Spring break is just around the corner, and it's time to start prepping for those sun-soaked days and breezy nights. Whether you're headed to the beach, hitting the slopes, or simply enjoying a staycation, looking and feeling your best is a must. From glowing skin to effortless beach waves, here are 10 beauty and hair tips to help you get spring break ready.
Hydrate Inside and Out: Start by hydrating your skin from within by drinking plenty of water. Hydration is key to achieving that coveted glow, so aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Additionally, incorporate a hydrating skincare routine with products containing hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to boost moisture and brighten your complexion.
Protect Your Skin: As you soak up the sun, don't forget to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher generously to all exposed areas of your body, including your face, neck, and hands. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Prep Your Hair: Get your hair spring break ready by treating it to a nourishing hair mask a week before your trip. Opt for a mask that targets your specific hair concerns, whether it's hydration, repair, or volume. This will help revive your locks and give them extra shine and manageability during your vacation.
Switch to Lightweight Makeup: Embrace a fresh-faced look for spring break by opting for lightweight makeup products. Swap out heavy foundations for tinted moisturizers or BB creams that provide coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. Add a touch of bronzer, cream blush, and a swipe of mascara for a natural, sun-kissed glow.
Master the Beach Waves: Achieve effortless beach waves with minimal effort by using a sea salt spray or texturizing spray. Simply spritz onto damp or dry hair and scrunch with your fingers to create tousled waves. For added hold, use a curling wand to define a few face-framing pieces
Stay Frizz-Free: Humidity can wreak havoc on your hair, causing unwanted frizz and flyaways. Combat frizz by applying a smoothing serum or hair oil to your locks before styling. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to tame unruly strands and keep your hair looking sleek and polished.
Keep It Simple with Hairstyles: Opt for easy, low-maintenance hairstyles that can withstand a day of fun in the sun. Think sleek ponytails, messy buns, or effortless braids. These styles not only keep your hair off your face but also look effortlessly chic for any spring break adventure.
Refresh Your Hair Color: Brighten up your look for spring break by refreshing your hair color. Whether you're touching up your roots or adding highlights, a fresh coat of color can instantly lift your spirits and give you a confidence boost for your vacation.
Don't Forget About Aftercare: After a day of sun, sand, and sea, it's essential to give your skin and hair some extra TLC. Take a cool shower to rinse off saltwater and chlorine, then apply a moisturizing body lotion and leave-in conditioner to replenish lost moisture.
Stay Confident and Have Fun: Most importantly, remember that beauty is about feeling confident in your own skin. Embrace your natural beauty and unique features, and don't be afraid to let your personality shine through. Spring break is all about having fun and making memories, so relax, unwind, and enjoy every moment of your well-deserved vacation.
With these beauty and hair tips in mind, you'll be sure to look and feel your best for spring break. Whether you're lounging by the pool, exploring new destinations, or simply enjoying some downtime at home, prioritize self-care and embrace the season with confidence and style.
]]>We love International Women's Day. It's nice to have a day that gives us a reason to shout out other female founders. But did you know the origins of IWD? And that it's over 100 years old?
International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. It is a day to recognize the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality and to acknowledge the challenges that still exist. The origins of International Women's Day can be traced back to the early 20th century and are rooted in the struggles of women for their rights and better working conditions.
The idea of an international day dedicated to women first emerged at the turn of the 20th century when the world was undergoing significant social and political changes. The early 1900s witnessed a surge in activism for women's rights, particularly in the industrialized nations where women were becoming more vocal about their demands for better working conditions, suffrage, and equality.
The first National Women's Day was organized by the Socialist movement in the United States on February 28, 1909. This event aimed to address the ongoing challenges women faced in the workplace and society at large. The concept gained momentum, and it wasn't long before the idea of an international day for women was born.
The first International Women's Conference took place in 1910 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Clara Zetkin, a prominent German socialist, proposed the idea of an International Women's Day to be celebrated on the same day in every country to advocate for their demands. The proposal was met with unanimous approval, and the first International Women's Day was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland.
In 1913, Russian women observed International Women's Day on March 8, demanding the right to vote and protest against World War I. This pivotal event marked the day's association with the fight for women's rights and peace.
Over the years, International Women's Day has evolved into a global movement that transcends borders, cultures, and languages. It is a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. The day also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by women, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal opportunities.
The theme for each International Women's Day varies, reflecting the current issues and priorities in the global fight for gender equality. From #EachforEqual to #ChooseToChallenge, these themes encourage individuals and communities to take action and contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable world. The 2024 theme is #InspireInclusion, an appropriate theme as we are heading into another election year.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, it is important to recognize the progress that has been made and acknowledge that there is still work to be done. It is a day to honor the achievements of women, amplify their voices, and stand in solidarity with those fighting for a world where every woman can live free from discrimination and enjoy equal opportunities. International Women's Day is not just a celebration but a call to action – a reminder that the fight for gender equality is everyone's responsibility.
You can support women by supporting their businesses. Shop the Conscious Beauty Collective or The W Marketplace and support female founders.
]]>The magazine covers all kinds of topics to help education and inform about conscious living and conscious beauty, including:
-Hormone Disruptors by Empress Naturals
-Declutter your Mind by Pharmacopia
-MOCRA changes by H. Honeycup
-What Beauty Founders do in their spare time by ADORAtherapy
-Story of d'hair by d'hair
-Power of Cinnamon by MY24/7
-Men's Skincare by Cardon
-The Art of Upcycling by Auvê Beauty
-The Community Spirit by Currnt
-Eco-friendly products we love by Reprise Activewear
-Winter skin by Sumbody
-Understanding your skin biome by Lunaescent
-Skin care for grownups by Caire Beauty
-Synergistic Skincare by Skin Feed Cosmetics
So take some time to explore how to improve your beauty routine, find out more about ingredients and even learn what beauty founders do in their spare time. If you have suggestions for topics to cover in our next issue, please comment below.
]]>For most of us, scalp care often takes a backseat to our hair care routine. We diligently shampoo, condition, and style our locks, but the foundation of healthy hair – the scalp – is often neglected. Here's why it's important to maintain a healthy scalp -- the scalp is home to hair follicles, oil glands, and blood vessels that contribute to hair growth and overall hair quality. A balanced and well-nourished scalp encourages strong, shiny hair, while an unhealthy scalp can lead to issues like dandruff, dryness, and hair loss. This is where scalp scrubbers come in. These handy tools are more than just trendy shower accessories; they offer a range of benefits for your scalp health.
Scalp scrubbers come in various forms, from brushes with soft silicone bristles to handheld massagers with nubs or tines. They work by gently exfoliating the scalp, removing dead skin cells, product buildup, and excess sebum (oil). This exfoliation process promotes a healthy scalp environment by:
The MASAMI Wabi Sabi scalp scrubber is crafted to be durable and sustainable, made of wood and silicone. Silicone bristles are gentle vs. the more exfoliating form of nylon or plastic bristles. Plus, silicone is widely recognized to be more eco-friendly than plastic. Our scrubber fits comfortably in your hand with a wooden knob, fire branded by hand.
Investing in a good scalp scrubber is a simple yet effective way to take your hair care routine to the next level. By promoting a healthy scalp environment, scalp scrubbers can help you achieve stronger, thicker, and shinier hair. So why not give it a try and experience the benefits for yourself?
We hope this blog post has inspired you to give scalp scrubbers a try. Remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, so start pampering yours today!
]]>In a world obsessed with perfection, polished aesthetics, and the relentless pursuit of the new, there exists a Japanese philosophy that offers a radical alternative: Wabi Sabi. This ancient concept, far from rejecting reality, embraces it wholeheartedly, finding beauty in the impermanent, the flawed, and the incomplete.
Imagine a cracked ceramic bowl, its surface etched with the passage of time, its imperfections forming a unique map of its history. Or picture a moss-covered stone garden, where nature reclaims its space, creating a serene space of quiet contemplation. These are just glimpses into the world of wabi sabi, where imperfection is not a flaw, but a source of profound beauty and wisdom.
The term is a fusion of two distinct concepts: "Wabi" refers to simplicity, humility, and living in tune with nature, while "Sabi" conveys the beauty that comes with the passage of time – a beauty that emerges as things weather and age.
Imperfection as Beauty: Wabi Sabi encourages us to find beauty in the imperfect. Whether it's a crack in a ceramic bowl or the weathered surface of an old wooden table, imperfections tell a story and add character. Rather than seeking flawlessness, Wabi Sabi invites us to appreciate the uniqueness that comes with imperfection.
Embracing Transience: In a world that values longevity and permanence, Wabi Sabi encourages us to acknowledge and accept the transient nature of life. Seasons change, flowers bloom and wither, and nothing lasts forever. Instead of mourning this impermanence, Wabi Sabi suggests finding beauty in the fleeting moments, appreciating the ephemerality of all things.
Simplicity and Humility: Wabi Sabi values simplicity, both in material possessions and in the way we approach life. It encourages us to pare down the unnecessary and find joy in the unadorned. This simplicity fosters a sense of humility, recognizing the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced lives.
Connection to Nature: Central to Wabi Sabi is a deep connection to nature. This philosophy suggests that by aligning ourselves with the natural world, we can find tranquility and a greater sense of purpose. Natural materials, such as wood and stone, are often celebrated for their inherent imperfections and the way they evolve over time.
The principles of Wabi Sabi extend far beyond aesthetics. They offer a way of living, a lens through which we can approach life with greater acceptance and serenity. Here are a few ways to incorporate Wabi Sabi into your daily life:
Wabi Sabi is not just an aesthetic; it's a way of being. It is a reminder that true beauty lies not in the flawless and the polished, but in the authentic and the real. It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and find peace in the impermanence of life. So, the next time you see a crack in a teacup, a wrinkle on your face, or a fallen leaf, don't look away. See the beauty in the imperfection, the wisdom in the transience, and embrace the Wabi Sabi spirit of life.
Remember, Wabi Sabi is not about achieving a certain look or style. It's about cultivating a mindset, a way of approaching life with open eyes and an open heart.
We hope this blog post has given you a glimpse into the captivating world of Wabi Sabi. May it inspire you to find beauty in the unexpected, embrace the impermanence of life, and create your own unique path to serenity.
]]>Maya talks about herself as an "accidental entrepreneur". She left the workforce in her late 30’s to live a quiet mountain life with her husband and two young children. The mountain lifestyle and extreme, high altitude climate nearly destroyed her skin. She could not find products that could stand up to the harsh environment and were also clean and elegant. As an engineer and scientist, she had the ability to dissect the skincare ingredients she wanted and needed and work with a formulator partner to create a skincare line that's truly unique. Her brand, Circcell, is the embodiment of hard working yet elegant skincare solutions.
