negative impact on people’s feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. Every purchase of a Guava & Gold product can help to make a practical and truly worthwhile difference to the life of others.

How did you choose the name?

The inspiration for the name is all about your best luxury holidays in faraway, tropical destinations. Guava & Gold reflects the exotic fruits, beautiful flowers, vibrant colours and warmth and sunshine of your favourite beach holiday, all evoked by its exquisite fragrances which were created in collaboration with an international fine fragrance house and are unique to Guava & Gold.

How would you describe your products, and what makes them different?

Guava & Gold is an elegant capsule bath and body collection inspired by the most exotic corners of the world and focussed on capturing those truly unforgettable tropical holiday memories in a single bottle. Each product is expertly crafted and fragranced using distinctive scents of exotic fruits and glowers, including gorgeous guava and cherimoya, fragrant pink magnolia, white floral facets of tuberose, sweet vanilla orchid and enchanting orange and plum blossom.

Guava & Gold is a proud Great British Brand, and our products evoke a sense of escapism transporting you to a moment of sheer bliss in your own home.

What has been the most rewarding feedback you have received from a customer who has purchased one of your products?

The most rewarding feedback has come from the many people who smell one of the fragrances, smile and say ‘holiday!’ straightaway – when they say that, I know that Guava & Gold has got it right – and also from the number of loyal repeat customers the brand has already built up in a short space of time.

From an individual customer, the Guava & Gold Paradise Found Bath & Shower Gel received a 5* review and was described as “Best ever. Lots of sparkle”. This type of feedback reflects on the goals of Guava & Gold – products which provide sheet bliss and relaxation in your day to day life. Receiving feedback like this is fantastic.

Of the Guava & Gold products that we are featuring on myza, which is your particular favourite and why?

That’s a really difficult question – I love all of the products and it’s very hard to choose between them! If you really ask me to pick one, then it’s the Paradise Found Shimmering Body Oil. The opulent Paradise Found perfume is the brand’s signature fragrance and the Shimmering Body Oil is the ideal way to have glowing skin all the time.

Healthy-looking skin is not just for summer. After showering, you can apply it to your hair and skin for a sun-kissed and nourished look. Or before applying foundation, gently massage a few drops of the oil into your skin for a brighter make-up base. After real or fake tanning, it will give your skin a radiant glow.

Where do you see Guava & Gold being in the next five years?

From the beginning, Guava & Gold attracted significant international interest. A carefully curated selection from the brand has been available in the USA from very early on and we are currently working with a number of overseas partners to expand its presence overseas, particularly in Europe.

Over the next five years, I would like to see Guava & Gold developing its international connections further with placements in hotel shops, resorts and spas. The aim is to continue to grow Guava & Gold’s international presence both through our current partners and with new ones also coming on board.

What drives you, and where do you get your inspiration from?

I set out to create something beautiful and indulgent for Guava & Gold’s customers, which they would love using. Especially during the current situation we are facing, it is now more important than ever to look after ourselves and those we love, to adopt a beneficial self-care routine and to think about how to promote our wellbeing and relaxation. I hope that Guava & Gold does this for everyone who uses our products.

Finally, a few pearls of wisdom from you! Run us through your recipe for a great night’s sleep, and some do’s and don’ts that you recommend following, or including in a pre-sleep schedule.

I have a lovely hot bath with one of the Guava & Gold Bath and Shower Gels every night. By relaxing my body and winding down physically and mentally, I tell my mind and body that that is it for the day and prepare for a good night’s rest.

Before I get into bed, I use one of the Guava & Gold Body Lotions to soothe and hydrate my body. I love to smell the fragrances on my skin as I lie in bed falling asleep. Also, I drink my last glass of water of the day.