I always look forward to letting you in on what I've been up to and bringing you all things puppies, pets and people that I meet along the way! This month, I'm taking you to Barkly Basics HQ in Melbourne and talking science, soap suds and dog shampoo, with a different kind of doctor...
I recently caught up with scientist and founder of Barkly Basics, Dr Natasha Malkov. She has built a stunning brand, or as she would call it, a "movement" towards better living; do you know what is in the products you have at home? Barkly Basics is about sustainability, style and simplicity. She's even developed a first of it's kind; vision friendly and braille-labelled household products, aiming to make everyday life a little easier for those with vision impairment and blindness. |
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FROM SCIENTIST TO PRODUCT DESIGNER |
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As I arrive at Barkly Basics HQ, Natasha appears from beneath the bold black and white signage up above that perfectly compliments the charcoal warehouse roller door. She welcomes me as I walk into the industrial lot, bags in tow, straight from the airport, "Hi Jess, welcome, come in!"
Previously a molecular biologist, Natasha is her brand; dressed in all black, I notice her her contrasting white pointed shoes. Elegant, simple and stylish. The monochromatic colour palette is precisely the point of Barkly Basics; a deliberate and intentional choice to reflect the brands simplicity in style, design and ingredients.
Have you ever wondered why your kitchen cleaning products are so brightly coloured? That simple musing set everything in motion; Natasha wanted to create products that blend into your kitchen. She felt more style could exist and so began a departure from those awful yellow sponges we all have in our kitchens! Re-designing the kitchen sponge would only be the beginning...
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BARKLY BASICS DOG SHAMPOO, MELBOURNE, VIC, 2025. |
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WHERE SCIENCE MEETS CREATIVITY |
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Natasha shows me around the warehouse where I am introduced to here husband as he finishes packing up the last box to go out for the mornings orders. It's a Friday, and the staff at Barkly Basics work a four day week - how civilised! Barkly Basics is a family business. Natasha is very hands on, she has designed all the products and formulated the ingredients for each liquid product herself - that Doctorate in molecular biology has come in handy. When Natasha shows me the Barkly Pets range, she tells me that her mother sews in a label to each dog towel and dish cloth product.
"I realised a career as a scientist didn't cater to my creativity and passion for design." Natasha understands and values conscious consumption and the power of choosing products that have a positive impact on the environment, our health and daily living. She believes that high-quality products can contribute to a greener more accessible future. With everything formulated, packaged and bottled on site, she knows exactly what is going into each and every item that goes out to her customers. |
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THE BARKLY PETS RANGE (LEFT/TOP) NATASHA TAKES ME THROUGH SOME OF THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE BARKLY BASICS RANGE (RIGHT/BOTTOM), MELBOURNE, VIC 2020. |
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Natasha has recently created a range of braille labelled products to assist and enhance the everyday lives of those with vision impairment and blindness. When I asked her why she released this range, she explains "my brother is vision impaired and I felt he and others with low vision, vision impairment and blindness should be able to access and enjoy what I am creating."
Of course we couldn't help but chat more about our common interest in the work of Guide Dogs and how accessibility to every day essentials should be more readily available to those with low vision, vision impairment and blindness. The Braille Range feature braille integration, large easy to read text and embossed lettering. Natasha hopes those who have a Guide Dog might enjoy washing their doggo's with the specially formulated Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Spritz more easily too. |
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DR NATASHA MALKOV, MELBOURNE, VIC, 2025. |
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I am very proud to offer the Barkly Pets range through The Puppy Shop. Shop the Barkly Pets range now while stocks last. When you shop at The Puppy Shop, you are making a contribution to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. |
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Don't miss a beat, you can catch up on previous instalments of The Journal online. Enjoy the reads...
To each and every one of you,
thank you for being here, even if just for a moment!
Until next month! |
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