A Cozy Conversation with Iveta from Conifera
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
This month’s Candle Club box, Evergreen, was inspired by stepping into a lush New Zealand forest in winter — crisp pine overhead, damp earth beneath your boots and woodsmoke drifting through the trees.🌲
Alongside your candle, you’ll find a small but mighty cozy gift — a handmade Resinæ spruce resin balm by New Zealand founder Iveta, the creator behind Conifera.
We asked Iveta a few questions about her story, the inspiration behind Conifera and the connection between nature and everyday skin care.
From Family Remedy to Forest-Inspired Skincare
Q: Tell us a little about Conifera and how it all began?
A: Conifera began from a very personal place. My daughter struggled with eczema and my mum brought over a jar of my grandma’s traditional spruce resin salve from Europe — a family remedy passed down through generations.
My daughter loved it and we saw how much it helped support her skin.
I never planned on starting a business — it simply began from a need to find a way to get more of this remedy for my daughter. That journey eventually grew into Conifera, a New Zealand skincare brand inspired by the healing traditions of the forest and purposeful, natural ingredients.
Q: What do you love most about working with ingredients inspired by the forest?
A: What I love most is the connection it creates — both to nature and to my childhood.
I grew up spending a lot of time in the forests in Europe, so working with an ingredient that comes directly from the forest brings back many memories and feels very grounding to me.
I’m fascinated by the healing power of trees and how nature can support our wellbeing in such a powerful way. I also deeply value the sustainability behind this ingredient and the connection it creates between people and the earth.
Q: How do you personally like to use the Resinæ balm during winter?
A: In winter I reach for Resinæ daily.
I use it on any dry or irritated areas, especially hands and cheeks when the cold weather really hits. I also like to apply a small amount as an overnight barrier balm so the skin can recover while I sleep.
It’s become one of those simple, everyday essentials in our home when the air is cold and drying.
Q: What’s one thing you hope people feel when they use your products?
A: More than anything, I hope people feel comfort.
That sense of relief when skin feels calm again, but also a deeper feeling of connection — to something simple, honest, and rooted in nature.
I want Conifera to feel like a small ritual of care in everyday life, especially for those dealing with dry or sensitive skin.
Closing
One of my favourite parts of Candle Club is getting to introduce you to thoughtful New Zealand makers whose products genuinely align with the feeling behind each collection.
Conifera felt like such a natural fit for our Evergreen collection.
Restorative and connected to the outdoors — the Resinæ balm is one of those products that becomes an all-round staple during the winter months.
Iveta has also kindly given our Candle Club community an exclusive 15% off discount code:
LITTLEBATCH15
If you’d like to explore more of Conifera’s products, you can find them here.
Thank you so much again to Iveta for sharing her story and her beautiful work with our candle community.
Join the Candle Club
Each month brings a new seasonal candle, a thoughtfully chosen cozy extra and an introduction to another New Zealand brand or business we love.
June boxes ship 15 June, with limited spots available.
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