July 27, 2018
The Badger Balm story starts 23 years ago with a carpenter named Bill Whyte who wanted to find a solution to the dry, cracked, overworked hands that came with working in the New Hampshire winter. Fast forward to 2018 and the family run business now have over 100 products, yet the brand still retains the same ethics and environmental consciousness as day one. Each Badger product is made with organic plant extracts and other natural ingredients with a sustainable supply chain and minimal processing. We sat down with “Badger Bill” to chat about the cult brand.
When you were a child, what did you want to be?
A green beret (US special armed forces) or a famous chemist.
How has the brand evolved since its inception in 1995?
We started with one product and we now have over 100! In the beginning I used to fill tins in the back room of my home and look at us now!
Was there a moment where you thought “I’m onto something here”?
Yes! It was when I had my friend Rick build a wooden display box. I copied the logo in a large size and affixed it to the box and filled it will well designed mock-up tins. It looked amazing! That’s when I knew for sure!
What makes the Badger brand so special?
We are Badgers through and through. Our mission is “Healing Products, Healthy Businesses” and we reflect that in all we do. We’re also unique because money truly does not come first - kindness does. I also love our team! We are good to each other and we are really good at our jobs.
What was the first product you made?
Badger Healing Balm.... and I made it on my stove!
Why is using organic ingredients important to you?
Food is our medicine and I wanted Badger to be good for the skin. It is also aromatic “food” for the spirit and for the senses! We search the world over for our ingredients and even visit key growers to see the produce for ourselves and to form a closer and more caring bond with the plants, the people and with the earth.
What is one thing that surprised you when creating these products?
I didn’t realise at first how profoundly healing and pleasing quality essential oils can be. Rose can make you fall in love!
Badger is a proudly family run business… how is it working with your family 24/7?
I certainly love my family and love having them around! Let’s just say it has been a challenging learning experience and we have learned it well!
Fast Five… with Bill Whyte
On my bedside table is...
Both Baby Balm and Belly Oil! I don’t have any babies, I just love the scent for massage and they make lovely body oils.
One thing that would surprise you about me is...
I’m a serious martial artist with a black belt in Aikido.
My go-to brunch order is…
I quite enjoy a tasty soup and espresso although my go to drink nowadays is Matcha tea.
The Badger product I use the most is...
I use Badger Beard oil every evening. It softens my beard and I love falling asleep with that aroma!
My personal mantra is...
“Kindness is my compass.”
Shop the largest range of Badger Balm products in Australia here.