Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Chastain
Hi Christina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After twelve years building businesses for other people, I decided to build my own. The corporate world was no longer aligning to my values. The arbitrary 9-5 work schedule, pushing product over the wellbeing of employees, and only focusing on the bottom line while divesting from our own community started to seem inane.
I wanted to create something that would have a lasting impact on the community, as well as challenge me in ways that would facilitate growth and fortitude, so I turned my passion of plant medicine into Bonhemy, and it has taken on a life of its own.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I had very little in savings to start Bonhemy and have had to work days, nights, and weekends to keep Bonhemy not just growing, but afloat. I have learned that building the plane while flying is the only way to get off the ground and that perfectionism will stagnate you. I have had to reformulate, reassess, and rethink many parts of the business, and have had to stay fluid and flexible while doing so, never letting failure dishearten me, but transforming every failure into a learning lesson.
As you know, we’re big fans of Bonhemy, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Bonhemy is not just a skin care brand; it’s a movement. We believe that true self-care extends beyond the individual—it’s about nurturing ourselves while uplifting those around us. That’s why every balm, oil, and infusion we create is handcrafted with intention, using ethically sourced, all-natural ingredients that honor both your skin and the land they come from.
But our mission goes deeper than skin. At Bonhemy, we are committed to mutual aid and accessibility, ensuring that holistic care is available to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
We recognize that wellness shouldn’t be a luxury. That’s why we’ve built a community fund and sliding-scale pricing system, allowing customers to pay what they can, while those who are able can contribute toward others receiving care. Every purchase helps sustain this cycle of generosity, ensuring that those experiencing economic hardship, chronic illness, or life transitions still have access to nourishing care.
Each Bonhemy product is slow-infused, handcrafted, and made in small batches with deep respect for the plants we work with. We partner with ethical suppliers and local farmers, ensuring that every ingredient is sustainably sourced. Whether it’s a balm infused with wild foraged herbs or a tallow blend designed to heal and protect, our creations are meant to be more than just skincare—they are rituals of care.
Bonhemy products are created using ancient, natural ingredients and techniques in order to address modern ailments, such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, pain from swollen joints due to arthritis, chronic pain, and hormone imbalances. Our products are specifically designed for those with sensitive skin and also address acne-prone and aging skin, wound and scar healing, sunburns, and bug bites. Bonhemy products are made from 100% grass-fed tallow from a small, family farm in Pacific, MO, rendered and purified by hand, and cold-infused with botanics we grow, forage, or ethically source.
Bonhemy is a space where self-care meets collective care. Through workshops, herbal education, and mutual aid initiatives, we aim to cultivate a community that supports each other in body, mind, and spirit. When you support Bonhemy, you’re not just nourishing your skin—you’re participating in a movement of care, reciprocity, and connection.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how community-centered our city is. I love that our community supports one another, whether you’re a patron at a farmers market supporting local farmers and makers, or volunteering your time and energy to a cause you believe in. I love that art and culture are accessible. I love that I can drive 20 miles and be in the middle nature, or 20 miles in the other direction and be in the heart of the city. Most of all, I love the land and the fighting, but nurturing spirit is has.
Pricing:
- Tallow Balms – $22 or pay what you can
- Cold-Infusions – $17 or pay what you can
- Cleansing Grains – $22
- Tallow Lip Balms – $7
- Wholesale pricing available
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bonhemybalms.com
- Instagram: bonhemybalms
- Facebook: bonhemybalms
- LinkedIn: bonhemybalms
- Youtube: bonhemybalms
