Mom Topics - Beauty and Fashion

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I recently tried handmade beauty products from Cactus & Ivy.  The luxurious body scrubs, the good smelling elixirs, and the idea that none of this was tested by animals made me want to learn more about handmade beauty products. I interviewed Lisa M. Rodgers, the super nice owner of Cactus & Ivy beauty company and she shared some insights to handmade beauty product world. 

Katja: What would you say is the biggest difference between the mass produced beauty products and the handmade products?

Lisa: Handmade products are created to offer a variety instead of the "big box" theory of the same thing, just packaged differently.  Providing an alternative that is carefully thought out and created by hands that truly want a product that is beneficial to the consumer.  There is a more personal feel and the consumer will know that the handmade product was created with the heart and soul of the creator. The skin is also the body’s largest organ so it’s no surprise consumers are wanting to incorporate personal care products with natural ingredients into their lives.   

Katja: Your products are also not tested on animals, right?

Lisa:Cactus & Ivy does not, nor will we ever test our products on animals.  We are a member of Caring Consumer and The Leaping Bunny Program.  After joining the Caring Consumer program, we decided to remove all animal byproducts from our ingredients.  We have replaced beeswax with candelilla wax and we no longer even use honey.  Each opportunity brings change and Cactus & Ivy wants to change with it.  So in addition to Cactus & Ivy products being "cruelty free" we are actually now "vegan" too.    

Katja: I have very sensitive skin, and many beauty products won't work for me. The Cactus & Ivy products work really well for sensitive skin too, do you do something differently than most companies?

Lisa: Yes, we are committed to offering products free of artificial flavors, colors & fragrance. We utilize oils that are high in Omega 3, Vitamin A, C, D, E & F, Oleic Acid, Palmitoleic Acid & Linolic Acid to revitalize & restore the skins normal balance.  Research has shown that 60% of skincare products applied topically is absorbed by the skin.   

Katja: How did you get started with your business?  

Lisa: I got started in natural spa products after I left a micro managed job to pursue something on my own, but what that was, I didn't have a clue.  I was interested in natural products and curious as to how they were made.  I started making natural soaps for a company in Seattle that was in need for independent reps.  Later, the owner was no longer interested in the business so I decided to create Cactus & Ivy.  Now, here I am, 8 years later.  

Katja: What would you say are the biggest challenges natural beauty product companies face? 

Lisa: The greatest challenges I face are competing with the companies that can afford to purchase nifty packaging at large volumes or has the added capital to run ads for an abundance of exposure.  Consumers are starting to look to the "indie" part of the natural products industry.  I look at how we all started out.  The "indie" manufacturer has always been providing the handmade, natural product and is now being recognized.  The larger companies are starting to realize that natural is the way to go so they've stepped up to the plate and are providing the added competition. 

Shop now for Cactus & Ivy handmade beauty products.

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