All of Maya's products are formulated to boost oxygen intake and circulation -- something that our bodies (and skin) need but are often overlooked. Blood circulation delivers essential nutrients to help our skin stay supple and young, but also defend itself from breakouts and dryness. Your lymphatic system takes away the toxins. So without good circulation, you are setting yourself up for health issues, especially as we age.
Some product highlights:
ABO+/- Serum. This serum is named after the 3 blood types and is a medical grade, oxygen enriched complex to support restoration.
Geothermal Clay Cleanser is potently infused with botanical ingredients that deeply clean while keeping the skin’s natural oils intact.
The multi-tasking DEW toner formulation uses a complex of amino acids, lactic acid and botanicals to balance the skin’s pH, refine pores and restore radiance for an enviably fresh and radiant complexion. It's a swiss army knife product that you can use every day to balance and transform troubled skin.
We love Maya's approach to bringing what spas and esthetician's know to the rest of us with her highly efficacious and beautiful skincare line.
Find Circcell and other indie conscious beauty brands (like MASAMI) at the Conscious Beauty Collective, in downtown Palm Springs (234 N. Palm Canyon Drive) until April 30, 2024.
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Though colored frames have always been a popular way to add color to your eyewear, tinted lenses are also becoming more trendy for making a statement. They’re great if you don’t want to stick to dark shades or your regular transparent lenses, giving you a chance to spice up any look. Eyebuydirect has caught onto this trend with their “summer color crush” — featuring can’t-look-away shades. Aside from offering frames in crystal red, emerald green, and clear purple floral, Eyebuydirect recommends customizing lenses with a splash of color. You can customize your sun lenses and choose a color tint with any frame you like. Plus, you can get UV protection or prescriptions with tinted lenses to comfortably protect your eyes and enhance your vision while upping the fun with your eyewear this summer.
Summer colors are all about bright and vibrant hues, and there’s no better or more appropriate way to incorporate them into your outfits than with Barbiecore pink eyewear. With the Barbie film set to release in July 2023, the titular dolls and their impeccable style are once again on the fashion industry’s radar. Barbiecore has become a hot trend, and it’s apparent in the use of the signature hot pink color of the Barbie doll brand. Many of the cutest Barbiecore looks feature head-to-toe monochromatic hot pink outfits. However, if that’s too bold a move for you, rocking the Barbie color on your eyewear is a subtle yet impactful nod to the aesthetic. To rock the Barbiecore vibe for the summer, take a page from Lizzo’s lookbook and pair chunky, hot pink shades with a matching swimsuit perfect for the beach.
Transparent frames
Lenses aren’t the only part of your eyewear that can be transparent. Translucent frames are a great way to add fun to your glasses or shades. They can be in simple hues like white or neon colors as bright as the summer sun. These vibrant frames can also match the tint of the lenses, giving you a funky monochromatic look that you can add to any outfit for a pop of color. You can easily find a pair on places like Amazon, which has a three-piece set of transparent sunnies in different colors, so you can mix and match them to coordinate with your look.
The style of the 1970s is making its way back into the trend cycle, especially after the release of the much-awaited Daisy Jones & The Six series adapted from the book of the same name. Think denim, crocheted pieces, and jumpsuits — with ‘70s eyewear as another way to rock the aesthetic. The eyewear trends skew towards the oversized and chunky, with colored frames and lenses in warm and earthy tones. Classic tortoiseshell patterns are also popular and timeless. Brands like Prada, Miu Miu, Celine, and more have variations on the big, thick, tortoiseshell eyewear trends, which you can consider or take inspiration from for a warm ‘70s flair if you aren’t too into the typical summer neon. You can also take a page out of Zara Tindall’s look with her tortoiseshell sunglasses from illesteva, which saw plenty of use during the British royal family’s Jubilee pageant and the Epsom Derby.
Summertime is the perfect season to add a pop of color to your wardrobe. Whether you just want bold touch to your outfit or finish your signature look with a striking, memorable accessory, a pair of colored sunnies might just be what you need.
That's summer covered; why not also be ready for winter by reading our piece, Winter Skin and Haircare Tips?
The reality is that supporting small businesses is good for everyone. We've all heard the statement "small business is the backbone of America" and here's why (thanks to the Federal Reserve Bank of NY for these statistics):
Add to that the fact that small businesses help women, who are more likely to start a business than men. Since 2014 the number of women-owned businesses grew by 21% to nearly 13 million in 2019. That’s 42% of all companies at least 51% owned, controlled, and managed by one or more females. See more stats on women owned businesses here.
"When you support a small business, you are not only contributing to a community, you are equalizing the playing field for women in business." Raana Kashani Gregg of Lunaescent, a brand she founded in 2021 that's part of the Conscious Beauty Collective.
Photos by Tim Mossholder, Unsplash
And to a small business, every customer and every relationship matters (much more than a large business). Literally a great review or an expected purchase can make your day as a founder. There are so many tough days that a small gesture can help fuel you to keep going. It doesn't cost anything to tell a friend, write a review or post a comment on social media, but it means a lot to a small business.
Caroline Fabrigas, CEO of Scent Marketing Inc. (her brand Scentfluence is also in the Conscious Beauty Collective says, "You often feel very alone, especially as a small company. And that's why the clients that we've had have been so important."
Most small businesses these days are also much more transparent than their large corporate competitors. You can much more easily find out who owns the company, what ingredients they use, who they partner with and more. Small businesses appreciate the importance of living into their values, vs. just talking about them.
And most small business founders I know love to answer questions -- so don't hesitate to ask. You have the power to choose where your dollars go, so choose the option that helps everyone: shop small.
]]>Take MASAMI's products for example.
MASAMI Styling Cream + Madame Lemy Powder (use on your roots as a dry shampoo) + May11 Hair Oil = Motorcycle Hair
MASAMI Conditioner + Kalme Co Liquid Gold = Overnight Hair Treatment to leave hair soft and silky. Top it off with a d'hair hair turban and you'll protect your pillowcases from getting covered with product.
There are lots of other examples of how to do this with many of the clean beauty brands from the Conscious Beauty Collective:
Mix a few drops of Love, Indus Amrutini True Brew Serum with HEAR ME RAW Hydrator for a moisturizer that leaves skin dewy
Mix OLITA tinted mineral sunscreen with Soteri Skin Gimme More and get a moisturizer that can double as a foundation with SPF.
Add a few drops of Natural Radiant Life's lavender body serum to H2No!'s Lavender Rush Waterless Shave Gel and get a silky body lotion.
We also love layering lip products -- like Vermouth's lip crayons with Yany Beauty's lip gloss. You get a solid base and shimmery finish that will last for hours.
One watchout -- some ingredients don't mix well. Don't try this with retinol or retinoid products. And be careful of mixing ingredients with the same active ingredient as it could "double up" and create irritation.
What are your favorite combinations?
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We tend to judge ourselves harder than anyone else. By focusing on our mistakes and on the things that we were not able to achieve, we stop evolving. The alternative is being kind to ourselves. It can boost self-esteem, which in turn will improve our social relationships and experiences. And the easiest way to do this is by rewarding yourself with something you enjoy when reaching your goals.
The way we start our day can influence the rest of it significantly. Waking up at first alarm and deactivating the snooze button is the first thing we should start with, as snooze bottom only makes us feel more tired. A glass of water on empty stomach will give us the extra energy boost to start the day. And making the bed is the perfect way to accomplish the first task and to motivate us for the next ones.
By workout, I mean both physical and mental exercising.
Moving our bodies can improve our physical wellbeing, reduce risk of disease, and lower stress levels. The minimum recommended level of physical activity is 150 minutes per week. But our minds need some stretching too. Whether we talk about meditation, puzzles, memory exercises or reading a book, our minds need to be put to work. Our attention, focus, memory, and creativity depend on this.
What goes into our bodies is extremely important as it can influence not only our weight, but also our sleep, energy levels, metabolism, etc. Even our skin reflects the quality of the food we eat. The best way to start is by cleaning and organizing our kitchen. Getting rid of the unhealthy and processed foods, while making space for more fresh fruits and vegetables is the next and most important step. Lastly, mindful eating is also extremely important, as paying attention to textures, aromas, and flavors of food leads to greater psychological
wellbeing.
The social relations we have are extremely important for our wellbeing. Our relationships can offer support during difficult times. Our friends can help us live a happy and fulfilling life. Volunteering or giving something to community can increase our mental wellbeing by improving our self-confidence and increasing the dopamine levels in our brains. However, you should pay attention to how much of your daily socializing using social media and technology as an intermediary. Our screens cannot replace face-to-face socialization if you want to have a healthy social wellbeing because too often they lack the strength and authenticity of emotional connection.
Laughter is the “magic” medicine of our world. Whether you want to relax, release tension and stress, increase your general wellbeing, burn some calories, feel more positive and less angry, see things from a new perspective, improve the quality of your relationships, or simply improve your mood, laughter is your answer. It helps us stay physically, mentally, and socially healthy.
Writing down each day one short sentence about something that we are grateful for or that makes us happy can have a meaningful impact on all aspects of our wellbeing. There is an online challenge called “100 happy days”. The idea behind is simple: each day, for 100 days, you should find something small that makes you happy and write it down. People doing the challenge reported being happier, having a better mood every day, receiving, and giving more compliments, and becoming more optimistic.
Having our lives organized in small achievable tasks can make us have a more positive and productive attitude. To create an effective routine, the most important thing is to start small. By trying to accomplish too many tasks at once, we will soon feel overwhelmed and tired. Morning and evenings routines are the easiest to build and they can include activities like skincare, reading, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, stretching our bodies for a few minutes, etc.
Nature connectedness is associated with positive emotions, creativity, and happiness. When we are surrounded by vegetation, we feel more energized, relaxed, focused, and in touch with the present and with ourselves. Nature has the capacity to soothe, heal, restore, and connect. Whether we are talking about a park or simply the windowsill pots from our home, all have the same therapeutic effect on our general wellbeing.
A good sleep is vital for our physical and mental wellbeing. As adults, we should sleep between 7 and 9 hours per night. Too much or too less sleep can affect our emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and body sensations. For a good night sleep, we should avoid eating two hours before going to bed and watching any screen at least 30 minutes before turning the lights off. By practicing those 10 healthy habits on a daily basis we can achieve a great general wellness, not only physically, but also mentally and socially. Instead of surviving in this world, we will thrive and reach the best version of ourselves. Are there any other wellness
tips you follow regularly? Please share them in the comments below. I would love to hear your opinion.
