Rituals with Bethany McDaniel

Rituals have been sacred since the dawn of man; they ground us in predictability to create a feeling of calm in an otherwise hectic world.  Whether your rituals are optimized for mind, body, soul or all of the above, we’ve always found the rituals of people fascinating.  Each one unique, yet moving through the same human experiences in our own ways.   

Bethany McDaniels founded Primally Pure with a single product - natural tallow deodorant.  Ten years later the brand is grown to a skin and body care powerhouse.   We caught up with Bethany to learn more about the everyday rituals that keep her grounded as a founder, podcaster, and mother. 

What is your relationship with your hair and have you always loved it? 

I’ve always had thick hair, and while I used to wish it were less thick growing up, I’ve come to be really grateful for it. I nourish it by eating well and using clean, high-quality products like Reverie to keep it healthy and strong.

Explain your philosophy on “beauty”.

I once interviewed a guest on my podcast who said, “beauty is health and health is beauty,” and I couldn’t agree more. When we’re healthy—spiritually, mentally, and physically—that inner vibrancy naturally shines through. To me, beauty is really a reflection of who we are on the inside.

As a mom who is undoubtedly juggling no less than 20 things at once, how do you prioritize self-care? 

I have a lot of tools in my toolkit, and I use them depending on what each day looks like. Sometimes it’s an epsom salt bath with a candle and a good book, other times it’s sneaking in a sauna session during the workday or treating myself to a massage. At the core, though, self-care for me is about fueling my body well, staying disciplined with what’s good for me, and remembering that by caring for myself, I’m able to show up with more energy and resilience for my family and my business.

Does delegating come naturally for you or was this a skill you learned through building Primally Pure?  

Delegating was definitely a skill I had to learn out of necessity while building Primally Pure. In the beginning, I believed the lie that only I could do certain things—or that I could do them better than anyone else. Over time, I realized there are so many talented people who can handle different roles within my company (and even tasks at home) far better than I could. Now I’m eager to offload what I don’t need to personally manage, which frees me up to focus on the areas where I truly can’t be replaced.

Favorite thing to do with your kids. 

Going to the beach together. We all love the water, the sand, building sandcastles, and floating in the waves. It’s one of our happiest places to spend time as a family.

Biggest piece of advice for people looking to embark on a non-toxic journey.

Take it seriously, but give yourself permission to go at a pace that feels sustainable. It’s easy to get overwhelmed if you try to change everything at once, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important—removing toxins from your life truly matters. So choose a pace that works for you, stay consistent, and don’t stop. It’s hard work, but it’s some of the most important work you can do for yourself and your family.

What role did wellness play in your life before founding Primally Pure, and how has it evolved since?

I’ve always been interested in wellness, but in my younger years I approached it in all the wrong ways—experimenting with fad diets and quick fixes. Over time, I’ve settled into a much more grounded approach, focusing on real whole foods, non-toxic products, time outdoors, and connecting with God and nature. My philosophy now is more ancestral: keeping things simple, focusing on natural rhythms, and nourishing my body inside and out with the basics.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received.

“Consistency beats intensity.” I tend to dive into things headfirst, but over the years I’ve learned that being too intense can lead to burnout. Showing up consistently, even imperfectly, and making small, intentional deposits toward your goals—whether it’s health, wellness, or personal projects—adds up over time. Off days are okay, because the routine and discipline you build are what truly create lasting results.

Are there ingredients or botanicals you feel especially connected to on a personal level?

Tallow is one I feel deeply connected to. When I started Primally Pure ten years ago, I sourced tallow from my family’s farm, not realizing how impactful it would become. Today it’s a “viral” ingredient, but what I love is that it’s truly timeless—used by our ancestors for generations, incredibly compatible with the skin, and even means “sebum” in Latin.

What are some wellness practices you’re teaching your kids?

We focus on eating healthy as a family, and my kids understand that it’s about fueling our bodies with respect and energy. We spend time outside every morning to get sunlight and reset our body clocks, and in general we prioritize movement—whether it’s walking, biking, or scooter rides. Food, nature, and movement are really the cornerstones of wellness in our home.

What are your top 5  must haves?  Could be daily essentials found in your purse, supplements, beauty tools, foods, favorite coffee, etc. 

My Primally Pure Deodorant is something I never go without, and I also love using Reverie’s Shampoo and Conditioner to keep my hair healthy. For wellness, my infrared sauna and weighted vest are essentials I use regularly. And at night, I like to wind down in a bath with our Serenity Soaks followed by applying Primally Pure Magnesium Sleep Spray to the soles of my feet which helps me to get restorative rest.

Favorite way to move your body? 

Lately, I’ve been loving walking with a weighted vest. It gets me outside in the fresh air and sunlight, and I can fit it in whenever my schedule allows. It’s not something I have to plan around—it’s just an easy, grounding way to move my body throughout the day.