We think today’s Mother Essentials subject is the ideal person to kick off the new year. Shannon Davenport is all about clean, fresh starts. She’s the founder of Esker, a clean body oil brand with a burgeoning cult following. Each of Esker’s three signature formulas (restorative, clarifying, and firming) focuses on a key essential oil—juniper, Cyprus, or carrot seed. Esker was born right around the same time as Shannon’s daughter—Sage, now 2—an experience that only amplified her dedication to clean beauty.  After a decade of working in New York City as a trend forecaster in the beauty industry, she became fed up with companies that didn’t seem to be taking the clean movement seriously—so she set out to change things herself. She enrolled at the New York Institute of Aromatherapy and became a NAHA Aromatherapy Advocate. After getting certified as an aromatherapist, she began crafting benefit-packed body oils that powerfully nourish skin and—bonus—also smell amazing. Esker was launched in 2017, and was soon scooped up by heavy retail hitters including Nordstrom, Goop, Net-a-Porter, and Anthropologie. Today, Shannon runs the company from her home base in Austin, Texas, with Sage by her side. She shares her 16 Mother Essentials with us below!

Hey Gang. “This Texas-based brand makes the cutest clothes for kids, everything has a little bit of a workwear feel, which I am just obsessed with. Every piece is also made in the USA.” Coveralls, $98, Hey Gang.

Package Free Shop. “Like many other people right now, I’m trying to find ways to reduce single use plastic and non-recyclables in our family’s day to day. This store has amazing sustainability kits and I particularly love this set of bamboo cutlery for kids.” Reusable Bamboo Cutlery for Kids, $12.95, Package Free. 

Golde Tumeric Tonic. “I love this brand and all of its thoughtful blends. I’ll never say no to cacao and I like throwing this into almond milk or smoothies for an extra boost.” Golde Cacao Turmeric Tonic for Skin Glow + Destress, $29, Sephora. 

Supergoop Sunscreen. “I’m a sunscreen freak—skin cancer runs in my family, so I’m always thinking about SPF protection, plus I have fair skin and it’s crucial for preventing sun damage and early signs of aging. Supergoop is great and the CC cream formula makes application even simpler for day to day coverage.” Supergoop! Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35-40, $36, Amazon.

Pretty Pillbox. “I’m a big supplement taker but I literally can’t remember whether or not I’ve taken vitamins or medicine without a pill organizer. I finally found a discreet one that doesn’t make me feel like an old lady whenever I see it on my dresser.” Mimi Medcessories 7-Day Pretty Pillbox, $19.99, Amazon.

Kneipp Mineral Bath Salt. “I recently got a sample of these salts in an Allure beauty box and not only do they smell great, they unexpectedly turned the bathwater an oceanic blue. I usually get in the tub with my daughter and she got the biggest kick out of it, so we ordered the full-size jar ASAP.” Kneipp Dream Away Mineral Bath Salt With Valerian & Hops, $20, Amazon.

Marysia Bathing Suits. “This summer I tried a Marysia bathing suit for the first time and now I’m totally hooked. I’ve never been one to spend a lot on a suit, but after experiencing the fit and feel of Marysia’s I feel differently. The fabric, craftsmanship, and thoughtful silhouettes are next level.” Venice Maillot, $350, Marysia. 

Tegu Magnetic Blocks. “These were a Christmas present from my brother to my daughter and they are the gift that keeps on giving. Our daughter loves making shapes and arranging them and bonus points that they’re not an eyesore in our living room.” Tegu Discovery Magnetic Wooden Block Set, $61.99, Amazon.

Kari Gran Lip Whip. “I’m one of those people who has to have a lip balm in every purse and drawer, and I’ve tried so many over the years. Kari Gran makes some of the best lip balms out there. The whipped texture is total perfection and the formula is really clean, which is especially important for lip products!” Kari Gran Lip Whip, $20, Follain. 

Range Magazine. “This large format print magazine was founded by Jeanine Pesce, who also runs an outdoor agency. It’s a great mix of cool products, profiles of inspirational people, and beautiful content about sustainability around the world.” Range Magazine. 

Copper Plant Markers. “Gardening has become an escape for me lately. I’ve been planting a pollinator garden for the past year and now I’m working on my herbs and veggies, which is fun. I am obsessed with my gardening tools and these little copper plant markers are genius—they’re reusable and much prettier than the white plastic ones that come from the nursery.” Copper Plant Markers, $18, Terrain. 

Kat Writes a Song. “My husband is a creative director and children’s book author, so we take our reading time pretty seriously. Lately we’ve been picking up Kat Writes a Song often—our daughter loves singing Kat’s song.” Kat Writes A Song, by Greg Foley, $6.33, Amazon. 

High-Design Nails. “I rarely wear nail polish anymore, thanks to the combination of chasing my toddler and gardening, but when I do I reach for J. Hannah in Saltillo. I love how each of her colors are rooted in design references, it really brings them all to life.” Saltillo Polish, $19, J. Hannah. 

Suede Moc Clogs. “I have countless gorgeous things on my wishlist from Jenni Kayne, but these new suede moc clogs are at the top. I love moccasins, I love clogs, I love slippers, and I love mule—these are a beautiful blend of all of the above.” Suede Moc Clogs, $375, Jenni Kayne. 

Amarilo Jewelry. “Ali Heiss and Stella Simona make the most beautiful, thoughtful fine jewelry out of L.A. They play around with different stones and I’m obsessed with the new opal pieces they’ve recently released, like these mini hoops.” Mini Opal Hoops, $99, Amarilo.

Hidden Brain Podcast. “I love getting lost in a good podcast and Hidden Brain has really grown on me lately. They dig into super interesting topics across the spectrum of human behavior and it’s a good mix of science and storytelling.” Hidden Brain, NPR. 

For more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with designers Anna Wallack Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Atwood, Dana Haim, Rachel Zoe, and Taylor Jay, Wiley Body founder Vanessa Wade, Partake founder Denise Woodard, model and muse Slick Woods, children’s author Serena Minott, clean living expert Kristian Henderson, June & January founder Amy Richardson-Golia, Bubbsi founder Sweta Doshi, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, Shahidah Zareef of Bossmom Nation, Joanne Encarnacion, LaTonya Yvette, Morgan Walker of Make.do, Iguehi James, and more!