Our Story
The Driftwood Naturals Story — And Beyond
At the beginning, Driftwood Naturals was a passion project; a small artisanal production, born in a modest workshop where every soap, candle, and bottle of essential oil was handcrafted with dedication and care. Our goal was simple: To create a healthier, more conscientious, and more respectful alternative — for ourselves, for others, and for the planet.
But the project grew quickly! Supported by our community, our commitment, our attention to detail, and our expertise, we realized this wasn’t just about making great natural products — it was about building something bigger.
That’s how Driftwood Naturals became more than a brand: it became a platform for new ideas, collaborations, and ways of producing and sharing. To support this growth, we moved into a larger space on Gaudette Street; a true creation hub where multiple projects now take shape at once.
Our expertise in formulation, production, and aromatherapy now extends well beyond our inhouse brand. We support partners in developing their own product lines, with the same rigor and passion, through manufacturing, filling, product development, compliance, and more. Always with an artisanal spirit, but at a professional standard.
A Skilled and Dedicated Team of Real People
Behind this growth are real individuals: Two founders with complementary backgrounds, and, above all, a close-knit team that reflects the diversity of our mission.
Surrounding them is a diverse and passionate team with backgrounds in hospitality, customer service, marketing, and more. This blend of experiences provides fertile ground for innovation and respect for life — human and botanical.
Our specialized partners also play a key role in our operational strength: Experts in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, Health Canada and FDA standards, sanitation, and bottling help us maintain high levels of compliance without ever compromising our ethics.
Melissa Ykema
Melissa leads strategy and client relations, bringing years of experience in project management and marketing. She previously worked at New Roots Herbal — a renowned company in supplements and homeopathic products — where she deepened her knowledge of the natural health sector and consumer expectations.
Bruno Michel Diab
Bruno comes from the manufacturing world, specializing in procurement and multisite supply chain management in the hygiene and cosmetics sector. He brings a clear vision of flows, production processes, and large-scale efficiency and quality requirements.
Our Journey in Key Milestones
- First small-scale artisanal experiments in a kitchen turned natural lab.
- Official launch of the Driftwood Naturals brand.
- Participation in our first craft markets; consolidating product lines.
- First distribution partnerships; expansion beyond Quebec.
- Launch of subcontracting services (filling, manufacturing, consulting).
- Move to Gaudette Street warehouse; transition to multi-activity structure.
- Expanded team; growth of filling & co-manufacturing services; ongoing environmental certification project.
First small-scale artisanal experiments in a kitchen turned natural lab.
Official launch of the Driftwood Naturals brand.
Participation in our first craft markets; consolidating product lines.
First distribution partnerships; expansion beyond Quebec.
Launch of subcontracting services (filling, manufacturing, consulting).
Move to Gaudette Street warehouse; transition to multi-activity structure.
Expanded team; growth of filling & co-manufacturing services; ongoing environmental certification project.
Our Environmental Commitment
At Driftwood Naturals, ecology isn’t a footnote — it’s our launching point.
From day one, our mission has been to provide a more sustainable, responsible, and conscientious alternative in personal care. This commitment is reflected at every level of our operations.
We select safe ingredients that are as gentle on your body as they are on the environment. Our production and filling processes are designed to minimize raw material waste.
Unlike conventional industrial systems, we’ve developed a closed-loop filling method that significantly reduces residues and effluents. Equipment is cleaned using Ecocert-certifiable agents that are environmentally safe and compliant with strict sanitary standards. Waste — including cardboard, containers, and flexible plastics — is sorted at source and 100% recyclable.
Our logistics footprint is intentionally reduced: suppliers and clients are all located within 120 km of our facility, ensuring support for the local economy and a minimal GHG impact and support for the local economy.
We believe it is possible to grow without compromising the balance of life. Every day, we prove that craftsmanship and ecology can go hand-in-hand, culminating in rigor and great performance.