Our Story
“A+a is a way for me to share the handmade gifts I craft for family and friends with a wider audience. Making things is a passion of mine, and I am always looking for new recipes and ideas.”
A+a really started when I was still a child - I’ve always been interested in making gifts from the heart for those I care about. After many years of friends and family encouraging me to offer my products for sale, I founded A+a as an official business in 2018. Since then, I’ve been selling handcrafted, natural products to a growing number of like-minded people - those that appreciate products that are not full of artificial chemicals and preservatives, and have the most important ingredient of all: LOVE.
Although A+a was founded in Philadelphia, USA, in 2020 me and my family (my husband, who is Dutch, and my two children, both born and raised in central Philadelphia!) moved to Kent in England, where I grew-up. Settled in to our new home in Ramsgate, A+a was relaunched in 2021, and we are proud to be continuing to handmake all our products and offering them for sale in person at craft fairs and online.
In an effort to reduce single-use plastics, A+a is now using food-safe aluminum tins in place of all plastic jars, and we offer local pick-up in Ramsgate and Faversham in the UK, as well as quarterly pick-up in Philadelphia, in the US.
Product Information/Tips
Fresh is Best!
Our products are all handmade in small batches, and although they can be stored, we don’t use any artificial preservatives or fillers or perfumes, so they are best used fresh.
A little goes a long way
Because we use all natural ingredients, our scrubs, butters and creams are not like the store-bought versions - you really only need to use a small amount at a time. Just a teaspoon or two of one of our Body butters can be warmed in your hands and massaged into skin. It may literally look like butter at first, but it is quickly absorbed and your skin will thank you!
Likewise, our scrubs are also very effective - just 1-2 tablespoons will be enough to treat your skin. Scrubs can settle over time, so it’s always best to gently shake/stir them before use - and do be aware that very occasionally, clumps of the sugar or salt base can form, so break these down with your fingers before massaging onto skin.
Ingredients and Safety
Everyone is unique, and so is everyone’s skin.
Although all our products have been expertly tested to be safe to use by an independent laboratory, and carry a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), if you haven’t used something before, test on a small area of your skin first and discontinue use immediately if any irritation occurs.
A full list of ingredients can be found on the products/website, together with any potential allergens.
If any product gets into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.
Keep out of reach of children.
For external use only.
A+a Products are not tested on animals (but have been extensively tested on ourselves, friends and family!)
Pick-Up/Shipping Information
For Philadelphia Customers, we can offer free quarterly local pick-up from our friends at Nook Bakery and Coffee Bar:
A+a at Nook Bakery & Coffee Bar
15 South 20th Street
Philadlephia, PA 19103
Order by 17th March for April pick-up. Confirmation email will be sent when items are ready.
Order by 30th June for July pick-up.
Order by 20th November for December pick-up.
For UK Customers, we offer free local pick-up and delivery in both Faversham and Ramsgate, Kent. Pick-up will be contactless, and in a well ventilated area in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines.
Shipping is always available to all our clients, and current rates based on weight apply - please select at check-out.