The story behind Ruby Giroux's natural cleaning product range
When Ruby Giroux moved to Dubai a few years ago, she began training as an endurance runner and attended nutrition classes. That led her to thinking about other ways in which she could maintain a healthy lifestyle. And that’s when it struck her that she only used natural products to clean her house when she lived in Paris.
“Three years ago there were only a few brands that sold natural cleaning products in Dubai, so I thought of developing my own soap,” says Ruby.
She tried making soaps from recipes in books and on the internet, but wasn’t happy with the results. Finally, one of Ruby’s friends gave her an old family recipe for Castille soap that was also free from harmful chemicals. The soap was a hit and many of her friends started using it.
“That’s when I thought, ‘Why not create more plant-based products?’. I began working on the label and then set up the website.”
The Botanist brand now has seven products – a multipurpose cleanser, bathroom cleanser, kitchen cleanser, wood wax, wood duster, floor cleanser and liquid dish wash. There’s also the ultimate starting kit which includes six of the seven items in the range.
“Some of our organic essential oils are from India, while the coconut oil comes from a fair trade, organic farm in Sri Lanka. The olive oil comes from Tunisia. I use organic beeswax to make the wood wax. I try to be as green as possible and everything is cruelty-free,” explains Ruby.
All The Botanist’s products will be available at Spinneys and we guarantee your house will smell like a luxury spa after you’ve used them.
“My business is still very young and I couldn’t afford to expand it. Spinneys gave me that opportunity. It’s been incredible," says Ruby.
@thebotanistdubai
