A Toast to Local Makers
Dana Jeffas, founder of Love Thy Nature Refillery, has a soft spot for small business collaborations. Add in a sustainable twist, a themed kickoff event, and a community of local makers, and you get something truly special. The new Espresso Martini Collection is exactly that, a sweet, sensory experience built on creativity, connection, and conscious living.
Inspired by the beloved espresso martinis at Braddock’s Tavern in downtown Medford, the collection brings together several small businesses to craft a curated lineup of products that capture the drink’s rich, indulgent spirit. At the heart of the collaboration is a thoughtful sustainability effort: repurposed espresso grounds from Braddock’s are transformed into a decadent, exfoliating body scrub.
A Scent Inspired by the Classic Cocktail
Each product in the collection is scented with an Espresso Martini fragrance that opens with a burst of vibrant coffee bloom and the sweet, nutty aroma of Italian almond. As it develops, heart notes of French-roasted coffee beans and creamy sweetness emerge, followed by a warm base of vanilla, toasted malt, and sandalwood—leaving a cozy, comforting finish.
Crafted by Local Makers
Pua Skincare created a trio of indulgent body care essentials. The soap bar, made with shea and cocoa butters, avocado oil, and castor oil, is topped with charming “espresso bean” details. The body scrub combines upcycled espresso grounds with sugar to buff away winter skin while shea and glycerin keep it hydrated. The body cream rounds out the set with a rich blend of jojoba and avocado oils, antibacterial manuka oil from New Zealand, and nutrient-rich kukui oil from Hawaii.
Love Thy Nature Refillery also introduced the scent into its refillable hand soap, bringing it into the shop’s core lineup. Customers can bring in any bottle to refill with the espresso-inspired formula—an affordable, low-waste option that’s gentle, biodegradable, and made with hydrating vegetable glycerin.
To complete the experience, Simply Nestled, a non-toxic candle company based in Medford, created a soy candle in the same signature scent. Owner Leslie is known for her clean-burning soy wax and lead- and zinc-free cotton wicks.
Designed with a Personal Touch
The collection’s visual identity was brought to life by one of Dana’s family members. Her talented cousin, Julie Clark, created the graphic designs for the product labels, along with a charming bamboo sticker featuring an illustrated espresso martini. The artwork tied the entire collection together, translating the cozy, indulgent theme into a playful and polished design that feels both elevated and personal.
The “Espresso Yourself” Launch Event
The collection debuted at the “Espresso Yourself” launch event on February 1. Guests sipped espresso martinis and mocktails crafted by Zays Speakeasy, a traveling mobile bartender, while enjoying espresso-inspired truffles from Jenni’s Goodies. It was an evening of sipping, shopping, and celebrating the small businesses that made the collection possible.
More Than a Collection
More than just a product launch, the Espresso Martini Collection is a reminder that when small businesses come together, something truly delightful can be brewed.
