Meet Amanda Adams | Founder of Bätn-ē Beauty

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Adams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?

It was truly the culmination of many things throughout my life.

I spent a lot of time in nature and gardens growing up that developed into a lifelong appreciation. My grandparents always had all-natural cures on hand for the face and body, and I learned to use these from a young age. My grandfather, who was an artist, was constantly depicting gorgeous landscapes and flowers, grew grapes for his own table wine, and knew how to work with the natural cycles of the land to create beauty.

Discovering natural perfumers when I was in high-school in the early 2000’s sparked an even deeper love for the complexity of fragrance and how to think about it. It’s a language of emotion, a world that has always made sense to me. I’m captivated by the way it affects people, and their own way of expressing the way a scent makes them feel.

I started becoming interested in healthier beauty products in my early twenties. Specifically when I found out how many companies at that time were still involved in animal cruelty testing practices, and the ingredients that were being used that made me really start to evaluate what was “deemed” safe.

But then I developed very reactionary skin. I had always been sensitive, but this was intense. I thought I had been doing the right things, but all of a sudden in my mid through late twenties I was constantly getting rashes from products. Often having to get in the shower to rinse off what I had just put on. I remember having a facial at a well-known place, and one of the products they said was incredibly “gentle”, burned my skin. After many doctor and dermatologist appointments over the years, I went down a rabbit-hole of finding out about what ingredients were being hidden in products. Especially when finding out that “fragrance” on the back of those labels meant they didn’t have to disclose what I was putting on my body. This was the first time I thought to myself that I wanted to create something safe. It was just more abstract at this time.

I went back and studied health and nutrition, really trying to find the mind-body-spirit connection. I completely overhauled my skincare routines, realizing that I had bought into using so many products for every little thing. It had been exhausting. I wanted to get to a place of using less, but less that would do more.

That was the moment it felt like I was struck by lightning when I realized this was everything I loved and have been working towards.

I knew I wanted to create highly-effective products, with transparent ingredients that are ethically sourced, beautifully nuanced scents that embody how special the wearer is and have a psycho-spiritual effect and enhance the product, and thoughtfully designed with a focus on sustainability. Coming up with the idea of this business was putting together the pieces of everything I have been passionate about, and that lit me up inside.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

Bätn-ē just launched on July 17th with the first product, Ritual Florum No. 01. It’s a beautiful botanical serum that takes a full moon cycle (29.5 days) to produce. One of the things that sets this brand apart, is that everything is what I like to call “slow beauty”. I will only ever release a product that I myself couldn’t be without. As I mentioned, I want less that does more, and this is a multi-use product.

I am most proud of being involved in every step of this process and knowing this brand inside and out. There is not only intention behind the product itself, but within every part. From the sourcing of ethical ingredients, looking at sustainability from start to finish, and why I chose the bottles, down to the paper made from t-shirt scraps.

I think when you are passionate and believe in what you are doing, the hard days are still worth it. A lesson I have learned is to look at the challenges as just acquiring more knowledge.

It’s not a linear path building a brand from the ground-up, and you are going to have setbacks. I suggest identifying from the start what your Ethos is, and when you have to make decisions, always go back to what you have built your foundation on.

Also, take advice, but be selective about the advice you take and make sure they are someone who has accomplished what you are asking. You will spin your wheels if you are listening to everyone, and remember that it is your vision, so don’t forget to trust your instincts.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

How fun! I am in New Orleans after being in New York for many years, and having friends visit to show them around is one of my favorite things to do since I feel like I get to explore with them.

I would take them to the New Orleans Museum of Art for an afternoon, there’s the Sydney and Walda Besthoff sculpture garden with the big beautiful trees. Probably spend the evening home on the terrace and enjoy a summer evening.

One of the days head to the Bywater to get a iced coffee from Petite Clouet or depending on the time a glass of wine and cheese board at Bacchanal and listen to some live music. Wander around, pass by the Marigny Opera House. Sit in the courtyard at The Elysian, and head to a dinner at N7.

A couple of the days has to be just for exploring the French Quarter. It’s not just Bourbon Street! The quarter has beautiful architecture, and it feels like you went back in time. There’s lots of unique shops. Also, if you need crystals, sage, or incense, this is the place for you. I would take them to a cool vintage shop where I always find something fun, Blue Dream. Eat at Sylvain’s for lunch. If keeping it low-key, I have a small spot for oysters, and there’s a band that plays a few nights there that is so good. Otherwise, if wanting to get dressed up, go to Doris’ for dinner, and head to Bar Marilou afterwards.

You should do the tourist thing at least once and go to Cafe du Monde, get some beignets and the chicory coffee. Stop into an art gallery or make your way to Royal Antiques and you will instantly realize you need more chandeliers in your life. On the way back, stop into Faulkner House Books.

There’s some really fun workout studios, and Romney is great if you want to get a Pilates or Pulse class in.

Another couple of days should be for Uptown and the Garden District. Walk around on Magazine Street, check out the shops and cafes. Do a brunch at La Petite Grocery. The Lafayette Cemeteries here are really unique, at least peek in. Head to Clancy’s for dinner, followed with an evening at The Columns.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My mom, who gives infinite love and support, and is always there for me.

My designer Krysta, who has been on this journey with me, and truly just knows exactly what is in my head.

“Essence and Alchemy” by Mandy Aftel.

The people who have given advice, encouraged, supported, and sometimes just stayed up late on the phone to keep me company while I work – they deserve a huge shoutout.

Website: www.batnebeauty.com

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