Benedictine Monk enters cosmetic business

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Published on May 9, 2021 8:51:20 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODRAZ634jNQ

Duration: 2:58

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There is some “Monk-ey” business going on at St Augustine’s Abbey in Ramsgate, Kent where the brother Anselm Carpenter has turned his hands to making women’s cosmetics.
 
Brother Anselm Carpenter joined the 1,500-year-old order three years ago. When he entered the monastery he started making candles from paraffin wax but it wasn’t until Brother Dunstan developed his beekeeping and extracted his first batch of honey, leaving behind the honeycomb, that he realised he could make use of the beeswax. Initially, he made some beeswax furniture polish but was soon inspired to try his hand at something much more challenging; making cosmetics such as hand cream and lip balm.
 
Once Brother Anselm had cracked a base formula he began to experiment on fellow monks with new ideas. He invested in some essential oils and from that the flavours were born – lemon, orange, peppermint, aniseed, and aniseed and lemon.
 
The Abbot was also enthusiastic about the project but felt that if the products were to be sold to the public it should be done professionally to ensure this activity did not damage the reputation or credibility of the Abbey. To that end, the packaging and labelling was carefully chosen and could stand alongside any retail product. However, unlike the large cosmetic brands, there is no celebrity endorsement and no gimmicky scientific claims or slogans with the “Sanctuary” range. The products are made of simple quality organic materials and because they are handmade at the Abbey, they are full of TLC (Tender Loving Care).