Anna and I have been friends for decades, connecting in our early teens. As childhood friends, we often mused about starting a business together, and given our backgrounds, had assumed it would be within the fashion industry. However, we serendipitously found ourselves working in the interior design space at the same time. After experiencing the cyclical pressures of fashion, we were drawn to the principles of a seasonless, inclusive functional product.

Before we launched BAINA, the towelling category had been somewhat overlooked in terms of design and quality. Towelling was an afterthought for our customer, something that was given very little consideration. With a mutual affinity for bathing - using it as a way to decompress and reset - we wanted to provide a more considered offering in the towelling space. Elevating an everyday object through modern design, mindful craftsmanship and a seasonless approach.

Bathing as an intentional practice can be an everyday act of self-care. It’s a ritual that can aid relaxation, promote mindfulness, contribute to physical and mental well-being, and provide sensory pleasure through the feel of warm water, soothing scents and the tactile sensation of cleansing. What is so unique to bathing is that it doesn’t need to be elaborate, or expensive. It’s accessible. Simple. Grounding. A daily ritual that provides essential time with self.”.

I think bathing is a highly personal experience, but often I find those opportunities to bathe where I can indulge in the feeling of having nowhere else to be, can be the most relaxing. I always take a glass of cold, crisp water to stay hydrated as the temperature rises. I add some epsom salts to soothe achy muscles, light a candle to set the mood, and apply a nourishing face mask before sinking into the tub.

Organic cotton is soft, durable, natural and biodegradable. It is a fibre that becomes stronger when wet, making it ideal for towelling. Compared to other common towelling fibres, organic cotton is preferred for its superior absorbency, hand-feel and reduced environmental impact. What is used on your skin should always be of high consideration. Organic cotton is less likely to irritate one’s skin as its much softer and grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers - eliminating any chemical residue.

We veer away from presenting ourselves as a sustainable brand. Given we bring new products into the world, we feel it would be irresponsible to do so. We are however a conscious brand, designed with permanence in mind. BAINA is intended to be intimately woven into the daily ritual of bathing - so it’s incredibly important to us that our towelling is produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way. We take a mindful approach to craftsmanship, materiality and design to promote longevity over seasonal trends.

I remember being immediately drawn to the healing products from ROWSE’s plant-based offering. A go-to during the colder seasons for me is the Winter Body Oil. Rich and hydrating, it nourishes my skin leaving it soft and smooth. I love to massage a generous layer immediately into my skin post-bathe to lock in the moisture.

I like to keep my routine simple. It’s often the simple repetitive self-care actions that keep me most grounded. A hot bath has always been the perfect antidote to the day for me, and a rare opportunity to find time for self. I love to bathe in the evening right before bed, indulging in the feeling of having nowhere to be, so I can soak for as long as I need. I apply a hydrating clay based mask before sinking into the tub. Post-bathe I cleanse and tone, before applying a rich night serum. Conversely in the morning, I like to start with a refreshing splash of cold water to the face. I’ll then apply the day serum with moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid before applying a light-weight SPF. 

I heard a quote recently from multidisciplinary artist, Jenny Odell - “To do the work, we need to rest, to reconnect. It is the invisible labour that makes creativity possible.” It resonated with me, as it was a gentle reminder that creativity is not an infinite resource, and something that must be nurtured through space, time and rest.

Both Anna and I look forward to continuing to serve our customer in the bathing space - exploring ways to elevate the daily act of bathing. Ultimately, we are excited to continue to build Baina with longevity in mind - with a high consideration on our brand, product and offering.