Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Larsen.
Sally B’s Skin Yummies is a labor of love, founded by Atlanta-native and self-confessed “product girl” Sally. A healthy, active, and conscious woman, she embarked upon her 30’s as a successful businesswoman, a mother of two young boys, and, like most 30-somethings, without too many cares in the world. But at the age of 37, doctors discovered a cancerous bone tumor growing out of her pelvis. After a year of operations, radiation, and plenty of stress while bedridden with two curly-haired toddlers at her side, Sally was cancer-free. However, her remission presented a surprising new challenge: a diagnosis of Lymphedema. During her cancer treatments the lymph nodes in her right leg were removed. This resulted in that area of her body unable to regulate fluid or filter out bacteria. A chronic condition, Sally would endure weight gain, infections, and a larger than normal leg. But through it all, there was a silver lining. She learned about inflammation and the negative impacts it can have on the entire body system, including the immune system.
This was the 1990s when there was little mainstream conversation about the benefits of an organic lifestyle. However, armed with first-hand knowledge of inflammation, she replaced processed foods with organic, healthy options. The results were inspiring, which led Sally to have another ah-ha moment. What about the products she was putting directly on her skin? What if she started feeding her skin with organic products?
Sally was on to something, but the organic personal care market was in its infancy and the products available were not effective. It was then that she let her entrepreneurial spirit take over and set out to transform her seasonal hobby of lotion making into her life’s calling. Under the guidance of a nutritionist and a chemist, she built a solid foundation of skin care principles and formulations. Then, armed with countless hours of ingredient and cosmetic research, she began creating products void of chemicals and toxins on her own. In 2005, she launched Sally B’s Skin Yummies to share her mission with others.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting any business in your 50’s is a challenge but especially the very competitive beauty business. I want to appeal to all ages since this is a mission to help women avoid toxins in the beauty aisle. It’s a struggle to figure out how to appeal to women in their 20’s and 30’s. We have hired women at all stages to overcome this.
In addition, as in most industries, there are many changes along the way. We are constantly striving to keep up with the most recent research on ingredients and work very hard at our sourcing to keep the product in line with our mission.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Sally B’s Skin Yummies produces over 25 organic, good-for-you products for the face and body. Her products are not only a soothing solution to those with sensitive skin issues, but are healthy, effective products that benefit any aged skin. Customers all over the world have reported healthy, beautiful skin thanks to Sally B’s products.
Like any pioneer in an emerging industry, Sally B’s Skin Yummies’ work is far from done. The company remains on the forefront of organic industry news, ingredient research, and industry trends, which is evident by their product offerings. From time-to-time a product will get an update when a new, organic ingredient or recyclable packaging solution becomes available. This is just another reason why Sally B’s labor of love – hand making products in small batches – is pioneering the organic personal care industry and our overall health.
We are very proud of being one of the first 12 companies in the world to get EWG Verified on many of our products. Seeing the EWG VERIFIED™ mark means that a product avoids the EWG’s ingredients of concern, and the company is committed to full transparency and operates under good manufacturing practices. The product also:
1. Meets EWG’S strictest criteria for transparency and health
2. Avoids ingredients that authoritative health bodies have flagged for potential health
concerns,
3. Has labeling that fully discloses its ingredients,
4. Uses adequate preservatives,
5. Is free of contaminants, and
6. Follows good manufacturing practices.
The EWG VERIFIED™ mark helps shoppers quickly and easily identify personal care products, including cosmetics, which meet EWG’s strictest standards while shopping in stores and online. Items bearing the mark must score in the “green” range in EWG’s Skin Deep® cosmetics database and meet additional criteria set by EWG scientists
The research and paperwork required to achieve and keep this verification seal are rigorous and ongoing but this lets our customers know the level of commitment that we have.
What were you like growing up?
Making personal care products that are made from organic ingredients; are non-toxic to humans and our planet; and that also perform to enhance the beauty and health of our skin.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $8 to $58
Contact Info:
- Address: Sally B’s Skin Yummies
800 Miami Circle, Suite 110
Atlanta, GA 30324 - Website: www.sallybskinyummies.com
- Phone: 877-344-4537
- Email: info@sallybskinyummies.com
- Instagram: sallybskinyummies
- Facebook: skinyummies
- Twitter: skinyummies
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
