On Tuesday, I featured an interview with Katie Vance of Wise Wife Soaps. In my second installment of the GG Interview Series, I'm thrilled to showcase one of the male followers/sponsors of our largely female community.
I met Will Reynolds Young a couple of years ago at the Allegheny County Green & Innovation Festival. He was selling some of his company's wonderful toxin-free products. I approached him and asked him if he'd be interested in my doing a review. Without knowing me or my blog (although I think he did a quick check on his smart phone), he agreed and asked me to select a few products. I did so and a new fan of his was born. While I like many of the products, I am especially enthused about the deodorant, which I order again and again (a shipment is on its way to me right now, as a matter of fact).
Will did not hesitate to offer a $25 gift card for my 5th Blogiversary Giveaway (be sure to check it out here), not did he hesitate when I asked him for an interview. Here's a chance to get to know one of my sponsors:
Green Grandma Interview Series: Will Reynolds Young of SKINourishment
GG: What motivated you to get involved with SKINourishment?
Will: I literally grew up with what we know now as SKINourishment. As I was growing up, I would visit the offices that were originally in the back of my aunt's house. On my visits, I was able to see the passion and love she put into not just the product, but everything else she did. I knew that's exactly what I wanted. I wanted to share the love and passion she embodied with the world and put my own spin on it. I recognized the need for a technical mind to be added to the crew, and slowly paved my way.
GG: So how long have you been with the company?
Will: Technically, I have been with the company almost two years in my current position, and about four years on a lighter basis. I would like to think I have always been with the company since I literally grew up as the company grew up in many ways.
A young Will was really interesting in mixing his own skin care products in shampoo bottles. Needless to say, I found out that I should stick to the technical side of things and leave the mixing to the master!
GG: What were you doing before you decided to work for them full time?
Will: Sticking with the entrepreneurial spirit of the family, in 2011 I started my own company to distribute SKINourishment products. Throughout 2011 and 2012, I attended over 40 events in the Pittsburgh region and acquired wholesale and retail customers. In mid-2012, I was approached by my aunt to join SKINourishment on a regular basis. You can read a bit more about that by clicking here.
GG: What is your favorite part of the job?
Will: I love interacting with fans of the brand via social media and in real life. In addition, I love to meet new people and have the opportunity to introduce them to the product.
GG: That aspect of your personality shone through the first time I met you. Your enthusiasm is evident, so what makes this company stand out from its competition and why is that important to you?
Will: When I think of natural skin care or organic skin care and the market that it has become over the last decade, I kind of giggle to myself.
Personally, I find our approach to skin care to still be way ahead of the curve across world markets. We don't use any synthetic ingredients at all. Today you will find companies not using synthetic fragrances, but that simply puts us at less than 1% of the skin care companies across the world. In addition, every synthetic ingredient is tested on animals. Therefore, companies that use synthetics can still claim they don't test on animals where their ingredients are still tested on animals.
GG: Really? I wasn't aware of that, but it makes sense. What you're saying is that a company can state they don't do animal testing, but the ingredients that come from somewhere else are tested on animals from the supplier.
Will: Right. And we don't stop there. Aside from not using any synthetic ingredients, we also don't use any fillers, parabens, or perfumes. And all of our products are free of GMOs.
The amount of knowledge I have gained about the cosmetics and skin care market over the last few years, is insanely mind blowing. I can't even begin to tap into the wealth of knowledge my aunt has about this subject, but I sure try.
GG: Of all of the products you sell, Will, what are your three favorites?
Will: That's a tough question. I have fallen in love with so many of our products for different reasons. I think if I had to choose, it would be climbOn Creme, RIDICULOUS! Spray, and SKINourishment SPA Face Tonic. I use the climbOn Creme for everything from out of the shower to wind burn. RIDICULOUS! is great for pre-workout, post-workout, after long days on your feet, long car rides, and more. Finally, the Face Tonic is insanely refreshing and energizing.
GG: These are great suggestions for the winner of the giveaway who will have a $25 gift certificate to spend on your site. Moving away from the products, let's get more personal. Who inspires you?
