The Story Behind Shielded

Some products begin with an idea. Shielded began with our grandson, Austin.

Almost immediately after he came home from the hospital, we realized two things: his formula was causing very acidic stools, and his extremely sensitive skin reacted quickly, leaving his little bottom raw.

It was hard to see Austin in so much pain, and just as hard to see the hurt and desperation on Olivia’s face as she went above and beyond to care for him and find something that would give him relief. Every diaper cream, bed-sore ointment, and even a specially compounded prescription failed to provide the relief we were hoping for.

So I went to work formulating.

I wanted to create something gentle enough for Austin’s sensitive skin, but protective enough to actually matter.

Something natural.

Something simple.

Something soothing.

Something that could form a dependable barrier between his skin and the moisture and irritation that were causing him so much discomfort.

That is why I created Shielded Protective Barrier Balm.

I built Shielded around grass-fed tallow, nourishing botanical oils and butters, and non-nano zinc oxide to provide that protective barrier. I intentionally left out essential oils and fragrance. With a product meant for such tender, already-irritated skin, I wanted every ingredient to have a purpose.

But Shielded became more than a formula to me.

It became personal.

I worked on the texture, the spreadability, and the amount of protection because I wasn’t creating it for an imaginary customer. I was creating it for Austin.

I wanted something Olivia and Briant could reach for during those difficult diaper changes and know that his Mina had made it with his sensitive skin in mind.

And that is really at the heart of so much of what I create.

Sometimes love looks like rocking a baby.

Sometimes it looks like changing one more diaper, washing one more little bottom, and trying everything you can think of to make them more comfortable.

And sometimes love looks like standing at the kitchen counter, carefully weighing ingredients and trying again until you create something you would trust on one of the people you love most.

Shielded was created for one very loved little boy.

Now I get to make it for other little ones, too. And every time I fill a jar, I hope it becomes one small way another mama, daddy, grandparent, or caregiver can gently shield the precious skin entrusted to their care. 🤍

SHIELDED

Protective Barrier Balm

Baby Blessing Collection

Nourished by Nature, Rooted in Faith. 🌿