About the author
Cosmina Manea is a wellness blogger with a focus on beauty, lifestyle, and healthy eating. Previously she worked as a teacher and an urban consultant, until she decided to follow her passions and get a healthier lifestyle. She writes from her own experience and enjoys sharing her stories with the world.
Link to blog: https://cosminamanea.com
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, I’m thrilled to be back at it to help quench my insatiable wanderlust. After backpacking through Europe after college, doing a short stint as a Midway Airlines flight attendant, working as a United Airlines marketing manager and while living in Eastern Europe for 5 years, I’ve been fortunate to visit over 40 countries and consider myself a travel connoisseur. I often share my various travel tips and experiences with family and friends so they can best enjoy these destinations too. I divulge everything from my favorite guide books (hands down Rick Steves), to incredible free walking tours (SANDEMANs New Europe), to quirky adventures (like hopping on a slow bus in Malta with the locals), to how to pack efficiently to save luggage space (the roll method).
Mono suitcases packed and ready for Peru
I prefer to squeeze everything in a carry-on bag to avoid the baggage claim carousel chaos or even worse, the black hole of lost luggage. My chosen one is from Monos, a Canadian brand billed as the Apple of suitcases that I discovered a few years ago. It's so loved that I bought three more for my husband and kids. And then convinced my sister to buy five for her family as well. I guess I'm a "suitcase influencer".
Conscious Beauty Collective Travel Essentials
Always packed in my carry-on is a Travel Essentials kit from the Conscious Beauty Collective, a group of 30+ indie beauty & wellness brands that are coming together to create retail and virtual experiences. The kit includes all my necessary shower products: Pharmacopia cleansing bar, MASAMI premium shampoo & conditioner, H. Honeycup lotion stick, OLITA SPF lip balm, Hear Me Raw wash-off face mask and Cris's Blends natural deodorant. All formulated with clean, non-toxic, good-for-you ingredients that are also vegan and cruelty free.
Other self-care essentials that I never leave home without are my Tweezerman Travel Tools packed in my COSMO drawstring cosmetic bag from Lay-n-Go. Perfect for beauty on the go.
If your upcoming travel plans include flying the friendly skies to your next business destination or to a much needed Spring Break in the sun, don’t forget to take your must-have essentials in travel size. Your carry-on bag and the TSA will be happy that you did!
]]>We got a couple of founders from the Conscious Beauty Collective together to talk about the difference between clean beauty and conscious beauty. You can watch the full interview here.
Plus, we have some resources that might help you dig deeper.
Bridget May from Green Bee Botanicals says, "Clean Beauty is all about the formulations. It requires testing. We test all of our products for pesticides and heavy metals to insure our products are as clean as they can be and no hidden contamination. It's about the ingredients you use. No phthalates, no parabens. But conscious beauty is way bigger."
Kim Howard, Bridget's co-founder from Green Bee Botanicals adds, "Conscious Beauty means sustainability, plastic free, recyclable, how you're sourcing. It really goes deep. It's why we put a QR code on our packaging so people can scan the QR code and go right to the test results. Some brands are greenwashing, saying they are clean and green but not giving proof. We give the proof. And It's not only what you put into your products, it's what you don't put into your products."
Elizabeth Koshy from Empress Naturals says, "You need to mention the ingredients. So many products will highlight 3 plant based ingredients and the rest are chemicals. Read the ingredients and go with products where the majority of the products you can identify with."
Looking for certification helps, but as Elizabeth points out, getting USDA certification costs about twice as much. "You have to disclose ALL of the ingredients."
As Kim says, "It's expensive. It takes a long time to go through. You have to get every one of your manufacturer sources to prove that their ingredients are cruelty fee and vegan. It's quite a path to get there but it's worth it."
So if you're interested in learning more about conscious beauty, you can check out these resources:
And if you're ready to jump in and detox your beauty routine, you can also get discounts on Green Bee's Skincare and Empress Naturals' face oils.
Use code CBC30 for 30% off both Green Bee Botanical's hemp line and Empress Naturals organic oils.
Remember that it's not just about being clean, it's about being conscious.
]]>Estamos redefiniendo el comercio social para el consumidor de moda y belleza en América Latina. En un alto nivel, somos una comunidad (que en sí misma no es tan diferente), pero cuando se combina con el primer mercado de marcas independientes creado en América Latina para latinoamericanos (muy diferente), el efecto es fenomenal. No solo nos enfocamos en vender los productos, sino que también iniciamos una conversación sobre nuestras marcas destacadas. Nos enfocaremos en marcas independientes de América Latina y de todo el mundo, celebrando a los fundadores y emprendedores ayudándolos a expandir el alcance y el potencial de sus marcas.
En un nivel más táctico, dado que nuestro fundador es experto en la cadena de suministro. Tezzalli ha construido una cadena de entrega y suministro más eficiente que nos permite evitar los sobreprecios y ofrecer productos a precios minoristas en EE. UU.
We are redefining social commerce for the fashion and beauty consumer in Latin America. At a high level, we are a community (which by itself is not so different) but when combined with the first curated, indie brand marketplace built in Latin America for Latin Americans (very different) the effect is phenomenal. We are not just focusing on selling the products but starting a conversation around our featured brands. We will focus on indie brands from Latin American and from around the globe, celebrating founders and entrepreneurs by helping them expand their brands reach and potential.
At a more tactical level, with one of our founders being a supply chain expert, Tezzalli has built a more efficient delivery and supply chain allowing us to avoid price mark-ups and offer products at US retail prices.
Nos enfocamos en la mujer mexicana moderna y culturalmente consciente. Consideramos a este consumidor como curioso, busca probar nuevas marcas y productos, tiene su propio sentido del estilo y valora ser miembro de una comunidad. El descubrimiento es un atributo clave para Tezzalli, creemos que todos reciben un pequeño impulso cuando son los primeros en tropezar con una nueva marca, es el momento "eso es tan genial" seguido de sentirse genial al compartir ese nuevo hallazgo con amigos. ¡Queremos proporcionar ese impulso!
We are hyper focused on the modern Mexican, culturally conscious female shopper. We believe this consumer to be curious, wants discovery, looks to try new brands and products, has her own sense of style, and values being a member of a community. Discovery is a key attribute for Tezzalli, we think everyone gets a little lift when they are the first to stumble onto a new brand, it's the ‘that’s so cool’ moment followed by feeling quite cool in sharing that new find with friends. We want to provide that lift!
No vimos un mercado curado que ofreciera belleza, bienestar, moda y artículos para el hogar que impulsara las marcas más pequeñas en México (nuestro país de lanzamiento) y sentimos que América Latina estaba desatendida en lo que respecta al comercio minorista innovador, por lo que nos llevó a la idea de formar Tezzalli.
I can’t say we’d say inspired, it was more about where the questions, research and our guts led us. We didn’t see a curated marketplace offering beauty, wellness, fashion and homegoods that celebrated the smaller brands in Mexico (our launch country) and we felt like Latin America was underserved when it came to innovative retail.
Dicen que lanzar un negocio es súper fácil, lo cual se puede argumentar con toda la tecnología, el software y los recursos que buscan servir a un emprendedor/fundador, pero, ¿quién realmente quiere ser su propia persona de TI, abogado, contador, o aprender los entresijos de alguna nueva regulación que impacte su negocio, etc.? Siempre he dicho que los emprendedores son especiales, ya que tienen que despertar todos los días sin dudar o saber cómo aplastar esa duda para perseverar, sin lugar para dudas, sin lugar para detener el impulso. Con Tezzalli, nos dimos permiso para lanzar rápidamente. Una de las decisiones más inteligentes que se tomaron, ya que nos puso a todos en modo de acción frente a modo de contemplación.
They say launching a business is easier than ever, which one can make an argument for with all the technology, software, resources that look to service an entrepreneur/founder but it is still a slog! I mean, who really wants to be their own IT person, lawyer, accountant, or learn the Ins and Outs of some new regulation that impacts your business, etc. I’ve always said entrepreneurs are a special breed as they have to wake up every day with either no doubt or know how to crush that doubt to persevere, no room for second guessing, no room for stopping momentum.
With Tezzalli, we gave ourselves permission to launch quickly and iterate. One of the smarter decisions made, as it put all of us into action mode vs contemplation mode.
No podemos responder a esto, es como preguntarle a un padre, ¿quién es su hijo favorito? Estamos encantados de formar relaciones con todos los fundadores de marcas, aprender de ellos y hacer todo lo posible para configurar sus marcas para el éxito en Tezzalli. Sin embargo, aprovecharé este espacio para hacerles mención a los fundadores que se apresuraron a decir "sí" a Tezzalli: Masami, Saranghae, Orora, HEAR ME RAW, y People of Color Beauty.
We can’t answer this, this is like asking a parent who their favorite child is! We can say, we are thrilled to be developing relationships with all of our brand founders, learning from them, and doing our best to set their brands up for success on Tezzalli. I will however take this moment to give a shout-out to the founders who were quick to ‘yes’ to Tezzalli: Masami, Saranghae, Orora, HEAR ME RAW, and People of Color Beauty.
Las tres prioridades principales para 2023, después del lanzamiento de la tienda, son:
The three main priorities for 2023, after launching are, 1. Taking the time to engage and get to know our community and shopper, 2. Ensuring we do everything we can to drive success for the brands that partner with us, we want to be doubling, tripling orders with all of our brands, 3. Produce 2 to 3 pop-up retail experiences.
Oh, I’ll add one more, momentum. Do whatever it is we need to do to keep this early momentum going.
Nuestro enfoque más inmediato es construir una comunidad Tezzalli comprometida. Para Tezzalli, cualquier expansión a más países está directamente relacionada con nuestra comunidad, por lo que comenzaremos a mirar a Brasil y Colombia.
Funny you should ask, as one of our founders has already said to start looking at Brazil and Colombia, and my response was ‘ummm, can we get Mexico launched first?!?!’
For Tezzalli, any expansion into more countries is directly tied to our community, so our most immediate focus is around building an engaged Tezzalli community.
Sinceramente, no queremos mirar a una celebridad para captar la atención en Tezzalli, también creemos que nuestra base comunitaria será mucho más dinámica que cualquier celebridad. Dicho esto, cuando se le hizo esta pregunta al equipo, las respuestas fueron talentos que iban desde Sophia Loren, Selena Gomez, Bad Bunny, y saben qué, ¡Tezzalli les daría la bienvenida a todos!
Truthfully, we don’t want to look to one celebrity to capture what Tezzalli is about, we also believe our community base will be far more dynamic than any one celebrity. That said, when this question was put to the team the responses were talent ranging from Sophia Loren, to Selena Gomez, to Bad Bunny, and you know what, Tezzalli would welcome them all!
