Meet Robin Barkins
Owner and Operator of R Barkins Designs and Essentials
Born in New Orleans. Built in Los Angeles, California.
Rooted in survival, made with purpose.
Survivor of 26 Years
Public Speaker & Educator
New Orleans Born
Handmade with Purpose
Robin Barkins did not set out to build a brand. She set out to care
for herself. Living with chronic inflammation and pain, and with
sensitive skin and hair, she began crafting CBD creams and natural
products of her own, choosing natural, vegan ingredients made for
all skin types. What she made for herself, she began to give away.
Those gifts became requests. Those requests became R Barkins
Designs and Essentials.
For 26 years, Robin has lived and thrived as an HIV
survivor over the long term. A public speaker, educator and innovative thinker, she
does not whisper her truth. She stands in it and encourages women,
young and old, to take full control of their own bodies, and to own
their actions, reactions and interactions with others.
Her work has always reached beyond herself. She created the Robin
Bracelet for Until There's A Cure, lifting up women living with HIV
in Africa and the United States and creating pathways to financial
stability. In the streets and encampments, she has shown up for
underserved communities with Heaux Bags for sex workers
who work on the street, HIV and STI testing, harm reduction
resources, hot food and toiletries for unhoused neighbors.
Compassion without judgment and care without conditions.
This is more than soap. More than salve. Every bar and every jar is
handmade with love, passion and purpose. When you support
R Barkins, you do not just buy a product. You stand with a survivor,
a healer, and a community that refuses to be unseen.
Small Batch
