Behind the Scent: A Quick Chat with Kristie from Livskraft
To wrap up the launch, we cornered the brilliant Kristie (the mastermind nose behind the range) for a cheeky Q&A. She’s the reason every bottle, spray, and candle in the collection smells divine and is safe for even the most delicate whippet skin.
Mini Questionnaire – “5 Sniffs with Kristie”
Q1: Tell us a little bit about Livskraft and how you began making for Hound-Tees.
Livskraft is an amalgamation of my life’s experience, work and passion. With a background in aromatherapy, remedial massage and reflexology, I’ve always had an interest in natural medicines. When I was recovering from Grave’s disease I become more passionate about natural ingredients, and it astounded me the horrific amount of preservatives and sugar in gluten free products. Livskraft came from a desire to create products that really work, made from really great, pure ingredients. I met the beautiful Auntie Jen through Gumtree Greys, who I adopted my three greyt loves from. Jen messaged me one day and asked if I could create a candle smelling of greyhound farts…one thing led to another and the absolutely brilliant Snoot de Toot was created!
Q2 What’s the weirdest scent you’ve ever tested that didn’t make the cut?
Speaking of farts…it was one named Greyndeer Farts! It didn’t smell at all like butt, but I will never forget the name!
Q3: How do you balance creating products that smell incredible to humans but safe for hounds?
Between my studio and my house, there is a lot of scent going on. My dogs have always been exposed to a lot of essential oils and scent, and they love it. I step out of the bathroom in the morning and they lick my legs, they love Livskraft body oil. I use every Livskraft product myself, so they are used to the scents. But when it comes to the Houndtees range, I can’t risk it! I can monitor my own dogs, but obviously not all others. So I go by the book. I make sure only to use dog friendly essential oils for the Houndtee range. Even if it unravels all! I have my base dog friendly scents and from there I blend different combinations to get the best scents for what Houndtees are looking for. I also use low percentage of oils so that it’s not overwhelming to hounds!
Q4: Which product from the Hound-Tees range is your favourite for your own dog?
Oh that is so unfair, that’s like asking me who my favourite child is! Snoot de Toot definitely is up there, because it was the first product but also it is so great for humans and hounds! There is one in our guest bathroom so that no one has to feel uncomfortable! Dirty Dawg Laundry for sure, I have used it non stop since testing it. Not just for the dogs’ tees and bedding but also for our towel washes. Everything comes up smelling clean and fresh, and with Freya’s sensitive skin I know I’m not causing her extra problems. Fashound Fix definitely has to be included too. It is the most beautiful skin healer, and is something I’m extremely proud of creating!
Q5: If the Dirty Dawg laundry powder were a song, what would it be?
Haha what a great question! It has to be Splish Splash by Bobby Darin.
Final Sniff
Our homes might belong to the hounds, but that doesn’t mean they have to smell like them. The new Dirty Dawg Collection brings together everything you need to keep your space as fresh as your hound’s fashion game — and it’s all made right here in Australia by our friends at Livskraft.