]]>Here are 5 ways to keep your skin and hair healthy, happy and hydrated during the cold months.
While it seems counterintuitive, avoid long hot showers which can upset your skin and scalp's natural balance. Over-washing can dry out skin and hot water can deplete skin and hair of necessary oils to stay hydrated. Most people can get away with washing your hair less frequently in winter, once or twice a week is really all you need.
MASAMI was formulated to be botanically hydrating for all hair types and textures so it's a great product for winter. We also recommend conscious beauty skincare products like H. Honeycup's Body Oil, SIMPURE's face cleanser, Buffalo Gal's Super Hydrate Serum and Avoila's Avocado Nourishing Facial Oil. All of these products will help your skin retain the moisture it needs without any harmful ingredients.
Kristy from Avoila says, "If your skin is feeling extra dry in the winter, be sure to use a face oil like Avoila that not only hydrates but also seals in moisture. And, consider switching up your cleanser to an oil based balm or liquid cleanser. This will add another layer of moisture rather than stripping your skin of moisture."
An added bonus: Use code CBC15 on all of their sites for 15% off.
Most mass market skincare and haircare products still contain ingredients that can irritate your skin and cause redness, allergies and more. In fact, over 90% of haircare products in the U.S. still have toxic ingredients. Avoid products with sulfates, phthalates and look for skincare products without retinols or salicylic acid, as these ingredients will be even harsher on dry skin. Plus, it's a great reason to switch co to clean formulas and detox your beauty routine.
You can still get sunburn in the winter, so make sure you use sunscreen
Also make sure you have warm gloves -- your hands can suffer from dryness too. Don't forget a good lip balm in the winter like Ouli's Ointment All-in-one Balm (also good for any extra dry area like elbows or hands)
Use code CBC15 for 15% off OLITA and Ouli's Ointment.
This is an easy way to make sure your indoor environment is at least not contributing to your dry hair and skin. Plus, it can help if you have sinus issues as well. There are lots of good options for less than $100, so you don't need to break the bank.
Hope these tips help you keep your glowing skin and shiny hair this winter. If you have winter hair and skin tips, please share.
]]>But also, if we're really going to try to live a more sustainable lifestyle, then cutting down on the number of products we're using is a smart way to do that. There are so many amazing products that do more, we wanted to highlight a few of our favorites.
And of course, MASAMI is all about simplicity at our core. You just need ONE amazing shampoo and conditioner that works for virtually every hair type and solves the main hair issue -- hydration! Our styling cream and shine serum are designed to help you finish your look by taming frizz, adding shine and making you look like you just left a salon. All with just a few products and a short and simple routine.
So here are some products that are truly multi-tasking (and not just clean but conscious of course). Let's hope you can work some of these into your beauty routine -- and ideally, replace 2 or 3 others and detox your routine in the process (that's another blog which you can read here).
We got a chance to chat with Carly from Cleo+Coco about this topic. You can watch the video here but we will also give you the highlights.
"We know a lot of people who have a whole hour routine in the morning, but for busy parents or people who just have a busy life in general, having an easy 30 or 15 minute routine is easier," says Carly. Yes! We agree.
Carly explains, "Our dry shampoo and body powder is great for your whole body. Your hair oils are absorbed immediately. It's talc free. It's made with all natural ingredients that your body will love and they are good for the earth too as there's no waste. It's a non aerosol container that you can use all over your body from head to toe."
So, basically, she's saying that this ONE product is a Dry Shampoo, a Body Powder, a Powder you can put in your shoes and it takes all of two minutes to use! We're sold.
Use code MULTI15 for 15% off at Cleo+Coco.
Next up are the Hear Me Raw multi-tasking face masks. We love these too because not only are they more intensive "masks" that can help rebalance and reset your skin, but each one of them is designed to do more. I'm going to talk about the Brightener (my personal favorite) as it is a mask that doubles as a cleanser. You can use it instead of your cleanser or as I do, replace your cleanser once a week for a deeper clean. The best part, it's not an extra step in your routine, but it does more. All without toxic ingredients.
Use code MULTI25 for 25% off at Hear Me Raw.
Natural Radiant Life is another beauty find that's high performing and time saving. Their Clay Cleansing Bar is great for your whole body -- face and hair included. In fact, you can even use it as a shaving cream. It's their best seller so we're not the only ones who have figured this out. This one seems like you might need to hide it in the shower from your husband though. . .
Use code WELCOME10 for 10% off at Natural Radiant Life.
Last up (at least for this blog!) we have Ouli's Ointment, an all-in-one balm made from olive oil in the Greek Isles (Zakynthos) where the founder, Stephanie's family is from. This balm can be literally used on your entire body -- elbows, lips, face, toes, etc, but I also got very excited to learn that you can also use it on your dog. Their paws love this balm and because it's all natural, you don't have to worry about them ingesting anything bad. Now that's multi-tasking!
Use code CBCMULTI for 15% off at Ouli's Ointment.
We hope you find some inspiration on how to simplify your routine with products that truly deliver. As Carly sums it up, it's all about "making clean products that are easy to use." Life is complicated enough, your beauty routine shouldn't be.
]]>We loved talking with Cindy Barberes, the Founder & CEO of H. Honeycup about her journey and approach to Conscious Beauty. She is part of the Conscious Beauty Collective, our pop-up experience that started in San Francisco in April 2022 and is moving to Boston in September 2022. Watch more about her amazing brand here or read about it:
Lynn: How did you decide to launch H. Honeycup and what was the spark or the inspiration?
Cindy: Well, I was always into wellness and healthy eating and all that. And then, my husband has a contract manufacturing company that he started right around the time when I started my company. He had always worked in that field. That's a big, that's a big hurdle, you know, to get a small number of products formulated and manufactured and tweaked. So, as I was thinking about it just clicked. And I thought, how about if I try this? And he, of course was supporting me, but you know what's interesting is that he would say things like, are you sure you want it to be natural? And I was like, yes, I want it to be natural. The good news is that I stuck with it and today it was announced by Made Safe that four of my products have been certified by Made Safe.
Lynn: That’s gotta feel good!
Cindy: Well, it does cause it's a rigorous process to go through. But, you know, I found that it was a great exercise because everything is scrutinized. And so you scrutinize everything too. Are all of your suppliers transparent? Will they give you the documentation that you request? You know, if you have an ingredient that’s 95% something and then the other 5%, if they won't disclose it, then you just have to move on. Right? I mean it’s that black and white. And so it really was a good exercise to flesh out a few suppliers that we had to change and a few ingredients where we had to have substitutions, we eliminated a couple of in ingredients, so we had to retest the formula. But then when it's over, you feel really good about the product that you're offering to the consumer -- they can have clarity, they have trust. I like Made Safe because it's a very broad comprehensive certification. They care about human health, animals, aquatic, and ecosystems. People can feel comfortable giving these products and using them themselves and with their families at home because they do all kinds of products, not just beauty.
Lynn: I love that. Let’s actually talk about your products, because we've been talking about your brand, but we haven't really said what it is or what it does or what type of products you have.
Cindy: It's skincare and it's all body care. So body, the neck down. It’s ironic that the first three products that we have had were three of the four that have been certified by Made Safe. And so we have a body scrub, a sugar scrub. When you feel it, it’s a little gritty, but then when you rub it on your skin to exfoliate it just rinses off in the shower. Like there are no particles any longer. The sugar melts -- it's created with essential oils only. It’s our best seller.
Lynn: Oh that's amazing. Yeah. It's hard to find a good clean body scrub. I think it's a brilliant product, but then you also have body lotions, body oil, so let’s talk about those.
Cindy: Well, we have body oil that is also at the Conscious Beauty Collective and it smells like a spa. It’s got some carrier oils, like jojoba but it also has lavender oil and it's wonderful. After a shower, your skin will feel baby soft until the next day.
Lynn: Do you use it when you're still a little damp or do you dry off and then put it on?
Cindy: I use it when you're still a little damp. Because then it just soaks in. Our next product is very popular. We have a lotion stick.
Lynn: Why, why did you decide to make it solid? I think that's an interesting choice from a product formulation perspective.
Cindy: Well, I did that before we did a regular lotion for a couple of reasons, one it's spill proof, and it’s also portable. I mean, everybody spills their lotion in the purse. I wanted it for that reason and it also can be even cleaner because it doesn't have any water. The first three products that I talked about are waterless, so you don't have to have preservatives. And so it can be a cleaner formula.
Lynn: Yeah. We covered your scrub, your lotion, your oil. What else is in the hopper?
Cindy: We do have a CBD line and it’s one of the products that isn't in the store. This is the fourth one that was certified by Made Safe. But we have the sister product is in the store. It's the lotion.
It's 300 milligrams of CBD and people love it. It's really a matter of preference. Do you like an oil? Or do you prefer a lotion that soaks into your skin differently?
Lynn: CBD to me feels like it's like a whole different business in a lot of ways in terms of regulatory, in terms of education to customers, there are a lot of different channels. Is your focus more on what maybe you would call your main line versus your CBD line? Is CBD more of an experiment or is that where you're migrating to because you see the need, how are you thinking about that?
Cindy: I think of it as like a companion line because not everybody really wants or needs something to relieve pain. That’s why I like offering both because I can say, “if you don't want CBD, we have this. But if you do have the need for the CBD products, then we have, the bath salts, the lotion, the oil.” It is a challenge for a small business because it's unregulated, there are a lot of limitations to where you can sell it and how you can sell it and so on. So you do hit a lot of obstacles.
The best seller is the scrub. Once they have it, people buy two at a time. You don't want to run out because it's one of those things where if you use it in the shower you use it a few times a week because you don't want to over exfoliate with a physical exfoliator. But the way that it works is you can just do, say half your body, you can do your arms in your neck one day, do your legs another day. That way, you’re always exfoliated and then, you rinse and repeat a couple of days later. But if you are in a hurry, it leaves enough moisture that you wouldn't have to use lotion. I would always recommend using lotion regardless when you get out of the shower. But if you're in a hurry, you know, that's the feeling that it has on your skin, it leaves a little of the essential oil and it's not greasy. It's just soft.
Lynn: Oh, that sounds amazing. Do you have other products that you're working on or are you just really focused on these?
Cindy: Some of the ideas that we're we've thrown out are maybe a solid fragrance or even a liquid fragrance. We’re talking about maybe a lip scrub or lip balm, maybe some shower steamers.
Lynn: Yeah. That's a nice idea. And do, are your products seem like they're pretty gender neutral? Do you have many men who use them?
