Today we’d like to introduce you to Catherine E Greene.
Catherine, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started making this cream (specifically Revitalize) for myself about four years ago. I was tired of regular lotion – it always felt watery and never lasted long. I was also tired of a long list of ingredients that weren’t REAL. I was tired of having separate jars for different parts of my body – it was just all too much! I wanted something simple and effective, something that would work in the heat of summer (to not feel thick on my skin) and the dryness of winter. I wanted something that my skin would actually absorb and not that would just sit on top to be wiped away with everything I touched.
Do you know how hard that is to find? So, my solution was to make my own. I tweaked the recipe until it felt good and added some additional vitamins and essential oils to help with general skin maintenance. I used ingredients that have been shown to be safe for varieties of skin types, just so I never had to worry about it. I made it so that it would be kind to my face and strong for my body. It was essential that it was one jar of goodness, as natural and simple as I could make it and still feel like I was pampering myself.
Then, the great lockdown of 2020 happened, and I was out of work for a bit. I like keeping busy, and someone suggested I could sell my creams – so I did. I don’t have a business degree, so it has been a journey of learning how to function in that world. But it has been fun growing and reaching new folks.
I have since tried other fancy brands to see if I truly like mine best, and honestly – I do. I see water in the list of ingredients or I see preservatives. Granted, preservatives make it last longer, but…I don’t like the sticky feeling and I like to keep my ingredient list to the bare minimum for my skin’s health. Some things really shouldn’t last forever.
I like to call it “lazy skincare” – only because it’s easy yet effective (seriously, one jar for all moisturizing needs is so nice). I have been able to manage my moderate eczema with its help. All skin is different – but this is so great in that it is still versatile with what it can do. Your skin actually absorbs it and the soft, moisturized feeling can last all day! Use a lot or a little, and you are good to go.
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?
Ha, no. I mean, it is exhilarating and exciting to start something new, to show people this amazing thing you discovered and love. But, it can be hard to reach them, for one – some people are satisfied with their everyday lotion and five face creams. It can be hard to show them why without them actually feeling why there is a difference. The first year coming out of Covid was very hard – no sharing germs and no sample jars can really slow down the process.
I have opted to not use social influencers, only because I want people who actually enjoy the product to represent it – that is a huge slowdown. But, I do find that I have repeat customers, and it’s slowly spreading. It’s so fun to get an order from a name I don’t know (and just as exciting to see those names I do). I think I may be like the turtle and not the hare – slow and steady wins the race!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My main job is a filmmaker. I love the film community – it’s a collection of oddballs who love working long hours and making magic – because, no matter how many times you do it, it IS magic when it’s on the screen. I find it to be a community of artists who love doing many things. I have a lot of things I enjoy; the skincare business is just one, but I have a list!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a quiet, shy kid – I always wanted to be popular and cute, but it just wasn’t me. I know that as an adult (just be true to yourself and not like anyone else), but it was learned over time (like most things).
Pricing:
- Starts at $9.95 – 2oz (a little goes a long way!)
Contact Info:
- Website: puregreeneskincare.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/puregreeneskincare/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/puregreeneskincare
Image Credits
Jono & Layne Photography, https://www.jonoandlaynie.com
