For Eva Markarian, founder of seedbloom, a wellness and skincare brand based in Los Angeles, California, it’s not just about creating great products—it’s about ensuring every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen, every blend carefully crafted, and every step taken with intention. When you experience her skincare and aromatherapy products, you’re not just feeling the result of artisanal craftsmanship—you’re connecting with a story, a commitment to authenticity, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Eva Markarian, Founder and CEO of seedbloom
You’ve emphasized the importance of artisanal craftsmanship in your products. How did you come to value that approach? I’m so hands-on. When I first started, I was trying to do more research because I didn’t want to be just another brand. I formulated, made all the blends, and took natural skincare courses. I even got my aromatherapy license. I’m not someone who just has a cool idea and then hands it off to a factory. I wanted to be on top of every single thing, like sourcing ingredients and supporting other small farms and companies.
For instance, one of my major base oils comes from a small farm distributor. It’s a small company owned by one lady, and I got to actually speak to her, which makes the process more personal. Knowing the people behind the ingredients is important to me, and I think it resonates with my customers, too.
You’ve mentioned that your mission is to help people make better lifestyle choices. How do you balance that with the challenges of running a business? When I started, I didn’t have much money to invest, so I had to be very mindful of my options. Even as I grow, I don’t want to mass-produce and lose that personal touch. I want my products to remain limited, small-batch, and special. My mission is to educate people about the products they use and to offer them non-toxic, natural alternatives.
I live a non-toxic lifestyle myself, and I try to do as much as I can because we are surrounded by so many toxins. I’ve had customers tell me that they’ve tossed out 90% of their old skincare products after learning about the harmful ingredients in them. That makes me feel like I’m doing something right.
There’s so much emphasis on transparency and trust in your brand. How do you communicate that to new customers who may not be familiar with your products? I’m working on adding a blog section to my website to educate people more on ingredients and how they affect your life day to day. It’s not just about what you put on your skin; it’s also about the things you breathe in and touch. I’ve also collaborated with a few people who promote natural living, and I’m strategizing ways to start more video content because that’s how people connect these days.
People want to know who owns the brand, what their story is, and why they started it. When I shop from small brands, I want to know their story too—it makes the purchase more personal. I want to offer that same connection to my customers. They need to know that what they’re buying is made with care and intention.
You’ve been in business since 2019. What’s been one of the most exciting discoveries or developments in your journey so far? I try not to follow trends too much, but I do pay attention to what people are asking for. Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of requests for vitamin C serums and natural alternatives to retinol. Retinol can be very invasive, especially for people with sensitive skin. So, I’m currently in the process of researching plant-based alternatives that can offer similar benefits without the harshness.
I believe there’s always a natural alternative to the chemical products out there, and I’m committed to finding those alternatives. It might take a little longer to see results with natural products, but they’re better for your health in the long run. People who care about their health will understand and appreciate that.
What differentiates your products from other natural brands on the market? It’s about the process, the ingredients, and the personal touch. I still do a lot of the manual labor myself—pouring, labeling, and packaging—because I want to keep my prices fair without compromising on quality. I also source my ingredients from small, trustworthy suppliers who share my values.
I want my customers to know that when they buy from me, they’re not just buying a product; they’re supporting a whole ecosystem of small businesses and ethical practices. I’m not in this to get rich quickly. I’m here to offer something genuine and to help people make better choices for their health and well-being.
You’ve touched on the importance of community and supporting other small businesses. How has that influenced your approach to your brand? I love connecting with other small brands, especially when I do pop-ups and markets. There’s a real sense of community in those spaces. We support each other, and that’s so important because when we uplift each other, we all do better. It doesn’t cost anything to share a post or talk about a product you love, but it can mean everything to the person who made it.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about your journey or your brand? My journey started from my own health struggles—migraines, carpal tunnel, and a desire to avoid medications that could harm my liver. That led me to essential oils about 15 years ago, long before they were mainstream. I was so intrigued by the power of natural ingredients, and that fascination grew into a passion for creating products that heal and nurture.
I left the corporate world in 2019, and I’ve never looked back. Creating this brand has been about more than just making products—it’s about mind, body, and spirit. It’s about showing others that natural products work. They worked for me, and I believe they can work for others too.
Find our selection of seedbloom products on Here I Am.
This interview has been edited and condensed from my conversation with Eva Markarian on March 29, 2023.
