Our story

Woodland & Bloom was established by Tara McLaughlin, who embarked on this journey out of a desire for distinctive and unforgettable fragrances. Feeling disheartened by the overwhelming 'sameness' in the Australian market, she yearned for fragrances that were not just distinctive but also refined and understated, bringing to mind treasured memories.  

After an extensive two-year global search, Tara meticulously tested various fragrances to ensure that each candle, room spray, and reed diffuser met her high standards. Each product was carefully considered and would reflect Woodland & Blooms elegant yet classically beautiful products and designs.

The enchanting designs and packaging of Woodland & Bloom are inspired by Tara's rich history of travel from a young age. Every candle has a story and can be seen in the packaging. She partnered with the talented watercolour artist @SimplySeema to create exclusive bespoke designs for each fragrance, making them truly one-of-a-kind and had the pleasure of meeting the incredibly talented Victorya Lamberte from @LambertePhotography.  Victorya created stunning images for the website, perfectly capturing the essence of Woodland & Bloom in every shot. 

Woodland & Bloom has evolved to focus on more than just home fragrance; it now creates one-of-a-kind, hand-illustrated bedding and accessories for babies and children that evoke nostalgia. The goal is to bring joy and to spark imagination in homes worldwide by engaging the senses of smell, sight, and touch. Tara has a deep appreciation for fabrics that are soft and gentle against the skin. Being sensitive to textures, Tara sought out exquisite items that are ideal for little ones—pieces they can cuddle with and treasure as timeless keepsakes.

Tara McLaughlin is the creative force behind Woodland & Bloom and had a childhood marked by constant movement across Australia and South East Asia due to her father's position as a primary school principal. Each new location offered fresh adventures, from the remote landscapes of Goodooga to the picturesque sapphire waters of Eden, a charming fishing village nestled in one of the southern most parts of New South Wales. Daily life was filled with fishing trips and explorations. She constructed forts in the bushland behind her home with her brothers and enjoyed summer swims at Cocora Beach in Eden, conveniently just a short walk away and fished off the jetty almost every day. "Even now, I feel a deep connection to fishing villages, with their quaint homes and the familiar sounds of seagulls and trawlers at the docks." Her adventures also took her to the stunning landscapes of Sarawak, Borneo where she lived in the jungle with her family. "This is where my world truly expanded at such a young age. We were enveloped by incredible wildlife and pristine nature, and I formed lasting friendships with wonderful people."

Although Tara often struggled to establish a sense of belonging due to her frequent relocations, visiting her family in Mendooran, NSW felt like the home and base she had always longed for. It was a place where she could be her authentic self, surrounded by the tranquillity of the countryside. "We try to visit a few times each year to help my family with tasks like lamb marking or fence repairs. Just being with them, even for a few days, nourishes my spirit. There’s something magical about waking up to the peacefulness of the countryside, sipping tea with my cousin as we witness nature come to life each morning. Those moments are precious to me, and I carry them with me when I leave."

Tara currently lives in Newcastle, NSW, alongside her husband Rob and their cherished pets, which consist of several dogs, a cat, and three pampered hens. In her cozy home studio, she devotes her time to crafting products, revelling in the discovery of new fragrances, and preparing orders for her wonderful customers. Whenever she finds a moment to spare, she loves to settle in with a good cookbook and a delightful cup of tea.