On the Inlet: My Favorite Blend

by Tamara Neale

Some creations are more than just products—they’re pieces of your story. For me, On the Inlet is exactly that. This blend of rosemary, cedarwood, lavender, and mint holds a special place in my heart because it’s rooted in a chapter of my life that shaped The Hobbyist into what it is today.

When The Hobbyist began, I worked out of my family’s kitchen, carefully crafting each soap, candle, and oil blend late into the night. As the demand for my offerings grew, it became clear I needed a dedicated space. That’s when the Tofino Botanical Gardens stepped into my life.

During the day, I worked full-time as the Gardens' administrator, but evenings and weekends were a different story. The owner, an incredibly generous and supportive man, gifted me space to store my raw materials and create in the kitchen there. It wasn’t just any kitchen; it overlooked two beautiful acres filled with botanicals like cedar, nootka rose, spruce tips, mint, rosemary, and calendula.

Having access to such an inspiring environment changed everything for me. I hosted my first workshops there, sharing my craft with others and bringing people into the creative process for the first time. Working surrounded by the sights, scents, and sounds of the Gardens felt like a gift. Each evening, I’d gather a little of what the land offered—carefully, respectfully—and incorporate these treasures into my blends. The result was On the Inlet, a coastal-inspired blend that, to this day, embodies everything I love about the Pacific Northwest.

The Gardens themselves have since closed to the public, resting quietly now, but they remain a deeply meaningful part of my journey. I’m endlessly grateful for the role they played in helping me build The Hobbyist and craft offerings that reflect the beauty of nature.

Every time I use On the Inlet—whether it’s in our hand and body wash, wild botanical shampoo, Botanical Bath Bomb, or soap—it’s like hitting reset. It’s refreshing, grounding, and just the right amount of invigorating. My hope is that it becomes a part of your day where you can pause, breathe deeply, and feel that same connection to nature.

To celebrate this special blend, I’ve put together an On the Inlet Bundle that captures its essence. It includes:

  • A Botanical Bath Bomb
  • A bar of Botanical Soap
  • Plant-Powered Hand & Body Wash
  • A Reed Diffuser
  • A Pure Essential Oil

Crafted in small batches, this bundle is available for 20% off while quantities last. It's the perfect way to bring the beauty of the coast into your daily rituals or gift someone a meaningful piece of the Pacific Northwest.

Thank you for supporting my journey and letting me share a little bit of the coast with you.

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