A 16-Year-Old Aussie Teen Is Spreading Faith Through Fragrance
By: Bec Harris
At just 16 years old, Ryan Oosthuizen is doing something remarkable. He’s not just starting a business, he’s starting a ministry.
Ryan is the founder of BoTL – Blessings of the Lord, a Christian fragrance brand based in Perth. What began as a prayer, when he was just 15, has become a purpose-driven business designed to spread faith in a subtle but powerful way.
From Prayer to Purpose
Ryan didn’t wake up one day with a business plan. Instead, he started with a question.
“What am I meant to do with my life?”
Like many young people, he felt uncertain about the future. So he did something simple but bold. He prayed. He asked God for direction. According to Ryan, the answer was clear.
God gave him a vision. That vision became BoTL.
With support from his parents and a strong Christian upbringing, Ryan stepped out in faith. His goal was not profit alone, it was impact.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Ryan Oosthuizen’s journey has not been easy. He lost his brother, and the grief was deep. The questions were heavy. Yet, instead of stopping, Ryan chose to move forward.
He decided to honour his brother by living with purpose. He committed to showing others that no matter what happens, faith can carry you through. With God at the centre, Ryan believes nothing is impossible.
That belief now fuels everything BoTL stands for.
What Does BoTL Mean?
BoTL stands for Blessings of the Lord. But it is more than a name.
Ryan describes BoTL as a message in a bottle. Each fragrance is designed to spark curiosity, start conversations, and gently introduce people to faith.
It is not about preaching, it’s about presence. “It’s a subtle way to help people encounter God,” Ryan says. “Even through something as simple as smelling good.”
Why Fragrance?
The answer is practical and personal. Ryan loves fragrance – he always has. He also knows that first impressions matter. People respond to scent – it opens doors. More importantly, Ryan believes God can use anything, even perfume.
By combining passion with purpose, Ryan found a way to grow God’s Kingdom through something he genuinely loves.
Building a Fragrance Brand at 15
Starting a fragrance business is no small task. Especially at 15. Ryan learned quickly. He researched online, watched videos, studied scent profiles and fragrance notes. Eventually, he partnered with a fragrance manufacturer in Dubai.
Ryan selected specific accords and notes. From 14 fragrance samples, he narrowed the range down to four signature scents. Those four are now in production, with 1,000 bottles arriving in Perth.
The BoTL Fragrance Range
Each BoTL fragrance carries its own identity:
- Aroma Day – A fresh, uplifting men’s scent with citrus notes
- The Chosen – A deeper men’s fragrance with sandalwood and vanilla
- Jubilation – A sweet women’s scent featuring rum and caramel
- Perfection – A youthful floral blend with grapefruit and spice
The fragrances were tested by more than 50 people. The favourites rose quickly and the choice was clear.
Marketing With Meaning
BoTL’s marketing strategy focuses on social media. Ryan uses TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to share his story, his faith, and his fragrances. He shares short videos, honest conversations and has a clear purpose.
Some Christian influencers have already partnered with him. The goal is simple. Reach people where they are and let the story speak for itself.
Distribution From a Garage
Ryan Oosthuizen’s operation is hands-on – very hands-on. The stock is being stored in his family garage. Ryan packs every order himself. He labels the boxes. He even sprays fragrance inside so the package smells great on arrival.
Customers can choose local pickup in Mandurah or Australia Post shipping across Australia and New Zealand. International shipping is planned for the future.
A Business With an Eternal Vision
Ryan doesn’t see BoTL as just a brand – he sees it as a ministry.
His long-term vision is global. He hopes the business will fund mission work around the world, from the poorest communities to the wealthiest cities, Ryan wants to share the love of Jesus with anyone willing to listen.
A Message to Young Dreamers
Ryan Oosthuizen’s advice is simple. If God puts something on your heart, do it.
Don’t wait, don’t overthink it. Pray, talk to people, take the step. Ryan believes that if God is behind it, nothing can stop it.
Age doesn’t matter. Background doesn’t matter. Faith does.
Supporting Young Faith-Filled Entrepreneurs
Ryan’s story is a reminder that God can work through anyone, at any age, in any industry.
From loss came purpose. From prayer came vision. BoTL is more than perfume, it is proof that when faith leads, impact follows. Check out the BoTL range here.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Supplied