Cindy: We have a lot of men who like the scrub and they like the CBD products, the citrus usually. I would say that the whole CBD line and anything orange, they like the stick and the scrub too, because it smells really nice at the time and then it dissipates quickly. I think men prefer to not have a strong scent with them.
Lynn: Your products do look like they would appeal to everyone really which I think is smart. Ours is the same. We made ours gender neutral because everyone has hair. Everyone has skin, so why would we want to exclude half of the population? But let’s talk about your name. I'm curious. How did that come about?
Cindy: I worked on that name for months and months and every time I thought of something it was taken. I really love honeysuckles and butter cups. I like using the HH for the alliteration, so it's kind of fun, but it took a while. Then our mission fell into place and you can see on every label what our mission is and it says take care. By supporting us, you help us support a person who is in recovery from addiction. It was really important to us because we had a family member who struggled for a dozen years. And when this person went to recovery, I could observe it afterward. The way her friends were and the fact that they always wanted to be busy and doing stuff outdoors. It’s the continuing journey of wellness and clean living. So I was doing clean beauty. It was just a perfect match. I donate to the sober living centers because it's clean beauty and it makes people feel good. It's very small thing. You know, I'm not curing anything, but it makes them feel good.
Lynn. I love that because, well, first of all, I think it's so interesting that almost all the brands in the Conscious Beauty Collective have a cause, right? Like ours is about the ocean and today it's world ocean's day, which is awesome. We give back to ocean education and research. Olita is about the coral reefs. Every brand has their thing. That’s really good because I feel like the big brands in beauty (and I've worked on a lot of them in my career) don't care about that. They don't think about that. They're not about giving back. They're just about coming up with another confusing product to make consumers buy extra stuff. So I love that you're thinking about your customers and the connection and when you describe it just makes a lot of sense.
Cindy: Well, what's crazy to me is that the average consumer is not necessarily aware of that. I think they are becoming more aware and women do most of the shopping. So I think they're a little bit more in tune with that, what they want and, you know, moving toward more natural. But yeah, I mean, it is, it is shocking that nobody looks at the label.
Lynn: I agree with you. I'm going to give a plug for what we're doing, which is the Conscious Beauty Collective, because these are brands that are good for you. Good for the environment. Almost all the brands in the store are vegan, cruelty free. Non-toxic. You can go in there and not have to worry that you’re going to buy something that's not good for you. We've done that work for you and the products are all good. And they perform well. And that to me is, is the other side -- nobody wants to buy clean products that don't work just because they're clean. You want them to also do the things they’re supposed to do. That’s why your products are so interesting because you capture the trifecta: clean, high performing and sensorial.
Cindy: That’s why I love the, you know, the concept of the Conscious Beauty Collective. I feel like, here are my people, you know?
Lynn: It does feel like that. I know. And it's been really, really fun to have all the founders together and supporting each other and it's just been awesome. The Conscious Beauty Collectives is at Stonestown Galleria in San Francisco until the end of June and you can get H. Honeycup there -- you can smell it, see it, put a little on your skin, try it out. You’re gonna love it.
We’re moving to Boston and we'll be at the Natick mall from September one until the end of the year. And the thing I love about it is these are indie brands, not big corporate America brands. These are brands you can't find anywhere else. They're amazing brands, almost all female founders. We have, we have two guys in our collective out of 36 brands. It’s a really good place to start to explore how to detox your beauty routine and find alternative products. And I think you're going to love what you find.
]]>Now, I find myself deeply immersed in retail as we are setting up a conscious beauty pop-up store -- the Conscious Beauty Collective. The store was born from the frustration of being a small beauty brand that has a hard time getting attention from conventional retailers. It also hasn't helped that retail has been upended by Covid over the past two years and many retailers are still trying to figure out their "new normal."
The idea for the pop-up came from one of the bright spots of launching a brand during Covid. We have found that partnering with like-minded brands over the past two years has been a fantastic way to grow each other's businesses. We wanted to leverage this into a bigger experience and create a collective that would be brand led, not retail led, so that all of the brands would benefit. This idea came to life as a collaboration between 32 brands, all sharing common values. The process of peeling back the onion on the retail experience has led me to think about how retail could be if we could do anything we wanted. For us, it's also about how to create engaging experiences without any money (most of the brands are bootstrapped like mine). I'm sharing my learning as it feels like the time is ripe for retail reinvention.
1) Think of the space as a catalyst for creating experiences -- it's not just about sales. While the ultimate goal is sales for all of us, content is still queen these days. We have taken the approach of thinking like a digital brand, not a brick & mortar brand, and will be hosting daily events in the retail space, many of them livestreaming and online events. This is a great way to blend the online and offline worlds and create a ton of content that all the brands can leverage to promote their own brands while driving more traffic into the store.
2) Bring in partners who can amplify your awareness. We are leveraging several partnerships with livestreaming platforms like TalkShopLive, e-commerce sites and content creators, including partnering with a female-owned brand site, The W Marketplace to further promote all of the female founded brands (30 of the 32) by setting up a collection on their website and also promoting them in our store. These types of partnerships can really help extend your messaging and help you reach a new audience. The key of course, is to ensure that the partners are a solid strategic fit so that both parties benefit.
3) Encourage brand collaboration outside of the retail space. We've found that the more engaged the brands are -- not just with the store but with each other -- the more successful it is for all. We are approaching this retail experience more like we are building a community vs a store, so that everyone feels like they are part of it. Northing would make us happier than to see the brands creating partnerships that flourish outside of the pop-up experience. You can enhance your community interaction by doing things like setting up an Instagram group, having local "meet ups" and giving each other shout outs on social media.
4) Find not just sales people, but marketing brains to staff your store. We are lucky to be working with interns who understand marketing, are social media savvy and are getting hands on experience helping us make an impact with zero budget. Part of their responsibility includes creating content for the brands, such as Texture Tuesday videos.
5) Bring everyone together. While we've all become super accustomed to interacting via Zoom, nothing beats being able to meet in person and truly connect with each other. We are so blessed that 15 of our founders came to San Francisco for our launch event. With events planned over 3 days, there was ample time for everyone to hang out and get to know each other, and ideally, come up with even more opportunities for collaboration.
6) Location is key. We all know the famous saying about real estate, "location, location, location". Creating a pop-up store is no different. Find a location that aligns with your customer base (in our case, premium clean beauty buyers) and ensure there is ample foot traffic so that you don't have to do all of the heavy lifting in terms of getting people to your location.
7) Find collaborators who are like-minded, but won't cannibalize each other's business. We took quite a bit of effort to bring in brands from different categories (hair, skin, home fragrance, supplements, bath, body, sexual wellness) so that while we all may share similar values, we aren't stepping on each other's toes in terms of our brand positioning.
So while the retail landscape is changing, it's an exciting time. People are ready to get out and explore new things and want to have face to face interactions again. Take advantage of these opportunities by thinking about retail as a chance to bring community, content and technology together and you'll surely have a winning formula.
]]>While some problems require large-scale, societal solutions, there are also many ways to improve your health as a woman in order to maintain a full, happy and confident life. Being aware of signs to act on, adjusting lifestyle choices, and elevating self-care can all have a significant impact on how you feel overall. To get a little more specific though, we’ve outlined some health and self-care issues to be aware of that can help you to lead a happier, healthier life.
Cardiovascular disease accounts for 1-in-3 deaths in women across the United States, with heart disease specifically being the leading cause of death, according to the CDC. Cardiovascular issues are often congenital, but they can also be a result of the way we live. As such, many forms of heart disease can be treated or prevented by making lifestyle changes. Eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising each day, and managing stress levels can help reduce the risks of cardiovascular disease. And try to make sure you're getting enough sleep, too!
Osteoporosis is a disease that causes the weakening of bones, increasing the
susceptibility to fracture. Women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease, and while women's slightly longer lifespans account for some of this, menopause is also a contributing factor. There’s a direct correlation between the development of osteoporosis and the lack of estrogen brought about by the menopause. Osteoporosis often progresses without symptoms or pain, meaning it’s commonly detected only after a break or fracture. There are ways to prevent the disease, however. Establishing a regular exercise routine, eating foods high in calcium, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are all great prevention steps. You can also look to The Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation's blog and podcast site, Bone Talk, for advice and information from people who are knowledgeable about this condition.
Just behind skin cancer (which is typically more treatable), breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women. Approximately 1 in 8 women (or 12% of the female population) will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. Health and Wellness platform SymptomFind outlined diagnosis and investigation options in a piece on breast cancer earlier this year, noting that there are now numerous ways for women to screen for the disease. While self-examination is always recommended (and is something you should speak with your doctor about if you're unsure how to go about it), women pursue periodic medical examinations, as well as imaging and further testing if there's any suspicion of a problem. While treatments can be debilitating and draining, they are always getting more effective –– which is why early diagnosis is so important here.
Aside from keeping an eye on health issues like these that affect so many women, it is also important to take care of your mental wellbeing and your sense of self! Making time to address self-care is a healthy exercise to maintain your esteem and happiness. Looking after your hair, skin, and nails can boost your confidence and keep you feeling your best (not to mention these same parts of the body can sometimes be indicators of internal health as well).
Photo by Kaylee Garrett, Unsplash
Taking good care of your skin can help sustain a youthful and healthy glow and can boost your confidence. Keeping out of the sun and using high-factor sun creams is essential, not only to protect against skin cancer, but also to prevent premature aging. Staying hydrated and choosing a healthy diet can benefit the appearance and health of your skin as well.
To maintain healthy hair, it’s recommended to avoid over-washing as it can cause your hair to become dry and brittle. Aim to wash your hair every 2 to 3 days. Heat styling tools have become indispensable in the lives of many women, but it’s important to use these wisely as well. Excessive use can cause deep damage. Opting for great quality products free from harmful ingredients on your hair is a fantastic way to sustain good hair health. This is why we recommend a range of clean hair products that are paraben-, sulfate-, and phthalate-free here at MASAMI. Plus, all of our products are vegan and cruelty-free!
The issues we've addressed here do not paint a comprehensive picture of women's health. But hopefully they've helped you to think about how you can take care of yourself. From day-to-day self-care to long-term bodily health, there are a lot of challenges we face as women. But there are also lots of ways that we can take control of our health and wellness to live our best and happiest (and longest) lives!
]]>We were fortunate to get to know Sage Lally's story. She's the Founder of be., a marketplace that's all about inclusivity. MASAMI is one of the launch brands which makes us happy. Read more about Sage and her journey. . .
be. started as (and still is) a newsletter sharing women and non-binary people’s stories on new topics weekly. When I originally launched the platform, I knew I wanted to pivot it into some sort of product, I just didn’t know what!
