INTERVIEW BY MARCIA LISSAK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BARNUM
amanda birch seed to skin
M
anchester Life recently sat with Amada Birch to get to know her better
and find out more about her seed to skin secrets to her amazing
Signature facial treatments.
Marcia Lissak: Telling by your accent you
are from the UK. What brought you to the
United States?
Amanda Birch: I moved to New York from
London in 2012 (my husband’s job brought
him to NYC) where, for 20 years, I had been
a facialist at leading London salons, Michael
John in Mayfair and Gielly Green in
Marylebone. We moved to Westchester, New
York and I established my first spa business in
Chappaqua. The business was successful and
many of my clients became friends. I still treat
a number of my Westchester clients here in
Manchester as they have second homes, or are
frequent visitors to the area.
ML: What brought you to the town of
Landgrove?
AB: During our time in New York we came to
Vermont regularly to ski, hike, or just de-stress
and quite simply fell in love. We had a great
six years in Westchester but Vermont just
seemed like the right place for our family. We
are very fortunate to live in Landgrove, which
is one of the most beautiful, special places
on earth. I fall more and more in love with
everything about it every day. It’s tucked away,
bucolic, and peaceful; I have space to grow
my herbs and make my products. The kids
have space to run around and be kids—
it’s wonderful.
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ML: What is the philosophy behind your
treatments and products?
AB: Being a facialist for more than 20 years,
with experience at leading spas/salons and
a sophisticated, demanding clientele, my
approach and philosophy to skincare and its
connection to health and well-being in general
has evolved over this time. Over the years,
I have used many different skincare lines. I
found that even natural, organic ‘chemical-
free’ products often have a long shelf life
and might be packed with preservatives that
contain alcohol, which can be harsh on the
skin. So I started to blend my own oils for
my facial treatments, infusing the oils with
phytonutrient-rich flowers and herbs that
work with the skin to treat specific problems.
I started to see amazing results! Amanda
Birch Seed to Skin was born. I believe that the
products we apply to our skin should be as
pure as the food we put in our bodies. I offer
a total mind-body experience to my clients,
using all-natural, handmade, organic products.
ML: What types of plants or herbs do you
use and what are the most unique benefits
and effects?
AB: I love herbs and use a wide variety in
both my handmade skincare products and
oils as well as my teas (I also make my own
teas)—some I use seasonally and others year-
round. Two of my favorites are calendula and