(Scott Blaylock is driven by his “aim for perfection, and desire to make the best products possible” | Photos courtesy of Purely Maxwell)
A self-described “mad scientist,” Scott Blaylock said that his predilection for experimentation dates back to age four — when he was given a child’s chemistry set. “Just as I was transfixed when two clear liquids turned blue after being poured together, I’ve made it my mission to combine different plant-based substances to create products that actively help people. Simple, clean and formulated with intention, everything sold by Purely Maxwell (the company Blaylock founded in 2020), comes from an identified need. My goal is to touch the entire ecosystem of wellness concerns.”
Blaylock’s impetus to “start down this path” was a personal one. As he explained, “After working in a super high-paced but incredibly rewarding field for 25+ years, I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder, and soon realized that being treated with pharmaceuticals wasn’t right for me.”
Long fascinated by “the power and beauty of plants” (he prefers reading books about flowers, herbs, and vegetables rather than novels), Blaylock began researching alternatives for his own condition — aided by his “inquisitive nature and a lifetime love of learning.” This led to developing an entire brand inspired by “the path that the universe laid in front of me that would positively impact other health-conscious consumers.”
One example is a non-gender-specific face serum created to ameliorate the acne Blalock had suffered from for 35 years. “Friends soon wondered what I’d been doing for my skin to make it noticeably lighter and brighter,” he said.
Another popular product is Purely Maxwell’s wound salve, designed to relieve minor nicks, cuts, scrapes, or abrasions, which is formulated around an infusion of four key herbs — as well as specific essential oils — that help promote skin cell regeneration and minor wound healing,
And does it work? “An amazing salve,” praised one user. “I have used this numerous times, and it is a great addition to our medicine cabinet. I ordered six to give to friends!”
“Feedback like this from customers, which I receive regularly, is what drives me and further reinforces the commitment to my mission,” Blaylock said. Additional conditions addressed by Purely Maxwell’s all-natural product line include eczema, cold sores, arthritis, itching caused by outdoor elements, chapped lips, and dry skin.
Underscoring his “aim for perfection, and desire to make the best products possible” is the decision not to use palm oil in Purely Maxwell’s array of face and body soap bars, “as its harvesting is a major driver of deforestation and loss of biodiversity in places such as Brazil,” Blaylock explained. The company creates, produces, and packages all its products in Bend, and supports local Oregon suppliers in its sourcing process.
Seeing broader horizons than local outlets such as Newport Market, Local Acres, Locavore, and Market of Choice (which also stocks products in several Portland-area locations), Blaylock’s distribution goals extend to the entire Pacific Northwest, as he “works to drive the brand forward.” However, he said, “I don’t need to be nationwide. I’m focused on the right stores — such as wellness centers and specialty boutiques — for the right reasons.”
Blaylock admits that “of course I have competition, as the wellness category is increasingly saturated and products sit side-by-side on the shelves. But I’ve been told that — despite using premium stock — our price point is really accessible. And once you’ve tried our amazingly functional and effective products, and understand the intention guiding their development, they stand on their own.”
