Brilliantly Blissful Gifts

Making homemade bath products began as a much-needed calming and creative outlet for Alisha Hannah. But it wasn't long before repeat requests for her lovingly created gifts saw the hobby evolve into a fullyfledged business under the banner of The Bliss Cartel.

"I made these products to be creative and give me a bit of 'me-time'. When I had my children, I suffered from horrible post-natal depression and used creative outlets as a way to calm my mind and relax," says Alisha.

"All my products are feminine, vintage-inspired, and their main aim is to make the purchaser feel relaxed and indulgent."

The indulgent Bliss Cartel range includes everything from bath soaks and heat packs to body scrubs and facemasks, with each product handmade in what Alisha says is a labour of love.

"If I'm looking to develop a new product, I think of things I'd like to try personally and then tweak them so they are unique. My favourite product is my Lavender Eye Pillows. I have many around my house!" she said.

"They are surprisingly versatile. I have a few that live in my freezer and are used for headaches, kids' temperatures and even as ice packs! And I have others that I heat and use as heat packs. "The lavender fragrance in them adds that extra bit of indulgence and relaxation.

"Each product I make is a labour of love. I spend a lot of time perfecting recipes, creating labels, choosing fragrance combinations, cutting and measuring fabric, and choosing designs to make my products perfect. If I love them, then I know my customers will too!"

To check out Alisha's whole range of products, stop by The Bliss Cartel stall at this month's Handmade in the Hunter Markets, which will be held at Sobels Wines from 9am to 2pm on July 16, 23 and 30, followed by markets on August 13 and 27. For more information about market dates and cancellations due to weather – visit www.handmadehuntermarkets.com.au