A Year of Firsts and Gentle Moments Ahead
Tara McLaughlinThis year has been one of firsts for Woodland & Bloom—a year of discovering, trying, and slowly stepping into new chapters. After years of testing fragrances, wicks, and waxes, we opened our online doors, and within ten months, we were thrilled to be nominated as a Finalist in the 2025 Local Business Awards.
Hunter’s Reserve, a fragrance inspired by the place I call home, was born this year and has found a special place with our customers. Its packaging, beautifully illustrated by my friend Seema, continues the tradition of gentle, memory-filled artwork that has always been part of Woodland & Bloom.
Our customers’ joy has been the greatest reward—your five-star reviews and kind messages remind me why this work is so deeply fulfilling. We celebrated our first birthday with shortbread cookies and little gifts for each order, a small way to say thank you for being part of our journey.
We quietly introduced our first Pink Friday sale, giving our VIP customers a gentle preview, and launched our very first Christmas Treasures Collection—handcrafted tree ornaments and home fragrances that have already found loving homes, with only a few remaining.
This year also saw the start of our Gathering of Three—two candles for you, and one gifted to someone you love—a simple way to share warmth and joy. Alongside this, our Keepsake Boxes and Memento Gift Sets have offered a gentle and beautiful way to give the gift of Woodland & Bloom.
Love, Loss, and New Beginnings
This year has also been marked by loss. My beloved soul dog, Olive, passed away, leaving a quiet space in our hearts. Grieving her has changed me, but in her absence, Harriet joined our family—a little soul who brings joy, without replacing the love we’ll always carry for Olive.
Like anyone running a small business, I have my doubts, and there are ups and downs along the way. Yet, connecting with kindred small business owners, sharing frustrations, celebrations, and advice, has been a gentle reminder that we are never truly alone.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The new year will bring a few gentle changes for Woodland & Bloom, as we return to our roots of home fragrance and lifestyle. Although our baby collection has been beloved, it will now enter its Final Editions, gradually reduced, making space for the fragrances and experiences that first inspired Woodland & Bloom.
We are also introducing reed diffuser refills, requested by our wonderful customers, so you can enjoy your favourite scents for longer.
And I’m especially excited to share the Memory Garden Box—little pots of every fragrance, beautifully presented, allowing you to explore and choose the perfect scent for your home. Each box comes with a card detailing the fragrances, and the pots will also be available individually—a lovely way to discover your favourites or gift a moment of calm and joy.
As always, Woodland & Bloom will continue to evolve organically throughout the year, guided by curiosity, inspiration, and the feedback of those who journey with us.
Wishing You a Gentle Festive Season
From all of us at Woodland & Bloom, may your Christmas be filled with quiet joys, meaningful moments, and gentle memories. And may the new year bring calm, warmth, and moments to treasure—perhaps with a little Woodland & Bloom to accompany them.
With warmth and gratitude,
Tara xo
