Editor’s Note
This article highlights a key distinction in personal care products. As consumers become more ingredient-conscious, understanding the difference between synthetic fragrance oils and plant-derived essential oils is crucial for making informed choices about health and wellness.
The Science Behind the Scents
Learning the difference between fragrance and essential oils in beauty products is a big deal, according to Body Bliss owner Pamela Sculthorp.
“Fragrance oils are chemically manufactured while essential oils are crafted from sources like flowers, leaves and roots of plants,” she said. “Fragrance oils can be a hormone disruptor, while essential oils can naturally enhance health and well-being.”
With an impressive background in the medical device and pharmaceutical fields, Sculthorp started her career with Quest Medical in Dallas, moving on to Abbott Labs and J&J Ethicon Endo-Surgery, then Bausch & Lomb in Rochester, New York. Her career ended in Southern California where she worked for Amgen for 10 years, two of which were in the Netherlands.
From Corporate to Cottonwood
After sojourning on to Flagstaff, Sculthorp has lived there for more than 18 years.
“I had a short retirement and then decided to switch professional directions and look for a business to buy. It was soon after that, a business broker mentor called me and told me he had found the right business for me, Body Bliss, a manufacturing business in Cottonwood.”
Four months later, Sculthorp purchased Body Bliss and has been running it for almost nine years. Body Bliss sells to high-end destination spas, resorts and day spas around the nation, Mexico, the Caribbean, and is easing into Canada. Along with the production plant in Cottonwood, Sculthorp has a store in Uptown Sedona where she sells jewelry, art and her spa products and essential oils, Body Bliss Factory Direct.
“We consider ourselves a niche boutique player, as some customers are high-end properties,” she said.
The Body Bliss product line is extensive, covering customers from head to toe.
“The bulk of our product line is body care and half of my business is private label, which is producing custom blends for spas and resorts whereby they will sell exclusively under their resort’s brand name,” said Sculthorp.
Teamwork and Industry Recognition
“It has been quite a ride in the manufacturing business. When the store in Sedona became available in the middle of COVID, I asked Jennifer Rivera (who had been managing the finances, HR and operations of the Cottonwood business) to become my business partner at Body Bliss and buy the store in Sedona. I would not be able to do it without Jennifer.”
Another strong advocate and advisor is Nancy Griffin, a 30+ year spa industry insider who handles public relations for Body Bliss.
“I have been fortunate to work with Body Bliss for more than nine years,” said Griffin. “When Pam took over the company, she brought the company to a new level of success, while maintaining the company’s roots in Intentional Aromatherapy. A few years later, Pam was able to gracefully navigate through the challenges of COVID while supporting spa partners and staying loyal to team members. Body Bliss has always been known in the spa industry as the top company for aromatherapy solutions, sourcing the purest of essential oils from around the globe. On a personal level, Body Bliss is my go-to at home. The products keep me healthy and happy.”
Another happy user of Body Bliss products is Cindy Harper of Texas.
“They are by far the most natural products I’ve used. They have provided relief to my aging skin. The essential oils and CBD products have helped in relieving pain and easing tension. Body Bliss stands by their products, and I have recommended them to many friends who believe in them as well.”
As the winner of the American Spa Professional Choice for Favorite Private Label since 2020, Body Bliss is known for bringing their spa partners’ visions to life.
Regulatory Compliance and New Ventures
“Our facility and products are now registered and fully listed with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA),” said Sculthorp. “We are in the process of updating packaging and labels to meet new FDA cosmetic regulations, MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022). These updates ensure we avoid drug claims and comply with cosmetic classification. These changes will apply to all Body Bliss and Private Label Products.”
Sculthorp and her business partner, Rivera have also pivoted in offerings at the store in Sedona.
“We brought in red light therapy equipment this spring, hoping to get locals and visitors to experience the many benefits of light therapy. These include the stimulation of collagen production which helps improve skin elasticity, wound healing, pain relief and muscle recovery.”
Outside of managing Body Bliss, Sculthorp takes hikes daily with her black Labrador retriever, Sammy, and enjoys pickleball and a good glass of wine – in that order.
