Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Schneider.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We are four women, sisters, and mothers who launched from our childhood home to the four corners of the United States. We had strong parents who were passionate about promoting curiosity, healthy skepticism, self-assuredness, and awareness of our impact on others and the world in which we live. As we traversed our different paths, we explored skincare and wellness products that were often misleading in their labeling of ‘natural’ ingredients, expensive, and overpackaged.
In the early months of 2020, as life was put on hold and we all hunkered during the COVID 19 pandemic, we found ourselves in a unique position. We were in a moment when we could study natural ingredients and learn about their therapeutic properties which gave us an opportunity to “travel the world” while being homebound. We discovered and investigated COSMOS, the standard for natural and organic skincare around the world and used it as our compass for formulating our own skincare. We committed to being environmentally attuned to sustainability practices in manufacturing and packaging as we rolled out our test products to friends and family.
We solidified our vision to create products to be used by people of all skin types, ages, races, genders, and socio-economic levels. Many hours of researching, reading, studying, consulting, discussing, and many goopy and messy errors later, we have created a skincare regime that meets our goals. We have continued to keep true to the mission while also ensuring that what you are applying to your skin is ALL nourishing and free of anything contrary to all the other daily choices you make to live a long and healthy life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Beginning and sustaining this business, we have found some challenges:
1) Sourcing locally. Ideally, we would like our ingredients locally grown. However, due to the GMP standards, few local companies can supply the documentation required.
2) Minimalist packaging. Minimalist packaging reduces waste and environmental impact. We are trying to shift the consumer focus from the external presentation to the product inside.
3) Plastic. The skincare industry is a major contributor to plastic waste. This plastic often ends up in landfills or oceans, causing significant environmental damage. Most of our containers and packaging are recyclable, sustainable, or biodegradable. We are trying to create a closed system model whereby our customers may return their glass bottles for a discount. We are participating in the Hennepin County Low Waste Grant, and we sanitize the returned bottles for reuse in our products.
4) Fair prices. We found that natural skincare was becoming more and more inaccessible to everyone and was being marketed as a “privilege” afforded to a few. Like healthy food options, healthy skincare should be accessible to all people. Our goal is to set prices that keeps the products affordable while ensuring the long-term success and ethics of our business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about For They Skincare & Wellness, LLC?
For They Skincare & Wellness is a sister-led team of four dedicated to creating high-quality skincare products. Our mission is to promote radiant skin while adhering to our core principles:
– Embrace nature by utilizing all-natural and organic ingredients
– Formulate for individuals of all skincare backgrounds
– Implement eco-friendly practices through sustainable methods and packaging
– Maintain fair and approachable pricing
Proudly crafted in Minneapolis, our products meet the COSMOS standard, recognized globally as a benchmark for natural and organic skincare excellence.
What makes you happy?
We feel happiness by fulfilling our purpose of formulating and creating our skincare products. At every market we participate in, we get to engage and connect with people as they are experiencing our products. There is something truly special about seeing people enjoy the care and craftsmanship firsthand. It’s more than just selling a product; it’s about forming connections, sharing knowledge, and sparking joy in those moments of discovery.
Knowledge, creativity, and meaningful exchanges, that is what brings us happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fortheyskincare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortheyskincare/