Will: I have been extremely fortunate to have several inspirations close to me in my life.
- My mother: She ran a small business called Kate and Allie's Cafe and Catering. She loved to share her passion for food at work and at home.
- My father: It's simple -- He will do anything to help his friends and family.
- My Uncle Steve and Aunt Joette: They married young, started a family and a business and, against all odds, succeeded through love, passion, and hard work. They operate their business on trust and integrity, building it solely through word of mouth.
- My Aunt Polly: She constantly and consistently overcomes all odds. From having a woman-owned business to entering the billion dollar brutal cosmetic market, through everything, she just does it.
GG: You're right. You are quite fortunate to be surrounded by such inspirational people. With your commitment to safe personal care products, I can't help wondering if it carries over to other parts of your life, such as your food choices, etc.
Will: Working for a company that values healthy living in terms of cosmetics has certainly changed the way I look at everything I do. From reading ingredient labels more closely to finding more ways to be active, it has truly helped me become a better person.
In the last year, I started to tackle my long-term stomach issues, being far more aware of what my body wants and doesn't want. I find myself not needing caffeine to function, and generally making healthier choices.
I learned overall that being honest with yourself about your choices is the most important thing. Taking care of your body should always be a top priority.
GG: Good lessons to learn and impart. So what three ingredients do you avoid at all costs?
Will: Personally, I do everything in my power to stick to our company policy that if it's not something you can eat, then your shouldn't put it on your skin. It doesn't get more simple than that.
GG: I know you don't have any children at this point, but was wondering if you were to have kids, would you cloth diaper them?
Will: I have two cousins; one who did cloth diaper their child and one who didn't. I can't think about kids right now, let alone decide if I would choose to cloth diaper them.
GG: Before we close this enlightening interview, why don't you give us one fun fact about you?
Will: One time I slept through a fire alarm going off in our apartment complex. I woke to a firefighter and my father standing there. Needless to say, I am great at sleeping!
***
Don't forget to check out the 5th Blogiversary Giveaway for a chance to win some Wise Wife Soaps products and a whole bunch more prizes valued at $500+.
Since I have such awesome sponsors for the 5 Year Blogiversary Giveaway, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of them so you could get to know them, or their products better.
Katie Vance, of Wise Wife Soaps, graciously agreed to be interviewed for today's post. For all of you moms out there who have babies and little ones at home, you'll especially enjoy Katie's story of being a wife, mommy, and small business owner.
Katie donated a basket of her products to the huge blogiversary giveaway. The basket includes: bar soaps, a lavender roll on perfume, spicy bay rum roll on perfume, and some lavender beeswax lotion.
Click here to read a review I did of some of her products. You can follow Katie on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Green Grandma Interview Series: Katie Vance of Wise Wife Soaps
GG: What motivated you to start Wise Wife Soaps?
Katie: When my husband and I were first married, his skin was continually irritated from commercial soaps. This led us to start buying all natural and organic soaps. However, we were both in college and couldn't really afford those expensive soaps, so I started researching cold process soap-making and made my first batch in 2011.
GG: So when did you make the move from making soap for personal use to actually starting a business selling it?
Katie: 2013 was the "official" launch, however from 2011 to 2013, I perfected my soaps and made products for friends and family.
GG: What were you doing before you decided to do this?
Katie: Before I started Wise Wife Soaps (WWS), I did a variety of things. I was a substitute teacher, an administrative assistant at a hospice, and a preschool teacher... I hold a degree in English Literature and certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, and Aromatherapy. I guess you could say that I'm just a jack of all trades.
GG: That's quite a resume, Katie. So what is your favorite part of this job?
Katie: I love making products that are good for people, but that don't break the bank! When I see customers smell my soaps and try my lotions, the look on their faces says it all. I am happy to provide products that help others maintain a happy and healthy family without forcing them to spend a fortune.
GG: I know that's important to the folks here in the Green Grandma community. Most of us are looking for ways to cut costs while still paying attention to safe ingredients for our families. What makes your company stand out from its competitors?
