Our story

The Story of Woodland & Bloom
From my home in Newcastle, Woodland & Bloom was quietly born — a gentle idea sparked by my longing for something truly different. The home fragrance market often felt loud and overwhelming, missing the softness and meaning I needed. Living with sensory sensitivities, I know how important fragrance is—not just the scent itself, but how it makes you feel. I don’t like overpowering smells, harsh noises, or rough textures. I crave peace, soft cottons, and scents that live quietly in the background, evoking memory and calm.

So, I began—not with a business plan, but with a single candle called Homestead. What followed was a tender two-year journey across the globe, searching for unique fragrances that whispered rather than shouted—refined, thoughtful blends that speak to emotion and place. I tested each scent myself, poured and re-poured, carefully recording every wick, wax, and fragrance combination in my candle-making journal. Every decision was intentional; every fragrance chosen because it stirred something real and gentle.

Woodland & Bloom has since grown beyond fragrance — now including hand-illustrated bedding and accessories for babies and children, chosen for their gentleness and timeless charm. These are pieces to hold close, to hand down, to treasure.

The artwork and packaging are as meaningful as the scents themselves. I’ve partnered with the talented watercolour artist @SimplySeema to illustrate each fragrance’s story, and with photographer @LambertePhotography to capture the spirit of Woodland & Bloom through her lens. Every detail is a quiet, poetic thread in the story we’re weaving together.

Meet Tara
My story began in a swirl of movement and memory — growing up between Australia and the jungles of Borneo, where my father’s work as a school principal meant a new adventure each year. From building forts in the bush near my childhood home in Eden, to fishing off the jetty, and waking to the sounds of wildlife in Sarawak, nature and wonder shaped me.

In the stillness of Mendooran, NSW — my family’s haven — I found grounding. The slow rhythm of country life, the scent of lambs in the paddock, and tea shared at dawn with my cousin became the soul of Woodland & Bloom. These gentle moments guide everything I create.

Now, nestled in Newcastle with my husband Rob, our beloved pets, and a studio scented with dreams, I continue my quiet pursuit of beauty. I pour, wrap, write handwritten notes, and package each order with velvet ribbons and dried flowers, always with care that can’t be faked. When not making, I’m baking — scones and cakes from well-worn cookbooks — always with tea nearby and softness in my heart.