The RUNESILK Story · August 2019
It's Official! We're Golden...
The feeling you get when people like your handcrafted beard products is very warm and fuzzy.
Making your own beard care products is a bit like creating art. Its value is decided by the simple fact that people are willing to pay to own it. So when someone whose opinion you respect gives it top marks, it means a great deal.
Since launching our beard care with Revolution in December 2018, we'd slowly released two more fragrances that form half of the Elements Collection: Air and Water.
How we test a new release
When we release a new product, we run a few research processes. One is sample testing: we send a small group a batch to get their initial response before finalising the product. That proved especially useful for Elements Air, as it led to a small tweak that got us to the final blend.
The next step, once we're about to launch, is independent review. As a rule, we always send our products to Zec from Guardians of the Beard. Firstly, it was his Facebook platform that helped us start generating awareness in the first place. Second, he's a trusted beard care reviewer who has reviewed over 500 products, so it makes sense to hear what he thinks.
The nerve-wracking wait
It's a nerve-wracking time. Once the products are in the post, there's no turning back. The suspense is intense. "I hope he likes it."
Revolution, both oil and balm, got full marks and received the Golden Beard Award. Which sounds great, right? The catch is that it leaves you zero room for error. The bar is set at the top, so any fall from there is going to hurt.
It turned out Elements Air also hit the mark and earned the 100% Golden Beard badge. "Does it compare to Revolution?" Zec said. "No, it's better."
The pressure was well and truly on. I was struggling with Elements Water, I just couldn't get it right, spending hours (and a small fortune) mixing essential oil blends. Time was running out for a 1st July launch. Then, as if by magic, I got the blend to work. I messaged Zec: it's going to be tight, but I think I might just have it ready for you to review, CPSR pending.
Just in time. After chasing the safety report, it arrived with three days to spare. Batches of oil and balm made and sent next-day to Zec. Those three days passed in slow motion. Then the video went up.
Golden Beard Brand
I couldn't believe it. Another Golden Beard Award. And to top it off, because we'd received 100% records for every product sent, Zec honoured us with the Golden Beard Brand award. Thank you, Zec. No pressure on Elements Earth, then.
Earth is due for release some point in autumn (yes, I said "some point", not sticking to a deadline this time), and it's going to be an exciting project. Although I won't lie, I'm very keen to get working on Fire.
The scents so far:
- Revolution: Sandalwood, Bergamot and Black Pepper.
- Elements Air: Spearmint, Frankincense, Patchouli and Ho Leaf.
- Elements Water: Lemon, Bergamot, Sandalwood and Cucumber.