Ursa Major founders Oliver Sweatman (real name) and Emily Doyle started their no frills all natural grooming brand after leaving New York City for the pastoral hills of Burlington, Vermont. The move, and their eventual brand ethos, came out of a desire to live a more healthy, active, and natural life with less stress and much closer to the outdoors. In searching for new, natural alternatives to their go-to grooming products, the duo found the results disappointing—so they decided to make something better. Their line of shaving cream, moisturizer, face wash, extremely popular face wipes, and, now, deodorant, is all free of the harsh chemicals so frequently found in grooming products. But what makes Ursa Major stand out in an increasingly crowded field is its simplicity, efficacy, and clean packaging. (Oliver and Emily get regular feedback from customers with chronic acne or rosacea who's skin has been transformed.) Plus, the stuff just smells good. The unfussy approach the duo takes towards good skin care products also applies to every facet of their lives, from bicycles to beers on the back porch. Here are the ten things they can't live without:
The Trapps Cabin"This is a favorite local destination of ours, any time of year. In winter you can snow-shoe or cross-country ski up there with friends. In summer you can trail run, bike or walk up to contemplate your next big move in life. Recommended!"
Ursa Major Hoppin’ Fresh Deodorant"We’re launching this product today (!) and it’s a hugely exciting moment for us because it’s been such a beast to develop and so many of our customers are clamoring for a premium natural deodorant that really works. We hope our customers love it as much as we do—we’ll find out soon enough."
Rivendell Atlantis Bicycle"I bought this bike when I moved back to Vermont from NYC. It’s one of the last frames they made in Japan. I love all types of riding but this bike is a perfect match for cruising the back roads of Vermont on weekends which is one of my favorite things to do. The bike has a nice steel frame and it eats up the bumps like a Cadillac."
Hoka Running Shoes"Emily got me hooked on Hoka after a sales rep sent her a few free pairs to try. Coming off flatter, firmer shoes, initially I was skeptical, but then I tried a pair and never looked back. I had ankle surgery this summer so the extra cushion has enabled me to get back out on the trail sooner."
Exploring new trails"I’m always scouting around looking for new trails in our area. There’s something fascinating to me about seeing a new landscape for the very first time, and connecting the dots as you begin to get a feel for a new area. One of my favorite things to do is pore over a new map and imagine all the different spots to explore… my capacity to do this amazes (and sometimes annoys!) Emily."
Fresh flowers"A home for us is just not the same without fresh flowers or, in winter, some fresh cut sprigs of spruce, pine, berries or whatever. In summer we cut flowers from the garden or the meadows around our home, but in winter it gets a little trickier. That’s when we really miss those great flower shops we used to visit in NYC."
Beers on the back porch"We’re fortunate to have a spectacular view of the Green Mountains at home with wild forest all around. For us this is our place to zen out after a long day or a busy week; it’s a constant invitation to get outdoors and also a reminder of why we moved here in the first place. On weekends we’ll have a lazy breakfast out there, or invite friends over for burgers and beer."
Our favorite paintings"We can’t imagine home without our favorite paintings. This is a detail of one of my brother’s abstracts…. His art comes from deep down and it shows. He doesn’t paint what people want to see, he paints what he feels and he’s not afraid to take risks. He’s slowly building a following and that’s inspiring to see… the world needs art to keep us all honest."
Lola"A month ago we drove to Portland, ME to pick up Lola, our new puppy. She’s a total pistol, but she gets away with it because she’s so darn cute. We’re reading all the training books so she doesn’t turn into a monster, but it’s challenging because she’s such a spirited gal. She has a lot more energy than George and Ellie, our beloved English bulldogs who are now in doggie heaven."
Swarovski EL Swarovision 8x32 Binocular"I’m an optics nut and my jaw drops every time I look through these binoculars; they’re that good. I take them everywhere—hiking, birdwatching, scouting around, etc. They’re a reminder of the tried and true maxim “you get what you pay for”. Emily gave these to me as a gift—maybe the most thoughtful, generous gift I’ve ever received."
Related Stories for GQDeodorantSkincareGrooming