Monday, November 14, 2016

Local Lovin': Khaki's Bomb Balm



I met Khaki of Khaki's Bomb Balm at this year's W.E.L.L. Summit and I was immediately smitten with her. Why? Well, I just got such a good vibe from her. She introduced herself and her brand in a photo workshop breakout session and noted she was from Newburyport MA and that was that; I decided to go make myself a new friend. I sat down next to her in another session and I would like to think that we bonded a little because "We're Moms-WELL Summit Tribe-Green Beauty- We're Awesome". I totally had to spotlight her brand because she's hands on (as in she's working her magic doing facial care treatments in her studio) but she's also got a line of amazing skincare products that don't have any of those nasty ingredients that I'm always talking about. I'm personally a big fan of her Dusk Radiance Treatment Serum, just sayin'! I thought I would touch base with Khaki post W.E.L.L. Summit and ask her some of my Local Lovin' questions because she is the perfect fit for a multitude of reasons... so Prim and Propah readers, meet Khaki! 



Give us a little background as to how Khaki's Bomb Balm came about. What initially drove you to start your brand?

I started Khaki's Bomb Balm after moving back to New England from Seattle, WA and finding it difficult to find that truly clean and holistic approach to skincare on the east coast. I learned a lot about natural, raw ingredients and essential oils while working as an esthetician in Seattle. I decided to start researching and experimenting and before I knew it I was opening an Etsy shop and building a brand (with my then 6 month old daughter who is now 3.5yrs). I just ran with it, I was having so much fun learning and formulating new products that is kind of just took over! It started in my kitchen on Plum Island, MA and eventually I acquired the studio, where I now create the products and also perform exclusively natural skincare and waxing treatments in Newburyport, MA

When creating your products, where do you take inspiration from?

I take a lot of inspiration from my customers and friends. I've had people say, you should think about making deodorant, and I say OK! Good idea! I also take inspiration from where I live. Newburyport is an adorable seaside port city filled with people who love the outdoors and walking the beach year round. I like to create products that really nourish and protect the skin, heal it and make you feel taken care of. New England seasons can be intense, in the Summer you will be glad you have a good day time moisturizer with SPF and in the Winter a super hydrating facial serum to replenish.

I love that you have shaped your business around being safe and natural . Why is this important to you?

Natural skincare and personal care products are not only important to our health but they can be part of a really beautiful self care and self love routine. Just like when you eat well and feel good about it, when you use clean, healthy products, you feel like you are being good to yourself. Safe natural products are of course preferable to me because our skin is a sponge! Anything you put on your body will enter your blood stream at some capacity. There are so many harmful, toxic chemicals in beauty products. Endocrine disrupters, carcinogens, artificial fragrance, parabens, all these chemicals that are linked to cancer. We need to be thinking not only about what we put IN our bodies, but what we put ON them as well.

What do you love to do in New England, when you aren't busy running your business?

I love love love where I live. My family and I really enjoy walking around downtown Newburyport. We hit the playground, walk down to the water front, get some local coffee or ice cream. We like to walk in the woods and visit my mom on Plum Island. The Newburyport Farmers Market every Sunday is a must (when I'm not vending). I really appreciate having all 4 seasons, so I embrace it and get in to all the festive Fall and Winter happenings. 

You have certainly found some fantastic early success! Where do you see Khaki's Bomb Balm headed in the future?

Thank you! I'd love to move my studio to a great storefront location here in NBPT. I picture selling my products along side several of my favorite clean skincare and make up lines. Khaki's Bomb Balm is actually in the beginning stage of a rebranding to coincide with my Face Food skincare studio. Eventually I plan to open a shop that sells green beauty and home care products as well as serves as a natural skincare studio. Wish me luck! : )


Want to catch up with Khaki? Check out her website, Facebook, and her Instagram


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