Our Mission
We believe in doing things better!
Our goal is to empower our customers to make more sustainable choices. Our unconditional commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations; Our product packaging, quality ingredients, materials sourcing, and everything in between is consciously and meticulously researched.
With a deep commitment to preserving our planet, we strive to provide environmentally friendly essentials that not only enhance your well-being but contribute to a greener future.
Sustainable Packaging
Around here, we prioritize both you and the environment. Our unwavering commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of our operations, including our product packaging and shipping methods. We are proud to say that nearly 100% of our packaging is plastic-free, right down to the label.
For the few products that aren't completely plastic-free, we have incorporated reusable components. Take, for example, our Cleansing Oil and Hydrosol Toner, which are available in a reusable dropper/sprayer with a partly-plastic design and a plastic-free metal-cap refill option.
When it comes to packaging materials, we choose reusable and recyclable options to minimize waste. Our glass jars with metal lids, reusable metal tins, and biodegradable cardboard push-tubes are not only eco-friendly but also contribute to the circular economy. Glass and metal can be infinitely recycled, while plastic can only be recycled a limited number of times.
To ensure your orders reach you in an environmentally responsible manner, we employ a range of sustainable shipping practices. Our reusable/recyclable cardboard boxes, recyclable/biodegradable paper tape, water-soluble/biodegradable corn starch peanuts (FDA compliant and dissolvable in your sink), recyclable kraft paper, and a notecard made from recycled materials and carbon-negative waste all play a role in reducing our carbon footprint.
To ship non-glass items, we utilize 100% curbside recyclable padded paper mailers, which are lined with macerated newsprint as a padding material. We go the extra mile by carbon offsetting every order that leaves our studio, ensuring that every purchase is carbon-neutral.
Ethical Sourcing
Our dedication lies in sourcing the finest natural and organic raw materials that align with our values of fair trade, cruelty-free practices, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. We firmly believe in supporting our local community, which is why we prioritize local sourcing whenever possible. One notable example is our partnership with Minnesota beekeepers, where we responsibly obtain our beeswax. By sourcing locally, we not only ensure the highest quality of ingredients but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of our community.
Bees play a vital role in our ecosystem, as they are responsible for pollinating one-third of the crops we consume today. Unfortunately, unsustainable bee farming, modern urbanization, and pesticide use have led to bees being listed as endangered species. Supporting sustainable and ethical bee farming practices is crucial for the growth and health of bee populations.
Harvesting honey and beeswax from hives contributes to the overall well-being of bee colonies by preventing diseases and pests, ultimately leading to thriving bee populations. This symbiotic relationship is key to their survival. To ensure the bees' welfare, we source our beeswax from a local, ethical, family-owned beekeeping farm.
We take pride in partnering with a farm that is passionately committed to the preservation of bee populations, while simultaneously promoting the well-being of the local environment and economy. This dedicated farm places sustainable beekeeping practices at the forefront of their operations, prioritizing the health and happiness of their cherished bees.
One of the ways in which they demonstrate their commitment is by extracting only the excess honey and beeswax from the hives. By carefully managing this process, they ensure that the bees always have an abundant supply of resources, enabling them to flourish within a thriving and nourishing environment.
Our commitment to sustainable sourcing extends to every aspect of our business, and we take pride in supporting practices that prioritize the well-being of bees and the health of our environment.
Pure & Organic Ingredients
We proudly handcraft our products in small batches, using carefully selected pure, organic, and high quality ingredients. No nasties. We use cold-pressed, premium grade oils and raw butters. If an ingredient can be sourced certified organic, we're using it. Because we believe what we put on our skin matters.
We've been using our magical formulas since the beginning and are confident in saying our products do exactly what we say they do.
How it started
Our journey began back in 2017 during our freshman year of college when we stumbled upon the inspiring Zero Waste Movement through social media. Motivated to reduce our plastic consumption, we embarked on a mission to find plastic-free alternatives to our favorite products. To our surprise, we couldn't find what we were looking for, so we decided to take matters into our own hands and began crafting our own essentials.
As we delved deeper into the world of homemade products, we developed a profound appreciation for the power of plants and the simplicity of natural ingredients. Not only did this lifestyle change transform our troubled skin, but it also had a positive impact on various aspects of our lives. It ignited a desire within us to revolutionize the beauty industry by making plastic-free products more accessible to all. We envisioned clean and simple formulations that would prioritize our health, preserve our waterways, and safeguard the environment. Throughout this incredible journey, we discovered the joy of creativity and innovation.
In 2018, responding to the demand from our Instagram followers, we began selling our DIY products. Our blog, @sustainyrself, which we had started in 2017, served as a place for inspiration, offering practical tips and guidance on reducing plastic in our homes, daily routines, and everyday lives. Little did we anticipate that just one year after launching our sustainable lifestyle page, we would embark on an entirely new adventure - starting our own business.
How it's going
Our humble beginnings trace back to the cozy confines of our mom's basement and tiny kitchen in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where we passionately pursued our business for the first four years. But as time went on, the lines between living and working at home blurred, and we felt the toll it was taking on our mental well-being and motivation. It was time to move the business out. In February 2022, we made the exciting move into a huge and bright studio office in North East Minneapolis. Since then, we have infused new life into our shop and it has been a joy to create in a space we truly love and can call our own.
Becoming businesswomen was never something we had envisioned for ourselves before we started selling our products. We were filled with doubt and uncertainty, questioning whether we had what it took to navigate the complexities of running a business. The world of taxes, certifications, pricing strategies, and responsible sourcing — it was all a mystery to us. Building our business took a lot of trial and error, but we were fortunate enough to have an incredible Instagram community that supported us every step of the way.
As we continue to grow, our values remain unchanged. We pour our hearts into creating products that work, that are safe for both you and the planet. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. That's why our packaging is zero-waste, and we go the extra mile to offset the carbon emissions of every order we ship. We're not interested in taking shortcuts or compromising our principles. You won't find our products on corporate marketplaces like Amazon, where profit often comes before people and the environment.
We are eternally grateful for your presence, support and encouragement. It fills us with joy to see our creations making a positive impact in the lives of others. Your support fuels our passion and reminds us why we started in the first place. Together, we can demand a future where sustainability and personal care go hand in hand.