When we launched in June 2020, the world, specifically the United States, was in a state of disaster (to put it lightly ;) Not only were we living through the first few months of a global pandemic, but also a resurge in the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd. During this time, I was working as the Marketing Manager of a startup, which involved managing their social media. It was both exciting and infuriating to watch different brands try to respond to this crisis. Some brands showed up, giving time and money towards BLM, and even pausing their own posting schedule for over a week to make space for Black voices. (These were the exciting responses.) Some however, continued to post as normal, and even had former employees come forward to call their CEO’s racist. (These were the infuriating responses.) These brands that I loved (I’m looking at you Reformation and Bando) were run by racists?! I felt completely tricked.
During this time, I also noticed that people seemed desperate for a resource to shop brands that were doing the right thing. That’s when I realized: why is it so hard to shop your values?
Why now? Well, it’s taken me over a year to get this right. I wanted to ensure that I did my research: that the brands on our site were ones that both I could trust and that my community could trust. Like Desmond Tutu said, “if you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” It isn’t enough anymore to just have quality products and services. We need brands that act on their values.
That’s what we’re here to do: make it easy (and fun) to shop your values.
Being a solo-entrepreneur with a photography degree brings up many challenges. Lol. However, I have learned over time that everything is "figureoutable", and that I have it in me to learn and react to whatever comes my way. That being said, I think one of the biggest challenges I have faced is getting this marketplace out in the world. It took me 100+ hours to build the website by myself, including learning HTML and CSS, reaching out to 1000+ brands, and navigating all the math (with a math learning disability I might add). I’m so grateful to have had the support of my close friends, including my best friend Amy who did all the beautiful illustrations on our website, and my friends Michael and Yash who helped me to figure out all my margins. There’s no challenge too big when I have my friends to help!
I’m inspired by empathy, and by people that choose love regardless of what the world tells them to do. If all businesses and CEOs led with love and empathy first, I think the world would be a much better place!
With the right support! People forget that Amazon started several decades ago in a garage as an online bookstore. What Jeff Bezos had was good timing and a great idea. These two things can still lead to success in 2021. Nowadays, Amazon is convenient and affordable, plus, they have everything! Part of my goal in building this marketplace is to create a similar model. People are comfortable with using Amazon, but I doubt most people feel great, or even good about it. I’m aiming to build a platform that functions the same way: lots of options, convenient and affordable, yet every purchase makes the world a better place.
Together, I believe we can go up against Amazon. The more brands we add the better our chances.
Strength in numbers.
What a hard question! The brands I get most excited about are the ones that are so unique, I can’t even believe they exist. For example, Lauren from Ujjo. Ujjo is the first hot sauce made for coffee. Like what!
Some other unique brands I love:
I wish I could tell you 1,000 more. Shop our marketplace to see more of my favorites! And of course, MASAMI will always be on my list.
]]>For me, this year is different. I am one of the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Per breastcancer.org, "Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In 2021, it's estimated that about 30% of newly diagnosed cancers in women will be breast cancers."
I've been undergoing treatment since September but as with most cancer diagnoses, it will be a long road ahead. As I've been going through my own journey, I've learned a lot. I never knew how many different types of breast cancer there are (I have two of them!). And the effects of the treatment can be brutal but very different person to person. I also never realized just how many people I know who had cancer, not to mention all of the people around them who are directly effected. And did you know that mosquitos won't bite you if you have cancer (they can smell it)?
My daughter gave me a faux-hawk before I lost all my hair from chemo.
Ironically, one of the hardest things emotionally about cancer is losing your hair (ironic for me as I'm a haircare founder). That can be one of the most unsettling moments of cancer -- as you look in the mirror and see a cancer patient, not yourself. It's hard to face your own mortality but it makes you want to really enjoy your life while you're in good health. That's why it's so important to be focused on self-care, not just when you're not well, but as a year-round priority. I'm thankful that my own products (MASAMI & Isle de Nature) are made to be good for you and good for the environment.
So, this October, let's celebrate all that we have to be hopeful for. First, there are the 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., thanks to some amazing new cancer treatments and progress in immunology, with more on the horizon. We are able to spend time with our friends and family. And reconnect with people we've lost touch with. Early detection continues to be key to survival, so don't put it off -- get your boobs checked TODAY!
Cover image by Angiola Harry Unsplash
]]>Hair loss is quite common, not only for men but also for women. In fact, some estimates show that more than 50% of women will experience hair loss at some point. About 30 million women in the US today have female-pattern hair loss.
So, if you are are one of those people trying to figure out how to manage your hair loss, we have some tips for you. We've partnered with UluRx, experts in hair thinning, to share some of the facts about it and ways you can deal with it.
You can read more about Melanie Elaine (the founder of UluRX)'s journey here and her own personal experience with hair loss and regrowth.
Did you know that the average person loses 50-100 hairs a day? If you start to notice you're losing more than that, then you might want to start thinking about prevention tactics.
What causes hair loss? Lots of things: genetics, stress (which has increased since the pandemic), medications, health conditions (thyroid, lupus), hormones (especially menopause), pregnancy, birth control, hairstyles, heat styling, and over-processing the hair.
Did you also know that your hair grows 1/2 an inch a month? Many people assume it grows back much faster than that, but it's really quite slow. So, it takes about 3 months to see a difference in hair growth.
Are there any home remedies to help hair loss? We watched Melanie Elaine's onion juice hair mask video on YouTube (the jury is out!) and there are loads of aloe vera, mayo, coconut milk and other home remedies you can find. Most don't do a whole lot (so don't get your hopes up) but there's no harm in trying.
What works the best? For prevention, keeping your hair healthy and hydrated helps eliminate environmental or hairstyle loss (ditch that ponytail holder!). But for treatment, the best bet is monoxidil, a proven hair regrowth medication that acts as a vassal dilator to increase blood flow to your hair follicle.
There are also lots of supplements with biotin, which can work for some people. As with all hair regrowth treatments, you will need to keep taking it. The hair regrowth will halt when you stop.
And yes, diet can help as well. Eliminate alcohol (which can increase hair loss) and add healthy foods like avocados, leafy greens, fatty fish and nuts to your diet with hair supportive compounds such as iron, folate, vitamin c, magnesium, and potassium.
As Melanie says, "Women in our 40's, 50's and 60's in our society are effectively dismissed. We are the secret resource that has not been tapped. We know that women cannot feel successful in relationships and in the workplace unless they feel good about themselves. We are here to empower women -- to look their best, feel their best and coach them into absolutely being their best."
So, make sure you take care of your hair from the inside AND outside and you'll have tresses that will be the envy of all.
]]>We believe it's essential to maintain a healthy level of curiosity, especially as we age. In fact, Harvard Business School says curiosity is just as important as intelligence and is especially helpful in business. It's easy to fall back into expected patterns, but being able to see the world through fresh eyes is a gift that's worth embracing.
Here are some of our favorite resources on how we stay curious:
1) Currnt: A knowledge creation platform that lets you share your expertise on virtually any topic -- so you can transcend the overwhelming amount of information we're all inundated with to understanding. Be part of a custom virtual panel of smart people creating intelligent outcomes. You'll love meeting the other "experts". Plus, it's free to join and you will always learn something from every engagement.
2) Lunchclub: Get to meet new people outside of your typical circle each week. It's free and the connections can lead to inspiration, revelation or who knows what else.
3) Cirkel: This is a great way platform to connect multi-generationally, find new perspectives and also provide your expertise and advice. We've loved meeting the GenZ entrepreneurs and learning more about TikTok and SnapChat.
4) Travel My Heart: Find inspiration near and far with travelmyheart.com. You'll be amazed at just how many interesting and fun things there are to do not far from home. You'll be sure to be surprised (and delighted) with the suggestions.
5) Amphy: Easy online classes to learn anything, from plant propagation to poker. You can choose specific classes and aren't locked into a bigger subscription, so it's easy to experiment.
So embrace curiosity! Ask the "stupid questions". Learn a new skill. Make a new connection. You'll be glad you did.
Cover photo by Marija Zaric Unsplash
]]>In the spring of 2020, we kept hearing the impact that the pandemic was having on women, and knew we had to do something to put money in women’s bank accounts. Everyone was shopping online for everything, so starting an online marketplace for women-owned brands seemed like the perfect way to support women. Beyond the pandemic, we see TheWMarketplace as a place for women-owned businesses and service providers to grow their sales and as a “one stop shop” for consumers looking to shop their values and support women-owned businesses.
I never pictured myself being laid off due to a global pandemic at the age of 53! But it is one of those “silver lining” stories as I believe TheWMarketplace is what I was meant to do with this stage of my career. Both Kate and I have deep experience in business and it seems exactly right to be using that experience to create a business that supports other women in their careers and helps put money in their pockets. Being an “older” founder means we don’t need to make those mistakes we may have made with less experience!
I think that a lot of the challenges are around entrenched networks and access. Established networks of investors need to be looking outside of their usual communities and seeking out women-owned businesses. Research has shown over and over that businesses with women in leadership outperform those without. It just makes business sense to be investing in these companies.
Kate Isler and Susan Gate, Founders of TheWMarketplace
I see TheWMarketplace becoming recognized as a truly modern and new way to shop for professional services. Today there really isn’t a good way to find legal, financial, coaching or other services, other than asking your community or doing an internet search. We are building a beautiful platform for service providers to market their expertise and for shoppers to easily find someone who meets their needs. I am really excited about this!
First and foremost, we need to have an abundance mindset, which I think is something women are particularly good at. Kate and I talk all of the time about wanting to “grow the pie” rather than just having a piece. With this mindset, we can always find room to support each other and grow each other’s businesses. I can celebrate your success and know that it contributes to the overall success of women. And I agree with Kate – ASK! Ask each other “what do you need right now? What would help your business grow?” You never know how you may be able to help.
Well, I could start down the loooonnnggg list of systemic and cultural obstacles, including lack of affordable childcare, traditional family roles that have women still managing most of the household, lack of role models at the highest levels of business and government, lack of access to capital, lack of paid family leave, the threats to making decisions about our most basic healthcare… But what I do know is that when women really support one another and come together, there is nothing that can stop us. And when we an increase our economic power, we can increase our political power – and start addressing all of those systemic issues. We want to be part of creating an economy that works for EVERYONE.
I was always passionate about interviewing people and asking the hard-hitting questions to get to the root of what motivates them in life & career.
I spent nearly my entire retail leadership career running multi-million-dollar territories and stores across North America, staffing multiple positions each week.
Hiring was always at the forefront of my priorities as a retailer and I knew at a very young age running my OWN retail store at 21, you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with to be successful, so recruiting has been near and dear to my heart since my humble beginnings in understanding what it takes to build a powerhouse team of motivated individuals who each bring unique talents yet work in synergy together to meet all goals put forth.
