Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane May Graves.
Hi Jane May , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
While getting my degree in biology and chemistry at Georgia State, I worked in a microbiology lab. I became a published researcher in the journal of Microbiologist Methods. The research article was about bacteria swarming and the surfactant tween 80.
When I graduated from college, I took my MCAT, and I was going to medical school. However, my path changed when my Mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and the doctors said she only had a few more months to live at best. I headed home to be with my mother and help to save her life.
My life took a new direction when I became obsessed with finding natural ways to heal her cancer (that is a whole other story).
I started learning about the importance of avoiding products that contain toxins to reduce the body’s toxic load so it can heal.
A book called Skin Deep; The Ugly side of the beauty industry opened my eyes to the widespread use of toxins ingredients in skincare products.
For the first time in my life, I started reading and researching the ingredients in skincare products.
I was shocked to see that many products contained toxic and unhealthy ingredients, especially since our skin is our largest organ. It takes approximately 30 seconds for a chemical on the skin to enter the bloodstream. I couldn’t believe that so many common products contained unhealthy ingredients such as petrolatum, mineral oil, polyethylene glycol, phthalates, silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, which can be up to 220 chemicals to make one fragrance.
I became frustrated and disappointed with the organic and natural skincare options because many contained ineffective fillers like glycerin, alcohol, cheap oils, fruit juices, and beeswax. The beneficial and effective ingredients are often found at the bottom of the ingredients list, meaning their concentration is deficient.
My frustrations turned to inspiration when I realized there was a void in the skincare market that met my health standards and desires.
I created Luxe Beauty to fill a void in the skincare market. I worked to develop unique formulas with the world’s top dermatologists and chemists. All formulations are proprietary, using high concentrations of effective and exquisite ingredients.
I am grateful my Mom survived stage 4 cancer and thankful her cancer journey inspired me to create a new kind of skincare that I get to share with the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wouldn’t say it has been a smooth road, but that’s part of the process when creating something new and unique. It takes perseverance and determination to make one’s ideas/vision come to fruition.
I prefer to look at “struggle” as opportunities, blessings, and often redirection. The old saying one door closes, another one opens carries a lot of value. Everything has its perfect timing and trusting that there is divine timing for everything is very imperative.
Every new product I create takes many years to select the rare and exquisite ingredients worldwide. Rather than reuse existing formulas from labs like most skincare companies, our formulas are uniquely developed, proprietary, and perfected for many years with top chemists and dermatologists testing. Sourcing Eco-friendly, sustainable glass packaging is very important to me, yet it is not easy to source.
When creating something new and unique, patience is essential. My business has taught me to be patient. Greatness doesn’t happen overnight.
We’ve been impressed with Luxe Beauty, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I was inspired to create a new type of skincare company after my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer.
My mother’s diagnosis awakened me to the importance of avoiding toxic personal care products.
Luxe Beauty was created for health-purist and label readers who want the most exquisite, pure, and luxurious ingredients on their largest organ, your skin.
Luxe Beauty is where purity meets luxury.
My team and I are dedicated to using the highest quality and precious ingredients from around the world. I personally search the world for the rarest ingredients.
Many skincare brands, even “natural” ones, use cheap filler ingredients such as glycerin, organic fruit juices, alcohol, beeswax, and inexpensive oils as their main top ingredients. These ingredients are considered ” fillers” because they aren’t effective at delivering long-term positive results.
Luxe Beauty refuses to cut corners with filler ingredients, such as petroleum oil, petrolatum, mineral oil, organic fruit juices, beeswax, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, parabens, colors/dyes, and propylene glycol. We have the cleanest rating of zero on the popular ThinkDirty App, which rates products based on ingredients and toxicity.
From the moment I conceived the idea of creating Luxe Beauty, I decided to take on the onus of environmentalism and make the tough and sometimes expensive choices that would necessitate. Observing how the world is drowning in a sea of plastic packaging, I refused to follow the cheap and easy trend of using alluring plastic packaging. I also did not want plastic chemicals leaching into my products or use wasteful pretty boxes that end up in the landfills.
All Luxe Beauty products are bottled in glass, and each side of the glass bottle contains information about the product.
My team and I are proud of how Luxe Beauty has grown widely through word of mouth and recommendations. Many celebrities have fallen in love with our brand, and the #1 hand model in the world (who holds the Chanel no.5 bottle in their ads and the hands for Katy Perry) has recommended Luxe lotion to keep her hands in top condition.
Today’s growing number of people with chemical sensitivities, auto-immune issues, and cancer, health-conscious formulas matter more than ever. Luxe Beauty’s Innovative formulas centered around the highest quality ingredients that are result-driven are paramount. The days of compromising our health with chemical-filled formulas for results are numbered. For so long, the idea was we have to use harsh chemicals because they work and provide results; however, with innovative chemistry, research & development, and talented formulators, Luxe Beauty provides healthy products that are results-driven to awaken the skin’s natural brilliance.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Follow your heart and Passion. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t. Be authentic and find your unique gifts to share with the world. We were all born with gifts and talents. It’s up to us to discover and nurture those gifts.
One of my favorite quotes “Passion is a feeling that tells you: this is the right thing to do. Nothing can stand in your way. It doesn’t matter what anyone else says. This feeling is so good that it cannot be ignored. I will follow my bliss and act upon this glorious sensation of joy.” Wayne Dyer.
When I follow my Passion and intuition, I am always guided in the direction of my highest good. We all have an inner guidance system to which we must learn to listen for inner happiness and success. Learning to trust one’s heart is monumental.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.luxebeauty.com
- Instagram: @luxebeauty
- Facebook: @luxebeautyskincare
Image Credits
Bottle images: Pro Photo Studio
