The Beauty Spot: Trish Rubin of Bath Junkie

This week I am seriously thrilled to be talking to this lady, Trish Rubin, Brand Manager of Bath Junkie. Trish and I crossed paths while I was perusing in downtown NY in late 2008, and stumbled across the heavenly Bath Junkie. I was immediately made to feel one of the family and I couldn't believe what a remarkable brand I'd discovered...by accident! Trish and the team made understanding their brand easy, and I really wanted to know (and buy) more!

Now I want to bring that brand to you and who better to explain their philosophy and collection than Trish, perhaps one of the most hard-working women I've ever had the pleaure to meet.

Read on for more...

1. Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a business development consultant specialising in promoting businesses and individuals in brand development, engagement and leveraged networking worldwide.

2. What is your background and how did you get involved with Bath Junkie?
I’m a longtime educator and trainer and have travelled worldwide developing programmes for school organisations. I chose to use my networking skills as a foundation of a business career. I wrote a successful book on networking that launched the fun. My degrees are varied…education and organizational. I have two Masters degrees, one in Education…and an Ivy league degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

3. Explain Bath Junkie’s concept and philosophy...
Bath junkie is bath stuff designed by You… 4 U, by U…simple! We offer 40 base products including, lotions, oils, body washes, shampoos for custom blending of 203 scents. The bath junkie experience knows no bound and fits into any culture where people want to treat themselves to affordable luxury within an experienced based destination! YOU decide how the product is made.

4. Describe a day in your life…
A day is NEVER the same for me. I meet with clients and “brainbang”, I give presentations, I produce events like Morning Networking SINGS, I spend time in bath junkie meeting people and planning and executing all sorts of gatherings, I write…and I play in NYCall, all the while promoting bath junkie and my other clients…an esthetic dentist named Bob Sorin, who has a wonderful brand…Health Comfort and Beauty…the Washington Square Hotel… Jaffe Estate Wineries... See me on www.sobelmedia.com, www.trnewyorkminute.com and You tube! I work tirelessly to strategically partner my cients with each other and with the outside world. I am now talking to a UK concern…aromahome.com about becoming my next client! They have awesome products and they are in LONDON! I combine work and socialising to create buzz for myself and my clients!

5. What are some of the hero products in the Bath Junkie line?
Our Exfoliating Salt Scrub and matching Body Dessert are the signature products. Our fortune cookie soaps are adorable.

6. Who else do you admire in the beauty world?
In this environment, I’d say we are all in it together…I learn from all of our colleagues in the Beauty Biz.

7. Does Bath Junkie sell products that are not just for bathing?
Our products lend themselves to showering…great in NYC where some people don’t have room for tubs! We also carry fun bath accessories, robes, towels...

8. Are you planning to open in the UK soon?
We’d very much like to talk with people. Having a connection to Aroma Hme is a great step!We’ve had interest in the UK from people here in NYC since we are largely a franchise concern we are happy to spread the joy! We are opening stores in Denmark next however…I plan to be in London in April AND LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING AS MANY PEOPLE AS I CAN TO SPREAD THE WORD!

9. What is Bath Junkie’s policy on recycling and ‘being green’?
Bath junkie has a complete green programme featured online @www.bathjunkie.com.

10. Hopes for the future of the brand?
Worldwide domination LOL! Our mission is to cover the world with “smelly goodness”, according to our President!

Yes, another inspiring lady, and brand to get the entrepreneurial juices flowing, huh? Let's hope we'll get to experience Bath Junkie in the UK very soon.

Beauty Scoop is Back

Did you miss me? Well, I sure missed you and boy do I have a ton of beauty bits to give you today...all the way from the Big Apple. That's right, I've gone to the beauty capital of the world to bring you the best 'bites' from across the pond.

Are you ready? Let's go...

1. First up is a divine range called Sabon. I hopped into their store on Prince Street in the heart of Soho and was treated to a gorgeous, revitalising hand and arm scrub in their signature Patchouli Lavender Vanilla scent, followed by a layer of their deliciously creamy body lotion in the same scent. Aside from that and the amazing service, I also fell in love with their Relaxing Massage Oil - it's great for a moisture boost before bedtime and contains grapeseed, neroli and lavender oil to soothe. Slather it on and wake up smooth and silky skinned. Or, if you like to share, why not treat the man in your life to a back massage? If that doesn't get him in the mood, I don't know what will. http://www.sabonnyc.com/

Ehem, back to the beauty!

2. Next up is The Balm. I discovered this 'cute as a button' brand whilst perusing the many aisles of Sephora. This brand was founded by beauty lover (aren't we all?) Marissa Shipman, who'd had enough of the corporate world and wanted to make products that not only smelled delicious but also made people look and feel fabulous. Eh voila, The Balm was born! In a similar vein to Benefit, The Balm seeks to take a cheeky spin on each product but never comprises on workability. My personal favourite is their lipstick Read My Lips (in the 'Scoop' shade of course!) Another must have is Bahama Mama - no, not the low rent nightclub in Hoboken, NJ but their amazingly flattering bronzing powder! Check it out at http://www.thebalm.com/

3. Who's next, I hear you cry? Why it's Bath Junkie. I stumbled across this sleek sanctuary on my way to Lupa (the best Italian in NYC) I opened the door and was transported into a world of high end spa 'paraphernalia' - what is not to love about that? BJ is great because it provides great, friendly service while offering us consumers hard working, amazing products. Their concept is pretty simple, but totally unique. You decide how you want your product to smell (they have over 200 fragrances to choose from) and, say you want everything to smell of strawberries but you have a blue bathroom, they'll turn the strawberry smelling product blue! No more worrying about colour matching and just think, you can adapt your favourite fragrance to match every bathroom in your house. Super, super cool. My favourite is the Chanel # 5 type...FYI present buyers!!! http://www.bathjunkie.com/

4. To finish, perhaps one of my favourite beauty discoveries thus far - Red Flower. An exquisite, darkly lit shop on Prince Street, I was almost frightened to go in but I'm so glad that I did. Nestled within its dark interior lies the secret to true beauty contentment. Ok, that might be pushing it slightly but I have definitely discovered a thoughtful, fragrance focused product line that could melt the coldest of hearts. Aside from the beautiful fragrances (icelandic moonflower, north american lilac and himalayan larch to name but a few) the candles are a must buy. Perhaps the cutest are the 'Little Candles' which are accompanied by matches that could fit in Tom Thumb's pocket. A lovely gift for that someone special in your life (you!) http://www.redflower.com/

Ok, that's it for now but I'll be back asap for more scooping fun! NYC forever.