And now in my current role as a Sr Executive Recruitment partner, I get to do that with my clients across all retail functions, levels of experience and categories.
It is so rewarding to see the joy in candidates when they accept an offer for their dream job. Connecting people with new opportunities truly fuels my soul.
The luxury experience is something that I believe will always stay consistent.
When you are shopping at a certain level, you absolutely should know what it feels like to have a luxury experience in a boutique with the care and needs of the client at the forefront of every sales interaction. The heart of luxury is building relationships and leaving lasting impressions, whether it is your first time or 100th time in the boutique.
Luxury to me can be anything from a travel experience to a leather goods handbag investment, it is really in the eye of the beholder and also different brands/experiences can resonate with others as an investment seen not as valuable from a different client. I think for some brands, the word luxury is thrown around a bit to be honest.
Luxury expectations I would say have certainly been affected by 2020 where brands had to pivot to align with taking on more of a virtual platform but with the same care and follow-up/attention to detail you can get in stores, some would say it is a LUXURY itself, not to go into public but to be able to shop with the convenience of your favorite sales executive from the comfort of home, that to me has been a big change in a new definition of luxury.
My favorite part is picking up the phone everyday and having the opportunity to change someone’s career trajectory and arguably their life, with one call.
You never know where a conversation can lead, and it is a magical part of what I do. When I know I have the right candidate for a job and a client, it is a wonderful feeling.
I would LOVE LOVE to work (remote) in Hawaii, Kaua’i most specifically and my dream is to have a retreat in Kaua’i where people can come and do a digital detox from all electronics for the day, not worry about work, schedules, events, life commitments and breath in the island air doing things that bring them peace.
Burnout in 2021 is a real thing. Since COVID hit we have been forced behind screens far longer than we have ever been before and 2021 we all have been thrusted back into reality of everything so I know out there collectively, whatever you are doing, you probably need a break.
There are some great resources out there for mental health. For guys who don't always like to ask for help, you can get online help here, For women who need some guidance, try here. And for women with addiction issues, you can get help discreetly here.
As humans, it is essential for our overall health and well-being, (especially mental health) to unplug and recharge so if I could “work” at working with people who need a work detox in a beautiful Kauai island getaway that would be my ultimate dream… but let’s see what the future holds!
I am open to investors for anyone interested!
Photo of Hawaii, Kaua’i by Karsten Winegeart, Unsplash
It is a skill to wear many hats and I know for a lot of positions out there, it is a requirement for candidates to be able to stay agile, flexible, and come to the table with more than just one skill needed on a particular job profile.
If a candidate is willing to learn, stay humble and open minded to new opportunities to get your foot in the door, not only aligning to a job profile but also being a culture add in possessing a great attitude overall, a company will take a risk on someone that may be missing a skill but is seen as teachable and who would bring a positive vibe and presence to the workplace.
Get really clear on your WHY when looking at which retail companies you want to work for, what jobs excite you and be sure to align yourself with brands you are passionate about where their core values and mission align with yours.
I love Summer Fridays, Evereden, Masami, Rare Beauty…..I am a big beauty junkie so I would say those are my investments. Hair, skin, makeup.
(How much time do I have… lol)
I look at self-care as a total wellness package in my life.
I LOVE working out, going to my gym and training classes each week which is a big part of my schedule which gets me out of the house and away from my desk.
Self-Care to me is also moments of peace where I try to schedule at least one hour a day without my phone doing acupuncture weekly, taking a walk, laying on the floor with my cats… whatever it takes to recharge after a long day on the phone.
I also am really passionate about morning and evening skincare, I think I am up to a 9 step system… (I promise I am not Moria Rose) however it does take me a while to get ready or wrap up at night (sometimes my husband thinks I go missing), but having that moment to myself where I am taking care of my skin for the future… as a child of the 80s who did not wear sunscreen for most of the summer and hit up the tanning beds in the 90s/2000s, I have to be vigilant now with my skin.
Take care of your mind, body and soul daily everyone!
]]>Enjoy our conversation with Sarah Waldock, Co-Founder and CEO of BalmLabs, to find out how she created the first real innovation in solutions for adult acne-prone skin in over 20 years.
Sarah Waldock, BalmLabs Co-Founder & CEO
Adult acne is something many of us still deal with. What made you want to focus on that area of skincare?
For a decade I searched high and low for a clean topical solution that would tackle my breakouts, but not leave my skin dry and irritated. When I met Dr. Robin Schaffran and she, too, was frustrated with the lack of topical products that she could prescribe for adult acne-prone skin, I was taken aback. She confirmed that there had been little to no innovation in the space in 20+ years, and the case numbers were reaching epidemic proportions, primarily with women. So we decided to team up and do something about it.
What is the favorite thing you've heard from one of your customers about your products?
I feel so fortunate to be on the receiving end of so many happy emails and DMs. And while many reference how the product has improved the look and feel of their skin, it’s hearing how it has helped them with their confidence that makes my heart full. For too long, people have been made to feel shallow or vain for expressing the emotional toll acne – and specifically, adult acne – has on them. I consider acne as much of a physical issue as it is an emotional one. Our goal is to support our community holistically with helpful content, links to resources and a direct line into me and Dr. Schaffran at all times.
Are you working on any innovations that you want to give us a sneak peak at?
Our product pipeline is long! Dr. Schaffran and our team of chemists are currently hard at work on two new additions to the ClearBalm line-up that we hope to rollout in the New Year.
How do you define "clean beauty"?
We believe wholeheartedly in “Clean Science”. Limited ingredients that we source carefully to ensure they meet the leading standards for clean in our industry. Purposeful formulation, which means no fillers, additives or trendy ingredients that won’t deliver on the product’s primary objective. And clean preservatives to ensure our products are both safe and stable – something that is essential for adult acne care.
What's your self-care routine?
Very simple, really. I take a long walk every morning to clear my head and reset for the day ahead. And I close out the day with an Epsom salt-infused soak in the tub. I’ve recently tried meditation and am enjoying it, although as a multi-tasker I find it really hard to clear the mind for a solid 5 minutes!
What other female owned brands do you love? Give them a shout out!
I am genuinely obsessed with Amy Welsman’s Paume – it’s an antibacterial hand gel that not only protects hands, but the incredible scent soothes the soul! After a year and a half of practically bathing in hand sanitizer, Paume is a much-needed step-up – I have bottles in the car, my purse, in the house – I cannot get enough!
To celebrate our partnership, we're gifting a FREE BalmLabs CleanBalm Gentle Foam Cleanser with any full-size MASAMI purchase. (while supplies last!)
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Early last year when businesses, schools and work saw many of us shelter in place, limited or no access to barber shops and salons meant we all fended for ourselves. Sales of at home hair coloring and clippers spiked. In our house we were no different. I went from let’s call it a regular clean cut parted one side to… shaggy. By the springtime, my son and I had had enough, and we went out to the driveway one early spring day and shaved each other’s heads. It was liberating, we loved the clean-cut feeling, and we lost our tangled mops.
Billy Power with his Covid haircut
As the year wore on, of course it grew back. My son looked like Jim Morrison, and I looked like… Shaggy from Scooby Doo. By spring of this year, as the world began to open up a bit, I rescheduled my superbike school track day gifted by my wife the year before, and to help get psyched for the long awaited experience, I asked my wife to cut me a Ragnar (essentially, fat width mohawk). And it’s grown on me.
Bill Power with his Ragnar
But maintaining longer hair, in the vicious Palm Springs sun, mixed with pool saline and let’s face it, thinning hair as I’m now middle age, I was noticing the increase on hair on my pillow and in the shower drain. The split ends and straw feeling would temporarily get better with my usual drugstore men’s brand shampoo and conditioner 2-in-1, but it felt temporary. As with many things, I took to YouTube to find not just a product recommendation, but a new routine. I don’t eat like I used to, I’m far more conscious and aware of diet and cardio than I knew or cared when I was younger, and it was about time I upgraded my haircare routine if I wanted to have any hope of holding on to it for another fifty years. Here’s what I discovered and have since adopted.
I thought it was a joke when I read about pillowcases designed to be good for your hair. And now I know why people buy them. Many fabrics, even the nicest cottons, can be coarse enough to pull and break your hair strands when you’re in bed. I ordered Herb + Flora’s silk pillowcase and barely see any hair on it if at all, and I’m not going to lie, it feels pretty luxurious.
Over the years I’ve tried many of the high end, vegan, super science shampoos and conditioners my wife brings (or has shipped) home. Somehow when it’s my turn to restock, or I’m traveling, I reverted to old habits and bought the low-priced familiar detergents. Not anymore. It’s easy to overlook, but you’re not just treating your hair itself, it’s also about the skin on your scalp. Above your brain. Your scalp is one of the most absorbent parts of your body. And I was giving it $5 worth of thought and using the same old detergent toxins. Now I’m using MASAMI’s Mekabu shampoo, based on a centuries old Japanese tradition and understanding of seaweed and all of its incredible health benefits. I barely even use conditioner any more, this stuff is miracle juice.
Finally, through my exploration for an upgraded hair care routine, I learned about caring for your hair from the inside out, not just outside and on top of it. Not wanting to introduce any new kind of pharmaceutical or toxin or prescription solution, I went with the Hush & Hush vitamin that adds an extra dose of happy juice (i.e. Biotin and antioxidants) into your skin and hair follicles so that they grow up big and strong.
It took Covid for me to evolve from regular guy hairstyle to whatever floats my mood and along the way realized that my haircare routine had not evolved and improved at all since I was a teenager, where so many other aspects of my life have. If you haven’t upgraded your routine yet, go exploring. There’s so much more you can do for yourself, and you probably deserve it.
About Bill Power: Bill was an executive vice president in the advertising industry and now collects sports cars. He’s bi-coastal with his family, bouncing between The Berkshires and Palm Springs. @billpowered
]]>We recently interviewed David Friedrichs, the CEO and Co-Founder of Cerqular, a new marketplace that's all about sustainable brands. MASAMI is proud to be a part of it -- we love being connected with other like-minded brands.
Why did you launch Cerqular? And why now?If you’ve ever tried buying or selling anything sustainable, you’ll know just how difficult and time consuming it is. Try buying a full basket of goods – sustainably made – and you’ll give up as it’s virtually impossible. From searching where to shop, reviewing claims of sustainability, signing up to multiple accounts and then to the multiple separate checkouts – not to mention potential returns.
Cerqular – a spin on the circular economy – was created to make all things sustainable, ethical, recycled, upcycled, carbon neutral, natural and organic easily accessible all in one place for buyers and sellers. A trusted platform for sustainable buyers and likeminded sellers to connect.
