Stepping into the Sabu-Sabu shop is a treat for the senses. Whiffs of lavender, patchouli, rose, peppermint, lemongrass and more fill the air. Tucked in a serene, rice-paddy filled section of Mae Rim, Sabu-Sabu’s mantra of natural life-style is echoed in every product on the countless shelves, ranging from skin-tightening facial cream (aptly-named Giovane), to a home-care line featuring Formula 3 which protects against dust mites and bed bugs, and even the cute K9 line to suit your pooch. With close to 1,000 items in the ever-growing range, Virginia Bird, the brand’s creator, has left no stone unturned. “Our aim is to provide the highest quality products of an international standard for the health and benefit of our customers while being environmentally conscious,” says Bird.
Educating consumers is key. “Most people don’t pay attention to the ingredients listed on mass-produced products and are not aware of their dangers,” asserts Bird. Parabens, for example, are found in almost every product in a typical bathroom, and have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity and more. Parabens are used to kill bacteria in water-based products and using them on our skin, layer upon layer, day after day, allows this toxicity to be absorbed directly into our bloodstream. “Once people understand and experience the difference, they always come back for more. Particularly with growing trends towards health consciousness.” Without any real marketing strategy and minimal advertising, Sabu-Sabu has to grown dramatically from a small operation in a converted garage, to a custom-built 2,500 square meter factory and retail shop. Despite this astounding growth, every product remains 100% hand-made.
174 Moo 1 Bor Pu Soi 2, Chotana Road, Tambol Donkaeo, Amphur Maerim, Chiang Mai 50180; +6653 299 773