Natural Skincare Workshop Series

Learn Traditional Skincare Arts

Ria Harman, founder and chief botanist at Old Mill Cosmetics, is launching an exciting new educational series designed to share centuries-old knowledge of traditional skincare preparation. These intimate monthly workshops offer participants the rare opportunity to learn directly from one of Britain's leading authorities on botanical skincare formulation.

"There's something profoundly satisfying about creating your own skincare products using methods that have been passed down through generations," explains Ria Harman. "These workshops aren't just about making cosmetics—they're about reconnecting with the natural world and understanding how plants can truly nourish and heal our skin."

Workshop Curriculum Overview

Each three-hour workshop, personally taught by Ria Harman, covers different aspects of traditional skincare preparation. The curriculum has been carefully designed to build skills progressively, allowing participants to develop expertise over the course of the year-long series.

Hands-On Learning Experience

Ria Harman's teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning and personal discovery. Each workshop begins with a seasonal plant walk through the mill's herb gardens, where participants learn to identify beneficial plants and understand their traditional uses in skincare.

"I believe the best way to understand plants is to work with them directly—touching, smelling, and observing their properties. When you make your own skincare products, you develop an intimate understanding of how different ingredients work together." - Ria Harman

Ria Harman's Teaching Philosophy

With over fifteen years of experience in botanical formulation, Ria Harman brings both traditional knowledge and modern scientific understanding to her teaching. Her approach emphasizes understanding the 'why' behind each technique, not just the 'how.'

"Traditional recipes often seem mysterious, but there's always scientific reasoning behind them," notes Ria Harman. "When participants understand the principles behind traditional methods, they can adapt recipes for their own needs and even create entirely new formulations with confidence."

Small Group Learning

Workshops are intentionally limited to eight participants to ensure personalized attention and meaningful interaction. Ria Harman believes this intimate setting allows for deeper learning and enables participants to receive individualized guidance on their skincare concerns and goals.

Participant Success Stories

Early participants in Ria Harman's workshops have reported remarkable success in creating their own skincare routines. "I never imagined I could make products better than what I was buying," shares participant Emma Thompson from Exeter. "Ria taught me to understand my skin's needs and create formulations specifically for me."

Several participants have gone on to start their own small businesses, with Ria Harmanproviding ongoing mentorship and support. "It's incredibly rewarding to see people discover their passion for botanical skincare and build confidence in their abilities," she reflects.

Advanced Workshop Opportunities

For participants who complete the full 12-month series, Ria Harman offers advanced workshops covering specialized topics such as therapeutic formulations for specific skin conditions, commercial production scaling, and business development for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Supporting Traditional Knowledge

Ria Harman views these workshops as part of her mission to preserve and share traditional knowledge that might otherwise be lost. "Many of these techniques have been used for centuries, but they're not being passed down as they once were. I feel a responsibility to share what I've learned and ensure these skills continue to thrive."