We Talk All Things Clean Beauty with Jazmin Alvarez - Founder of Pretty Well Beauty
Tell us about Pretty Well Beauty, how did it all begin and what makes you so passionate about clean beauty?
I launched PWB in Jan 2019 because I noticed a lack of transparency, and inclusivity in this niche area of beauty. I’ve always been obsessed with beauty, but I personally started using clean beauty about 9 years ago and it completely changed my relationship with my skin. I of course couldn’t keep it to myself, so I started sharing my discoveries with friends and really becoming an advocate for reading and understanding the ingredient labels on the products we put on our skin, which is our largest organ. Most often people would really only look at food labels, but our skin absorbs up to 60% of what we put on it, so I felt that it deserved to be treated the same way as we treat the rest of our body. It is our first defense from disease, viruses, environmental stressors etc so when you think of it from that vantage point, you can’t help but to start to become more conscientious
What would you say have been the most positive learnings for you since launching your business so far?
Oh my gosh where do I even start? I’ve learned so much, not only about business but about myself. Being an entrepreneur has really forced me to step outside my comfort zone and to be audacious and intentional with everything I do. Shooting my shot at things and being successful with the outcome no matter how small the ask has been such a learning tool. My mom always said, “A closed mouth can’t get fed.” So, knowing when to ask for help has been a big positive learning moment as well as relying more on my gut instincts.
What are your current can’t-live-without products if you had to choose?
That’s ever-evolving but the items that I have been the most consistent for me and that I’ve coined my “holy grail” products are the No.1 scalp/hair oil by MFlorens, Face Wash by Earth tu Face (been using this for years!) Cacao Antioxidant Face Mask by Josh Rosebrook, Body Serum by Leland Francis and Keen lip crayon by Axiology.
Do you have a favourite at home wellness routine in the morning, especially at the moment during isolation that can help to ease anxiety?
Yes, each morning (if I don’t have to be somewhere super early) I spend time doing Gua Sha. It really helps to move the lymphatic system so that I look less puffy. It also helps the products I’ve apply to penetrate deeper and sculpts the face with the right technique. It really is an incredible tool when used right plus it feels AH-mazing!!
What does the future look like for Pretty Well Beauty?
How do you see your business evolving after lockdown? I think the future is bright for Pretty Well Beauty. We are a digital brand so focusing on the e-commerce platform was one of my goals this year anyway instead of relying as much on pop up events. Now I have no choice! I hope to grow my team and also develop a line of clean hair products for curly hair types.
What would you say to other small businesses at the moment and are there any that you would love to hero?
I would say that this moment we are in is a good time to reset and prioritize what you need to do to help your business to sustain itself during this time. Perhaps you’ll have to shift your revenue targets or find a way to get creative with how you reach your customers. I think right now it’s all about doing what we can with what we have to support each other. I personally prefer to shop small and support small businesses because I know first-hand how hard it is. Also, I find that the offerings at small businesses are much more authentic and unique. I’d love to partner with other brands and perhaps do some type of giveaway to help build community and grow brand awareness. I would hero any and all small businesses right now, especially those in the service-based industry that are unable to operate normally like my friend at Reserved + Polished who offers on-demand in home/hotel/office beauty services.
Finally, what does your idea of an ideal Sunday look like?
Sleeping in and just waking up naturally. Going to brunch and sitting outside eating a beautiful, healthy meal with someone I love. Taking an aimless stroll around the neighbourhood window shopping. Maybe catching an early evening movie and then cooking dinner at home together with a loved one. Then finally ending the evening with a hot bath and candles and snuggling before falling asleep!
Sounds like our kind of Sunday! Find out more and shop Jazmin’s clean beauty edit at https://prettywellbeauty.com/ and her instagram is a must-follow if you’re interested in keeping up-to-date with the very latest in clean beauty.
