Handmade with Heart (and Hard Work): Insights from the Posh Brats Journey
- Bethany Sharp
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: May 1
Seventeen years ago, cosmetic chemist Brittany De Staedtler left America for the captivating charm of the English countryside. This move ignited a journey of rediscovery, plunging her into traditional apothecary, the vibrant stories of British folklore, and the powerful, often overlooked, healing potential of nature. From this passion and a wealth of ideas, Posh Brats Botanicals began to grow. This wasn't just the start of a business; it was the beginning of a life's purpose, a heartfelt dedication to celebrating the untamed beauty and plentiful gifts of the British Isles.
From Hedgerows to Handmade: The Posh Brats Botanicals Story
Seventeen years ago, I found myself in the heart of the English countryside, having left the US behind for a new life in the UK. I had a background in cosmetic chemistry and a head full of ideas—but no real blueprint for what would become Posh Brats Botanicals. All I knew was that I wanted to create something beautiful, honest, and rooted deeply in the land I’d come to love.
What started with a fascination for traditional apothecary, British folklore, and the healing power of plants slowly evolved into a business that has become both my life’s work and my heart’s calling. Posh Brats Botanicals is a celebration of the wild and wonderful bounty of the British Isles. We wildharvest many of our ingredients and work closely with growers and farmers who generously give us access to their hedgerows and fields. It’s a literal journey from soil to skincare—raw, vibrant, and steeped in tradition.
Every drop of hydrolate and oil is distilled in-house in our Cheshire workshop, nestled in converted 17th-century barns that sit on the ruins of an ancient monastery. The air out here smells of wild mint and damp stone, and it feels like the past is always close by. It’s the perfect setting to do what we do—slow, deliberate, meaningful work that respects the natural rhythms of the world around us.
The Challenges of Crafting a Vision
But I won’t sugarcoat it: building a business like this has never been easy.
We’ve never had a big budget, a flashy campaign, or outside investors. Posh Brats has been 100% self-financed from day one, propped up by our personal savings—and, bless him, my husband's ever-dwindling retirement account. Every penny we earned went right back into growing the business. There were no shortcuts. Just long days, longer nights, and a deep belief in what we were creating.
And then, of course, came the real tests: economic crashes, the uncertainty and complexity of Brexit, the chaos of COVID, and the day-to-day uphill battle of standing out in an industry flooded with corporate giants and factory-made promises. When you’re a small artisan brand, it’s easy to feel like a whisper in a room full of shouting. But we’ve always believed that if you speak with honesty, the right people will hear you.
That belief carried us through. Along with grit, stubbornness, an almost reckless amount of optimism, and the fierce loyalty of our customers—many of whom have become dear friends over the years. We've never bought followers or faked buzz. Everything we are today has grown organically through word of mouth and good old-fashioned customer service. We listen, we care, and we do right by the people who trust us with their skin and their wellbeing.
Building a Team of Kindred Spirits
Building our team was another leap of faith. I’ve always looked for kindred spirits—people who don’t just have the skill, but also the heart. It’s not always easy to find the right fit when your business is as personal as this one, but when you do, the magic happens. The most amazing thing about having a close-knit team is knowing you’re not in it alone. That shared sense of purpose and camaraderie can carry you through even the hardest days.
The Sanctuary of the Workshop
Our workshop is more than just a place we make things—it’s a sanctuary. It’s where ideas bloom, where traditions are honoured, and where every product is made by hand, with intention and care. There’s something deeply satisfying about being so involved in every stage of the process, from harvesting nettles in the spring to pouring the final balm into its tin.
Posh Brats isn’t just a brand—it’s a life. A wild, sometimes chaotic, always rewarding life. We’ve weathered more than our fair share of storms, but we’re still here, still growing, still wildly in love with what we do. And if you ask me how we did it, the answer is simple: determination, love, loyalty, and just a little bit of madness.
Posh Brats Botanicals: At a Glance
Founded: 2008
Founder: Brittany De Staedtler, Cosmetic Chemist
Location: Cheshire, UK (in converted 17th-century barns over medieval monastery ruins)
Ethos: Soil to skincare – handcrafted, sustainable, and steeped in British botanical heritage
Unique Touch: Distilling our own hydrolates and oils from wild-harvested and locally grown botanicals
Sourcing: 100% British suppliers for packaging and materials
Growth: Entirely organic, built on word of mouth and customer loyalty
Core Values: Tradition, sustainability, transparency, and a deep love for the land
What Our Customers Say
“There’s something magical about Posh Brats. You can feel the care in every single product.”— Charlotte M., Devon
“It’s rare to find a brand that makes you feel like part of a family. I’ve been with them for over a decade now and wouldn’t go anywhere else.”— Gillian R., Northumberland
“Everything smells like it came straight from a secret garden. I’m addicted!”— Amira H., London
“Posh Brats isn’t just skincare—it’s ritual, it’s heritage, and it’s handmade love in a jar.”— Lucy W., Yorkshire
The Posh Brats Botanicals story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to one's roots. From a personal vision to a thriving, handcrafted brand, Brittany De Staedtler's journey offers valuable insights for anyone embarking on their own entrepreneurial path. The brand's commitment to quality, sustainability, and community serves as a powerful reminder that success is often found in staying true to one's values and embracing the beauty of imperfection.
What seeds of passion are you nurturing, and how will you cultivate them into a business that reflects your heart and soul?
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