Temple Body
founder: Kianna Smith
course: Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation
Graduation year: 2022
location: United Kingdom
Hero product: The Sacred Calendula Nourish Balm
Brand overview
For Formula Botanica graduate Kianna Smith, the journey to creating Temple Body began with her longstanding interest in nutrition and caring for the body from the inside out.
“Temple Body was born from my belief in caring for the body from the inside out, honouring it with the same love and intention we give to what we consume. Just as I was mindful of the ingredients in my smoothies, I wanted to bring that same level of care to my skincare and beauty practices. My curiosity quickly grew into a deep appreciation for the beauty and power of plants, their nutritional value, and their ability to support healthy, radiant skin. During my pregnancy, when I experienced rapid skin changes including dryness, irritation, stretch marks and melasma, I began searching for products that felt truly nourishing. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I felt called to create it myself.”
Kianna first discovered Formula Botanica through its free educational resources, which helped spark her interest in formulation.
“Through Formula Botanica’s free resources, my interest in formulation began, and I later deepened my knowledge through formal study. Today, alongside working as an HR Manager and being a mother, I continue to build Temple Body in every spare moment. Inspired by my Caribbean heritage, the brand celebrates botanical ingredients and invites women to reconnect with themselves through simple, nourishing care.”
Kianna went on to study the Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation, graduating in 2022. Through her studies, she developed her understanding of formulation science and learned how to create consistent and stable formulations.
“Formula Botanica has played a significant role in helping me reach this level with my brand. My journey actually began quite organically around 2019–2020, when I unexpectedly found myself exploring the idea of creating and selling my own beauty products. I’ve always been passionate about smoothies, nutrition, and the concept of caring for the body from the inside out. Naturally, I wanted to extend that philosophy into my self-care rituals, body care, and skincare. Before joining Formula Botanica, I had already spent years learning about ingredients and oils independently. However, it wasn’t until I started making body butters for friends and familyand began receiving interest from people outside of my immediate circle that I realised I needed to deepen my knowledge and bring a higher level of professionalism and expertise to what I was creating.
Through the programme, I developed a strong understanding of the science behind formulation. I learned how to work with essential oil calculations, create consistent and stable formulas, develop emulsions, and navigate the more complex aspects of skincare formulation. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to not only create products, but to do so safely and responsibly. Beyond formulation, the guidance on branding, compliance, and regulations has been invaluable. It has helped me communicate my message in a way that feels aligned one that honours the power of botanicals without diminishing others.
I’ve also greatly benefited from the ongoing support, particularly the forum and the wider community. The Facebook group, in particular, has been such a beautiful space for learning, sharing, and connection. I continue to engage with this network as I grow my brand and expand its presence.”
