Supporting small business, DollyMoo: a handmade bath + body line by New Jersey sisters
Dr. Robi Ludwig
Created with their late grandmother’s warmth and loving Greek name of endearment, natural and handmade bath, and body line “DollyMoo” was born out of selflove, self-preservation and a passion for all things positive. Sister duo and business partners, Nicci Silva and Amy Rivera hand bake, cook, and stir their organically made body scrubs, lotions, facial toners and more from their brick-and-mortar storefront’s kitchen in Montclair, New Jersey. The line is sweeping the nation with the surge of selfcare consciousness with a dash of sister love!
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Tell me about the history of the DollyMoo brand?
DollyMoo was created from a place of love and healing. When feedback from friends and family was overwhelmingly positive after trying some of our products, we started small by selling DollyMoo at farmer's markets and festivals. After a few years of hard work, affirmations, and manifestation, we were fortunate enough to open our brick-and-mortar in downtown Montclair, New Jersey. Since then, the shop and brand have flourished, building a solid, lively self-care community!
Have you always loved bath and body products? I have always loved anything that makes my skin soft and smells good! I love a spray, and I love a perfume! -Amy
I have always loved trying new products but usually stick to my few tried and true favorite brands. -Nicci
What made you start creating your own products, and what makes them so unique and special?
The mixing came naturally to me since I had been bartending for years; I was inspired by my love of mixology and a body scrub I once used, but when I began mixing, it was a time when I was going through a powerful healing process and spiritual growth. When my sister and I joined forces, we realized the body scrubs we were creating invoked certain feelings depending on what essential oils and herbs we used. They became practical tools to calm anxiety, lift a mood, or Zen us out. Making these products from a place of healing and love inspired us not only to make products to nourish your skin but your spirit as well. -Nicci
If you had to pick just one product as your favorite – what would it be?
Aloe Rose Quartz Toner -Nicci
Rosehip Facial Serum -Amy
How have you seen your business change since the pandemic and more awareness about self-care?
Because people were home more, they were lighting more candles, taking more baths, and sending care packages to loved ones they could not visit in person. It was beautiful knowing people were creating a sacred space and tending to their mental health by creating rituals using our products, whether it was burning incense, soaking in hot baths, setting intentions, and creating more at-home spiritual/spa experiences.
Tell us about your Spring Equinox Collection and Bloom Box?
We intimately work within every season, from concept and inspiration to full production, honoring Mother Nature's beautiful influence and sacred touch along the way. Our Spring Equinox Collection is all about rebirth, manifestations coming to fruition, blooming, and blossoming! With blooming comes the creation of our much-loved Bloom Box. It's a joyous combination of seasonal offerings and is indeed the essence of Spring. It includes our French Green Clay and Elderflower Loofah Soap, A Wildflower Blooms Hand Lotion, and a gorgeous Wildflower Blooms Soy Candle adorned with dried wildflowers. An excellent gift for your own blooming heart and a favorite Mother's Day gift!
What is the number one skincare must-do for each of you as it pertains to DollyMoo?
My must-haves include our Aloe Rose Toner (which makes my skin fresh and clean while being gentle), Lavender Body Scrub (softens my skin and soothes my soul), and seasonal body butter Mabon Moon from our Fall Equinox Collection (a unique blend of sandalwood, vanilla and musk, the smell is intoxicating, and my skin feels super hydrated). Our seasonal body butters are called body butter blessings and have a mantra to repeat while you apply or, as we like to say, "bless" your body. The Mabon Moon's mantra is "I am thankful for my body." This mantra has become a special self-love ritual every time I use my Mabon Moon. -Nicci
For my morning routine, it's our Aloe Rose Quartz toner and facial serum every day! My skin feels super clean and deeply hydrated. Our lavender salve lives on my nightstand and is a part of my end-of-day keep calm routine. I rub it on my temples, under my nose, on my lips, and on the back of my neck. It's made with pure lavender essential oil and lulls me to sleep. -Amy
What is it like working with your sister?
The yin and yang to our relationship has helped make our business what it is today. We each contribute unique skills to the company; what one doesn't offer, the other one does, which has worked out well for the evolution of our brand. We then harmoniously come together creatively and spiritually when coming up with the base and design of a product. We hold each other accountable, have fierce conversations and deep belly laughs! -Nicci
It's great that I get to work with my bestie! After leaving a nursing career to focus on our business, I can honestly say it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Working with Nicci is truly a blessing. We work extremely hard every day but also find time for lots of laughs, which makes it one of the best work environments I have ever experienced. We balance each other out very well, yin and yang. -Amy
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