TBS: Olverum’s history is fascinating – but you are very much a contemporary brand. How do you balance the two sides of your identity?

DH: We have always believed that wellbeing and beauty are inextricably linked. It was one of the tenets of the original founders of the brand when our iconic bath oil was created in 1931. They insisted on using the finest quality ingredients to make the most efficacious product possible while understanding that an outstanding user experience was paramount; it is no accident that the bath oil smells incredible and is delightful to use. This ethos – the attention to detail and an insistence on quality – is the blueprint for every product we create. While honouring that tradition, we then seek to improve on the status quo. We try as many products on the market as possible and are constantly asking “how can this be improved?” and ”which natural ingredients that have come to market recently have shown the advanced efficacy to help us achieve that aim?”. We then begin the process of determining the olfactory character of the product, using aromachology and aromatherapy to ensure the fragrance blend actively contributes to its purpose.

TBS: You have a ‘minimalist’ philosophy. Can you tell us more?

DH: Perhaps a better way to describe this philosophy, is to say that we only include what is necessary to achieve the desired benefits of the product in the most efficacious and efficient way possible. We constantly look for synergies that make a combination of ingredients greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, apart from those needed to preserve the shelf life of the product (e.g. high grade tocopherol – Vitamin E), every ingredient serves the purpose of the product.

TBS: What has been your greatest achievement as a brand so far? DH: Having been a one product brand for over eighty years, I am always delighted when I see customers saying they “love this brand” (as opposed to loving a particular product). It shows that our approach is validated and the hard work is paying off. Commercially, becoming number one in John Lewis & Partners for our category – and doing it whilst bootstrapped – is something we are incredibly proud of. 

TBS: What does an ideal day off look like for you?

DH: What’s a ‘day off’?! Seriously though, I do have days off but my laptop is never far away. It just goes with the territory. My ideal day would begin with breakfast with my family followed by a long walk somewhere beautiful with them and any kind of new and stimulating shared experience with them. If I could squeeze in a massage somewhere along the way (without my family, obviously) so much the better!

TBS: Tell us one thing we don’t know about you? DH: I was a professional actor for many years with appearances in the West End and on Broadway. My on-camera career was limited but I did work in a film while living in New York that was executive produced by Robert de Niro so meeting him was a highlight.

TBS: What is one of the most touching pieces of feedback you've received from a customer so far?

DH: I was most touched recently to receive a letter from Buckingham Palace in which the Lord Steward and Personal Secretary to the King and Queen relayed His Majesty’s grateful thanks and warmest best wishes to all who work at Olverum for creating this marvellous formulation [the Bath Oil] which he so greatly enjoys.The most unexpected feedback was from a lady who said that an Olverum bath with her partner was how they always like to begin their lovemaking… 

TBS: During tough times, what keeps you driven and focused on your vision?

DH: You mean, apart from sheer bloody mindedness?!Olverum is a passion for me. I believe 100% in the approach we take to formulation and the ethos which drove our original founders to create the Bath Oil: Make the best product you can; do not compromise on performance or experience; be kind to the planet. Our products are superb and once they have used them, most will agree. We just need to give as many people as possible that opportunity, and the rest will fall into place. 

TBS: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self at the start of this journey?

DH: Expect the unexpected. Everything will take twice as long as you think it will. Stay true to yourself and to the brand ethos. Remember to celebrate your successes and laugh at your mistakes and be quick to forgive those of others. Don’t take anything too personally.

TBS: Reflecting on the theme of thoughtful gifting, what's a memorable gift you've received that holds a special place in your heart, and why?

DH: It would have to be my father’s watch which my mum gave to me after his death. I don’t wear it very often but it’s a wonderful reminder of him and how he managed to remain playful while commanding authority. I plan to give it to my son on his 21st birthday.