Meet Angelika Davenport, founder of TINCTURE, 100% natural, sustainable and non-toxic cleaning and lifestyle brand. Angelika is THE THREAD JOURNAL’s latest Insider – an individual who embodies a connection to their surroundings at home and in their work.
As a mother of four, Angelika was driven to create a range of cleaning products that were effective, entirely natural and safe to use around the whole family.
I came across TINCTURE a couple of years ago. Having a thyroid issue, one of the main lifestyle recommendations I had read about was to get rid of chemicals in my home and daily life. Until then, I’d only ever come across mainstream cleaning products that were full of synthetic ingredients that are frankly dangerous to our health. I was amazed to find TINCTURE’s beautifully designed products, inspired by the ancient wisdom of botanicals that genuinely use the power of nature, including uplifting essential oils to clean. See the inspiring ingredients list here.
I recently met Angelika at a workshop and took the opportunity to talk to find about more about her passion for chemical-free cleaning and her relationship to space at home and at work…
Describe who you are and what you do.
I am Angelika, mother of four kids, one dog, one hamster and fish! I run a business called TINCTURE London which produces 100% natural home cleaning and lifestyle products. At heart, I am a passionate toxin-free campaigner and try to mediate every day to keep my balance.
What led you on your path?
It was really the allergies of my children which led me on this path; my eldest son was suffering from severe asthma and hayfever and my eldest daughter had dermatological problems.
Before staring TINCTURE I searched everywhere for products that did not exacerbate their conditions, I checked the ingredients of all our commonly used household products including shampoos, toothpastes as well as the cleaning and laundry products we were using. What I found was shocking and I thought there must be a better way.
Why is natural, non-toxic, sustainable cleaning important?
There has been a huge hype during the last 18 months around ‘cleaning’ with influencers like Mrs Hinch attracting millions of followers. But, to my horror most cleaning products being used and discussed are chemically driven; these not only have huge adverse effects on our environment (poisoning water and aquatic life), but furthermore have direct, toxic effects to our indoor air quality which is up to five times more polluted than the air directly outside!
Outdoor pollution is a topic which most can relate to, the ‘invisible’ indoor pollution on the other hand is a topic most people still do not quite understand and how it affects our health and wellbeing. There are many studies which show how detrimental the use of chemical based household products are to our respiratory and endocrine systems. Exposure to these products has been compared with smoking 20 cigarettes a day! A 30-year study found that using bleach based products increased the risk of chronic pulmonary respiratory (COPD) by nearly a third. COPD is a common, preventable respiratory disease, but the World Health Organisation predicts it will be the third leading cause of death by 2030.
What are your tips for introducing natural household products?
The market is flooded with so-called eco products and which state that they are kind to you and the environment, but many are not as they still include ingredients that are damaging not only to our environment, but also our health.
Just one example is phenoxyethanol which is an antibacterial preservative found in many cosmetic products, including toothpaste and baby wipes. A study found exposure was linked to eczema, hives, skin inflammation and even anaphylaxis. The ingredient is approved for inclusion of up to 1%, but the problem occurs when using multiple products daily due the accumulation.
Where should we start?
Make sure you check the ingredients labels of the products you are buying, even the small print and if in doubt do a quick search or take a look at our ECO and TRUTHS on our Instagram. I would personally avoid if they contain benzisothiazolinone, cloromethylisothiazolinone (CMIT), perfume, methylisothiazoline (MIT).
Where is home for you?
Anywhere where I can create a little sanctuary for my family and myself and which I can clean! I was brought up in many places around the world, and became used to a nomadic life which meant settling, creating a nest and moving on. I am now based in London with my family, but my heart lies in Cornwall by the sea and a tiny village in the Austrian Alps.
How would you describe your home?
A light, vibrant, clean sanctuary where we feel safe and inspired to think out of the box!
What does homecoming mean to you?
Arriving to a safe place, away from the chaos and pollutants of modern life, surrounded by my family.
What is the first thing you do when you return home?
If it is coming home from a trip or a couple of days away, the first thing I do is open all the windows to allow the air to circulate.
I love having fresh flowers and plants in the house so the next thing I do is to pop out and buy a beautiful bunch of flowers which I place in a vase in the entrance hall so that everyone coming and going can see them – I have asked my local corner shop to not use plastic wrap.
How do you unwind in your home?
I love to clean and to organise whilst listening to music, the mechanics of simple tasks really help to switch off the mind.
Do you have a sacred space or favourite place in your studio?
Yes, my tiny conservatory which I use as my office. This space is flooded with natural light, is full of plants and books and items I have collected.
What makes a space sacred?
When you fill it with love or when a space sparks a feeling of happiness and wellbeing in you. Nature, art, treasured items, memories, light, plants and peaceful rituals (away from technology), such as reading.
Anything which provokes joy makes a space special, and at times sacred.
How does your connection to space play a part in your work?
It is incredibly important. I believe your surroundings have a huge impact on your wellbeing and thought process.
What rituals do you carry out in your home?
I love to deep clean and declutter my home every couple of months as living in London the build-up of dust, dirt and pollen around the windows, table tops, lamps, picture frames and all those ‘little corners’ is huge. Not to mention the build-up of unnecessary items which the kids bring home or grow out of…all of which gets recycled or taken to the charity shops.
I love to water all my plants in the house and look after the herbs we grow around the house as well as placing seasonal flowers around the house wherever I can. I love to open the windows and let fresh air in.
What are your home aspirations?
To create a calm, happy environment where daily chaos can live next to order! With four kids and pets there is always a lot going on, but the key is to establish routines which allows the home to remain a steady, calming influence on family life.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
In a tiny Alpine village called Altaussee.
Find out more about TINCTURE’s offerings,
Visit the TINCTURE website to view the story behind the brand and the shop
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