Our Story

My story began in 2015, when I developed necrotising fasciitis, a serious flesh-eating bacterial infection, around my fingertips. The infection began affecting other fingers, and because of how quickly it could spread, I was faced with the frightening possibility of surgery and potentially losing two of my fingertips.

As a musician, the thought of losing part of my fingers was devastating. That experience changed how I viewed my health and inspired me to learn more about ingredients, personal care, and the natural world. While necrotising fasciitis is a medical emergency that requires professional treatment, this difficult chapter became the starting point of my personal journey into aromatherapy and skincare formulation.

I began with something simple: melt-and-pour soap. I would add essential oils to a ready-made soap base, experimenting with different scents and combinations. Soon, I wanted to understand more. That curiosity led me to cold-process soapmaking, where I learnt how to create soap from scratch.

From there, I fell deeper and deeper into the fascinating world of skincare.

I wanted to understand why ingredients behaved differently, how textures were created and what made a formulation safe, stable and effective. Whenever I travelled to another country, I searched for books about essential oils, cosmetic ingredients and skincare formulation. If you visited my home today, you would see shelves filled with the books I have collected throughout the years.

However, reading and experimenting were no longer enough. I wanted proper scientific knowledge and professional guidance.

In 2023, I decided to pursue a Diploma in Personal Care Formulation. Through my studies, I received clearer guidance from qualified skincare chemists and developed a deeper understanding of cosmetic ingredients, texture, rheology, scent, product stability and performance. I also learnt how to create, evaluate and test new formulations more systematically.

What began as a frightening experience eventually awakened a lasting curiosity in me. Aromatherapy introduced me to the beauty of scent, while skincare science taught me the importance of evidence, safety and precision.

Today, I am still learning, experimenting and growing. This blog is where I will share that continuing journey—the lessons I have learnt, the mistakes I have made and the knowledge that has shaped me into the aromatherapist and skincare formulator I am today.

In 2018, my sister—who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Industry (Animation)—joined me and brought her creative expertise to the brand’s visual identity and design.

Our brand was initially known as Little Craft Harbour. However, after receiving valuable feedback from customers and friends—many of whom felt that the name was too long—we decided it was time to evolve. We rebranded as RAW-éR, giving us a clearer identity and a stronger direction for sharing our products, knowledge and passion for aromatherapy.