This is just the beginning!
David Friedrichs, CEO and Co-Founder of Cerqular
Do you see a difference between US consumers and those in other countries?
We’re all different and yet so alike. Everything we do has a direct or ripple effect on someone else whether we know them or not – i.e., the people who make the clothes we wear. However, the beautiful thing we get to experience each and every day is that people who choose sustainable are alike no matter where they’re from. The driver is usually one of improvement – for oneself, family, community, nature & wildlife, animals, and the environment.
Being a US company and proudly based in LA, CA we’re tremendously lucky with an abundance of sustainable and natural options with passionate buyers who shop with conviction. The US is a hub of sustainability, with options of manufacturing, packaging, shipping, selling as well as end of life solutions.
What are the most important things brands can be thinking about when it comes to sustainability?
Have a clear vision of where you see your brand in 5 to 10 years – then incorporate incremental steps to become more sustainable over time. Being 100% sustainable isn’t possible at present and attempting to be everything all at once can be overwhelming. Instead, an option may be to keep a running list of things to work on and tick them off as soon as feasibly possible is the best advice I can give. Most importantly, just start and let the journey guide you. Cerqular is here, not only to sell, but also to access tools and resources that every sustainable brand needs to launch and scale their business – all in one place.
Cerqular, playing a role in our planet's future
Who is doing inventive work in the sustainability space?
For a complete list of brands innovating and giving us so much more value, check out Cerqular. From MASAMI’s use of Mekabu, KAPOK KNOT’s use of kapok fiber, Poppy Barley’s use of cactus leather to Brave Soles’ use of upcycled plane seat leather and tire inner tubes, we love each and every Cerqular-approved seller.
Aside from brands, we’re motivated seeing incredible progress coming from companies like Project Verte, ReCircled, Sendle, Noissue, Green Story and Upcycled Food Association just to name a few. Then, there are inspirational impact investors who make all this possible.
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Chrysmela's brand mission is to let people have the freedom to feel beautiful and fabulous at all times — not hindered by worry of losing something valuable.
We had the pleasure to interview Mayumi Ishii, the US Chief of Chrysmela to learn why People Magazine hails the Chrysmela Catch as "The Most Genius Jewelry Invention Ever"!
Mayumi Ishii, the US Chief of Chrysmela
Can you share the inspiration for your brand name?
Loosely translated into Greek, Chrysmela means gold and black. Chrysmela sits in the shadow of something shiny, beautiful. We act as the support to strengthen your sparkle, and inspire confidence. To me, this all comes together to mean fashion freedom.
Do you feel that making your product in Japan brings a different sensibility?
Definitely. Chrysmela is all about quality and trust. We take the utmost care in the high tech precision manufacturing of our products. Each earring’s micro ball bearing is triple tested for quality control by expert hands. Each Chrysmela comes in the box, with a gold foil stamp that says “Made in Japan with Love” and includes a unique serial number. We are serious about the quality and Japanese sensibility, because you (and your earrings) deserve only the best!
Chrysmela is made to last for many years with proper care. It’s a rare quality to find consumer products that are built that way. We recently met a few customers who have been using the same pair for over 8 years. Chrysmela was born in Japan 13 years ago. We may not sell our most secure earring backs like hot cakes, but we firmly believe in our products and it’s good for our business in the long run.
Being a "behind the scenes" brand, how do you stand out?
We’ve essentially created a brand new product category; a high-end, secure earring back. No bending metals or guessing if it will fit on your earring posts. We actually offer the widest range of compatibility - Chrysmela fits automatically all types of straight earring posts 0.6-1.1mm. Chrysmela is the only one that supports this wide range in the world, to our knowledge. Did you know earring posts may slightly differ in size, even on the same pair of earrings? So many of our customers have said, “how come I didn’t think of this!?” or “where has it been all my life?!” We may be “behind the scenes” but are happy to be noticed: Over 2,000 Amazon customers have given us thumbs up, with average 4.6 star ratings out of 5.
What is your definition of modern luxury?
Modern luxury shouldn’t be fussy, or flashy. It’s about simple and elegant solutions. Often with the latest technology. It’s about finding the best quality in each item you buy and use, and putting an emphasis on quality over quantity. It's about not having to stress - whether that’s when deciding what to wear, or if your earrings will stay in your ears when skiing or swimming in the ocean. Modern luxury is about confidence.
I LOVE fashion. I grew up in Tokyo, reading Vogue that my fashionable Mom subscribed to. My sister and I would answer the fashion questionnaire (the editorial had no clue we were about 12 years old) to win some nice top and lingerie. We were the first girls in town to don the jean jacket and mini skirt set Mom sewed from the Vogue pattern. But today, I am practical for everyday style. I put a major emphasis on feeling good, as well as looking good. I find comfort in luxurious materials. But I also want all my go to clothes to be packable and ready to travel.
Relax. Laugh if you cook, tackle with a perfectly steamed lobster and get some spots on your dress. Toss it for a quick wash. Have Fun.
Mayumi Ishii with a Chrysmela display
Are you exploring any new technology you can share with us?
No new technology is needed! Our technology has been proven and trusted since 2008. But we love to expand our line of Earring Jackets powered by Chrysmela with our own designs and through partnerships. It’s a great way to expand your earring wardrobe - simply add our jackets to your stud earrings, and you create a new look in addition to the security and lift power of Chrysmela.
Do you have favorite earrings? Why?
My princess cut diamond studs, simply set in platinum. They were a birthday present from my husband. Made by our friend, a well known diamond dealer. He hand selected each stone to match each other and to me! Did you know diamonds are unique, even when classified under the same grade? Each stone has unique characteristics, and is individual, just like people!
What are some other female founded brands you love?
I admire so many female founders and fellow entrepreneurs, but to name a few:
Marie Gray. She is the fashion legend behind St. John Knits and Grayse, which she runs with her daughter, Kelly. I’m so proud to be her golfing buddy.
Susan Hess. She is the founder/designer of Golftini.
Luxury jewelry shopping is known for being intimidating and the service of trying jewelry on at home is often reserved for ‘elite’ clients. Access79 believes it should be the complete opposite experience so they created an easy process for their clients: take a style quiz online, select 3 unique pieces and try for 7 days at home.
Read our interview with the very inspiring Priyanka Murthy, Access79 CEO and Founder. Discover more about what luxury means to her, how their service works, her favorite jewelry piece and other female founders she admires. Plus, a few fun facts we learned about Access79 and the details about our upcoming joint giveaway.
What does luxury mean to you?
If I had my way, I’d spend 50% of my time on my family and 50% on my work. So I define luxury as convenience, such that every other task or experience in my life, whether it is eating out, traveling, or shopping for accessories, wardrobe, or wellness is as seamless and efficient as possible. I don’t want to spend a lot of time searching for the perfect product or booking the best service, because every minute I’m doing that it’s eating into my 50-50 split.
How do you make luxury accessible?
Fine jewelry is inherently a luxury purchase. Unfortunately the process of buying fine jewelry is far from luxurious and is full of friction, and fails to take into account what luxury means to the modern consumer. Modern luxury is not about pomp and circumstance or exclusivity or opacity, rather it’s about accessibility -- which translates into convenience, seamlessness, and personalized and tailored service. Our try-before-you-buy brand hits at the heart of that -- we provide women the luxury of time and space to shop at their own time, without having to navigate stores. It gives her the luxury of her own personal jewelry stylist who helps find pieces specifically for her. It puts her in the driver’s seat without the pressure and intimation that comes with the traditional jewelry shopping experience. All these factors make luxury accessible to our client.
Access79 Curated Box
What does "sustainability" mean for fine jewelry?
It means the jewelry is produced in a way that minimally impacts the environment. Minimal impact means that the sourcing of materials is transparent and ethical and isn’t involved with conflict. This also means that all the folks involved in the soup to nuts supply chain are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions.
Where do you source your products?
We carry the work of independent jewelry designers with a unique point of view and are deeply committed to sustainable who create and craft jewelry and craftswomen. We also carry our own Access79 collection of elevated essential jewelry, crafted by an illustrious group of in-house artists and master jewelers. Our work is crafted in recycled metals and uses conflict-free diamonds and gems.
Beautiful rings available on Access79
Who is the Access79 client?
We have a diverse group of women from all walks of life who love our brand. They all share a few things in common -- they are warm and multifaceted; they are engaged in their community; they are in the throws of a career or had a career; they like to look polished but do not obsess about their outfits; they value deeply their time and want to spend it on meaningful endeavors.
Do you think a female designer can bring a different sensibility to jewelry design for women?
100%. As the actual wearers of the piece, we have a totally different and nuanced view of the piece. We are able to discern whether the piece works in terms of function -- i.e. is the chain too thin such that my kid will break it; is the dangling earring lightweight enough to wear all day and design -- i.e. will it work with my winter turtleneck; can I layer it with other pieces.
Do women still rely on their significant other to buy them jewelry or are more women buying for themselves?
These days women are overwhelmingly buying jewelry for themselves. Most of the time, they simply decide what they love and buy it. Sometimes they send their significant others the ecomm link or image of what they want and then they complete the last and final act of purchase. We here at Access79 consider that a self purchase still!
What's your favorite piece?
It is a mother-of-pearl amulet necklace by one of the designers Access79 carries, Ayva Jewels. The piece has four sapphires, with each sapphire representing a man in my life -- my husband, my father, my father-in-law, and my son. These are all guys who I am really close to and who love and support me unconditionally. The necklace represents my #heforshe take on feminism which is that for women to truly achieve advancement and equality we must have the support of men. Men can and must use their position of privilege to elevate women, without men’s full participation in this endeavor, nothing will change.
Priyanka Murthy's favorite piece of jewelry by Ayva Jewels
What's been the most surprising thing about your business since you launched?
The rabid loyalty we have from our clients and community. We are still quite small but our community is so engaged with us. They post on social media about us without us even asking, they recommend us to their friends and we have yet to develop a formal referral program. Building a brand is not easy, building a business that hasn’t existed (i.e. a try-before-you-buy fine jewelry concept) seems daunting. So, we are so grateful for our community of Access79 evangelists.
Can you give a shout out to another female founded brand you love?
Oh gosh I can’t pick just one, so here are my top 5:
Fun facts we learned about Access79 - the 79 in their name is a reference to Gold in the Periodic Table of Elements; People Magazine featured them as one of the top gifts for Mother's Day; and they were recently included in celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe's CURATEUR hi-end subscription box.
We partnered together for an IG Giveaway. Follow @Access.79 and @lovemasamihair for all the details and how to enter to win a prize package worth $786.