We were smitten with Formulary 55 at first glance. A line of bath and body products where each product is interesting and elevated above the typical. Everything smells amazing, of course, and the striking botanical-inspired design and packaging is the icing on the cake. We can't get enough! Check out our boxes that include Formulary 55 products here.
Cordelia, the founder and owner, gives us a peek into her world by answering a few of our favorite questions below.
How did you get started? What were your first steps and how did it evolve from there?
I’ve been making bath and body products as my full time job for over 20 years! I started when I was 20 out of my kitchen selling at Farmer’s Markets. I even grew some of the ingredients! I was very thoughtful and slow with the business in the beginning because I had very little money to put towards the business. I look back now and realize that was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to really listen to customers and learn what they wanted. To this day I only add new items after long periods of research. We are launching a Men’s Collection in a few weeks and it took me over 2 years to complete the recipes.
Tell us about the space where you make your product? How big is it, what does it look like?
We have two buildings here in Pueblo that we work out of. One is a 115 year old building that we both live and work out of. The main floor is my office, our showroom, and a test kitchen….my playground. The second floor our home. Our other location is part of the Pueblo Arts Alliance. This is where we do the bulk of our manufacturing.
Stocked shelves at the Formulary 55 showroom.
What's one of your favorite things that's been said about your product?
We have a lot of customers who will only use our soap. I love it when they own the scent, “I have to have MY Fig Leaf!” or “I need to buy more of MY Sea Salt & Lavender!”
Formulary 55 Candles, from above.
Are there any other great artisans you're into right now?
Kate at Plantfolk. Instagram link
I am obsessed with her products. We visited Taos last year and I picked up a few of her items at a local clothing store. She does a lot of wild-crafting and gathering of materials in her New Mexico environment. Every time I use one of her mists I’m transported back to New Mexico.
image from Plantfolk's instagram feed.
What did you eat for breakfast today?
I eat the same thing for breakfast every day! Eggs, sautéed greens, Neiman Sausage, and tons of coffee with Almond Milk (I’ve discovered the Paleo diet in the past year – it makes me feel fantastic!)
You live and work in the Pueblo, CO area: Do you have any favorite place to enjoy the beauty of your area?
Since we just moved to Pueblo we are still exploring the area. We travel a lot and I love exploring the state. Next week we are going to Salida to stay at the new Amigo Motel. I’d have to say my most favorite spot in Pueblo at the moment is our new loft apartment! It is so full of light and exposed brick and the biggest bathtub I’ve ever owned.
Editor's Note: Amigo Motor Lodge has a great instagram feed, too, which is worth a look!
The new bar at Stay Amigo.
Thank you Cordelia for taking the time to chat with us! And thank you Colorado Crafted readers for stopping by to check out this behind the scenes peek.
All images courtesy of the Formulary 55 instagram feed. Which is so beautiful. You should really check it out!
