Reborn Lifestyle is something of a 'multi-hyphen' business, with a body care product range, gallery space, and a café. We caught up with founders Fabiano and Neven to hear about how the different parts of their business strengthen each other, the joy of expanding overseas, and coming together over a shared passion for natural body care.
Hi Fabiano and Neven! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your brand, Reborn Lifestyle, and how it came to be?
Reborn Lifestyle is the result of a chance encounter between us: Fabiano from Trentino, Italy, and Neven from Hong Kong. Despite our different personalities, we bonded over a shared passion for natural body care and a desire to reduce chemical detergents from our everyday lives. Our friendship grew over discussions about sustainable living and the importance of eco-friendly products. In 2018, we officially founded Reborn, focusing on artisan soap, bath salts, solid lotions, balms, and soy wax candles.
In 2019, after doing extensive research and experimentation and after renovating a commercial property suitable for production, our products were ready to hit the market.
With Neven's experience in the luxury cosmetic industry and Fabiano's background in hospitality and retail, we combined our skills and knowledge to create a brand that promotes conscious consumerism and offers high-quality, natural products. Our journey is driven by a commitment to sustainability and a belief that we can make a positive impact on people's lives and the environment.
I know you place a lot of importance on ethically manufacturing Reborn Lifestyle’s products. What does that look like in practice?
In practice, this means sourcing the finest quality ingredients, with a focus on organic and sustainable options whenever possible. Our products are handcrafted in small batches, allowing us to maintain the highest level of quality control and ensure attention to detail at every step.
We follow strict manufacturing processes, including the traditional cold process method for our soaps, which involves carefully blending oils and butters like Shea and cocoa. Each batch undergoes a curing process of over 6 weeks, ensuring the final product is safe, gentle, and long-lasting.
Additionally, we prioritise eco-friendly packaging, using recyclable materials, and minimising waste wherever we can. We also support fair trade practices and work closely with local suppliers and artisans who share our commitment to ethical sourcing.
Tell me about your wider business. I can see you have a café and also collaborate with local artists in that space. What does a typical day look like for you?
At Reborn Lifestyle, we have established a successful business that encompasses both our passion for natural body care and the welcoming ambiance of our café. Neven primarily focuses on the production of our handcrafted products, while Fabiano runs the café operations. Together, we create a harmonious blend of quality body care and a vibrant café experience.
Additionally, our wider business extends beyond body care. Reborn Café galashiels serves as a collaborative space for over 50 local artists and crafters, showcasing and selling their unique creations. We also provide a platform for community events and workshops, fostering connections and supporting the artistic community.
In summary, at Reborn Lifestyle, our typical day involves crafting exceptional body care products, operating a vibrant café, and creating a welcoming space for artists and the community. We are dedicated to upholding ethical manufacturing practices and promoting local talent, all while providing our customers with the best possible products and experiences.
How do the different parts of your business strengthen each other? Do you find some things do better at certain times of the year?
The café and retail space at Reborn Lifestyle play a pivotal role in strengthening our business. They provide us with a dedicated showroom and flagship store where customers can experience our handcrafted body care products first hand. Additionally, these spaces serve as platforms for organizing engaging events and workshops, allowing us to share our knowledge and teach people about candle making and other artisanal techniques.