EGCG: LusciousNaturals
Luscious Naturals is a member of EGCG.
Talk about what you create. What do you consider your specialty product?
My speciality is research–I am a life-long over achiever and academic superstar… My speciality is being curious, and digging up answers. This speciality is the basis for each and every formula in my line of hair and skin care products.
My line embodies me… I create the things that I want for myself, with the ingredients I want to use, based on the information that I have gathered about what is best holistically (mind-body-spirit-environment). I utilize only the highest quality ingredients and create mainly vegan products (the others contain honey, beeswax, and/or organic milk), I never use synthetic fragrances, and purchase organic / local where possible.
What is the story behind starting your business?
The story behind the actual start of my business is actually pretty interesting. I’ve been making products since I was a teenager, and using them myself; I became a vegetarian when I was 14 years old, I come from a family that is very natural and holistic minded. Up until this year, I had been studying social work, working at a community-based behavioral health agency, and spending an additional 16 hours per week working under supervision as an intern for my degree–working minimum 65 hours per week for quite some time did not quite allow me chance to consider or reconsider my path. Right before Christmas, the political environment at my job became very toxic and I left it. At that point, I decided to take a chance; I decided to seize the opportunity and and do something I’m passionate about. Currently, I’m a full-time student studying fine art and I spend every other hour of the week working on my business. I became a Limited Liability Corporation in February. My business is in it’s infancy, but as I stated before, I’m a serial over-achiever! This path is not quite as certain as becoming a social worker, but I tell you, I’m working longer hours and twice as hard–and am more happy than I’ve ever been! Life’s good.
Do you have a central philosophy for your business?
My central philosophy is simple: Your skin is the largest organ you have, what goes on your body goes in your body. I believe in the use of pure, natural, organic, fair-trade, sustainable, and local ingredients. I try to incorporate as many of those attributes as possible into each ingredient I choose. I believe in living an ecoconscious life–and I bring that right into my business. I advocate being an informed consumer, and I strive to add to that body of knowledge. Above all, I know I value good customer service–even in this uber-quick internet world–my customers deserve no less!
Who is your hero/heroine? Do you have any role models for your business?
My heroine is my grandmother, for sure! She is a truly amazing woman who came from nothing, became a single mom, went back to school as an adult, climbed to the top of her profession, continues to strive for excellence, and lives a spiritual, holistic life. Who wouldn’t choose her? My business values and ethics are no different than those for my personal life–so I don’t have a business-specific role model!
What are your favorite products from your own line?
My favorite products are actually not my best-sellers, is that normal? My top two choices would have to be 1) OhMyMoisture Hydrating Toner–it has literally changed the texture of my skin! My face is now smoother, my t-zone is less oily, I no longer have dry patches, and I have to battle myself from eating it! It smells so good! and 2) Luxury Salt Butter Scrub–it’s solid at room temperature (incorporates organic kokum butter, organic virgin coconut oil, and organic hempseed oil) but melts into my skin and imparts moisture for the entire day, no need for lotion, and exfoliates any roughness with ease!
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
It might seem like we’re not making enough progress… the world isn’t getting “green” fast enough, politics never fail to be littered with scandal, etc. etc. But every little bit helps: speak with your mouth, your written word, your buying power. Our choices do matter.
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Di, thanks so much for featuring me!
This has been an awesome series, reading about all these brilliant EGCG’ers!