Katie: So many soap-makers use fragrance oils in their products. At WWS, we never do that. We only use pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. Fragrance oils often irritate skin since they have an undisclosed ingredient list. When you think about "fragrance oils," think along the lines of "natural or artificial flavors in food, which can have numerous undisclosed ingredients as well. In my opinion, fragrance oils make even the best soaps not worth using.
We also craft castile soap from scratch. That means our soaps have a high percentage of, and most are completely made of, olive oil. Many soap-makers will use less expensive oils or unnatural fillers to make more profit.
GG: But surely, you're looking to make a profit, too.
Katie: Of course, but our philosophy is less about making money and more about making a product we can be proud of. That's why our slogan is: "Simple Ingredients, Better Beauty."
GG: You had a baby this past year. How do you manage to juggle being a wife, mommy, and business owner?
Katie: Each day, I try to set one goal. That may be for the business, for my home, or for my family. I achieve the goal, and then I move on. It makes me freel good about my time management and it also ensures that things still get done (even if it does take me a while!).
GG: I love that! I don't have any little ones at home, but I certainly have a lot of different coals in the fire and constantly struggle with juggling them. Setting a goal for different things every day could really help me focus. Thank you!
Katie: You're welcome. I also try to prioritize, which means, faith first, then family, then business.
GG: Ahh... we're now starting to understand the name of your business -- Wise Wife. You certainly have a lot of wisdom for your age.
Katie: Thank you. I'm very blessed to have an extremely supportive husband and family. My mother-in-law is our dedicated babysitter when I have craft shows and markets to attend. I make soap and products on the days when my husband is not working and I pack and ship orders in the evenings after my son goes to bed. Some days are tough, but it is always worth it!
GG: Do you hope to have more children?
Katie: Definitely! We are enjoying this season with our son so much and would welcome another addition, all in God's timing.
GG: How does your husband support you in your business?
Katie: Oh my, it would have been much easier if you asked me how does he "not" support my business! He tests soap for me, helps me at every farmer's market (he even arranges his schedule so he can attend each one!), watches the baby while I make soap, helps me think of blog posts, and the list continues.
GG: You're certainly blessed to have a partner like that! You mentioned your blog. What is the link so others in the community can follow you?
Katie: It's just wisewifesoaps.com. That's my website where I feature DIY articles, natural living tips, and recipes. There's also a shopping section where you can order the products I make.
GG: Obviously, you have a terrific husband. But who else inspires you?
Katie: I am inspired by "the wise wife" of Proverbs 31. While my business is called "Wise Wife Soaps," I am a wise wife in progress. This proverb teaches about a wife who is hard working, slow to speech, wise in words, and who fears the Lord.
GG: It sounds like you're definitely on the right path, Katie. Part of wisdom as a wife and mother involves keeping your family safe from things that could harm them. Does your commitment to safe personal care products carry over to other parts of your life, such as food choices, etc.?
Katie: Absolutely. In our home, we buy non-GMO foods, local produce, and local grassfed meats. We also use all natural cleaners (like vinegar), cloth diapers, and glass bottles. We believe that what goes in our bodies is just as important as what goes on our skin.
GG: You're continuing to imprint that "wise wife" impression on us. So, what are three ingredients you definitely avoid at all costs?
Katie: In my personal care products -- sulfates/sulfites, triclosan, and PEG. In my foods -- high fructose corn syrup, MSG (in all forms), and hydrogenated oils.
GG: Good choices. I think we could all learn a lot from you. But how about telling us something about yourself which may surprise us?
Katie: I was prom queen! Which was a big surprise for m, since I was a size 11 throughout high school and never the most popular girl. It just goes to show that being beautiful on the inside is much more important!
GG: This has been a fun interview. I really appreciate your taking the time to share a bit of your story with us. I have one final question: How long have you been a follower of Green Grandma and a member of the GG community?
Katie: Since 2011, when my mother-in-law gave me a copy of VINEGAR FRIDAYS. It was love at first read!
***
Don't forget to check out the 5th Blogiversary Giveaway for a chance to win some Wise Wife Soaps products and a whole bunch more prizes valued at $500+.
