We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rachel, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve struggled with sensitive skin since birth and understand how frustrating and demoralizing it can be.
It started with psoriasis on my scalp that left temporary bald patches. Next came eczema and dermatitis. Followed by rosacea and allergic reactions in my teens and 20’s. And just when I thought there couldn’t possibly be more – the icing on the cake, cystic acne, made its unwelcomed appearance in my early 30’s. Ugh, could a girl catch a break!?!
As an epidemiologist for the last 20+ years, health and wellness have always been important to me. My personal journey into cleaner living really took off when I was pregnant with my first child 13 years ago. Like many moms-to-be, I began reading ingredient labels and looking critically at the foods that were fueling my body. My search for safer, natural skin care products was a bit of a disaster though – redness, stinging, cystic acne and allergic reactions.
Sick of it all and frustrated beyond belief, I began researching natural ingredients. Safety and efficacy were really important to me. I also prioritized wildcraft and organic cultivation (no pesticides on my skin please) and minimally processed (raw) extraction methods that keep nutrients intact.
Once I had a handful of healing plant extracts that didn’t cause skin reactions, I began to experiment in my kitchen – making lotion bars and body butters. I remember my kiddos coming into the kitchen hungry and looking for food: “Oh man, Mama’s making skincare again!” Don’t worry, I kept my kids fed, but perfecting formulas was more exciting to me than whipping up a culinary masterpiece.
I eventually realized that others were struggling with the same skin issues and I had a solution that could help them. I had no background in business, but I knew that I wasn’t interested in the typical model. With BEAUTY IN THE Raw I wanted to create something more, something that could positively impact others – a business that cares about its customers, helps people, has integrity and gives back.
I started researching and learned that what I wanted to accomplish was actually a thing. There were others out there using a values-based approach to business who sought to better both people and the environment and not just their bottom lines.
This idea goes by many different names and you may be familiar with some of the following: Conscious business, Social responsibility, Conscious capitalism, Triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit (the 3 P’s) and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Though the definitions differ slightly, they all have a few things in common. They have a clearly defined mission, a set of core values and strive to make a positive impact on communities and/or the environment.
I realized that I could align my mission and my values…I could help others and (hopefully) provide an income for my family in a way that felt right and BEAUTY IN THE Raw was born.
My mission is to craft safe and effective skin care products that calm, nourish and empower us to feel comfortable in our skin.
I believe leaving the world a better place is important. BEAUTY IN THE Raw has donated $1 for every product sold since day one and we are currently partnering with The Chattooga Foundation. The Chattooga Foundation provides athletic, artistic and educational opportunities for people with disabilities and groups that include people with disabilities.
We’ve also distributed hundreds of mini Skin Relief Kits to our frontline heroes during the Covid pandemic to provide relief from the irritation caused by frequent washing, sanitizing and mask wearing.
My amazing customers have been instrumental in getting hand sanitizer to those in need with the buy-one-give-one hand sanitizer program.
Struggling with skin issues can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience and I’m so grateful to be able to help others be comfortable in their skin.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what makes BEAUTY IN THE Raw unique in the natural skin care space is that we are a heart-centered, values-led brand. I understand what its like to struggle with skin issues. I want customers to feel confident knowing that love, research and testing has gone into creating every product so that it calms, nourishes and protects their sensitive skin. I want to empower others to feel the freedom that comes from feeling comfortable in your skin, embracing your authentic self and following your path.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As you might guess, we’d be spending a lot of time hiking and playing outside. Probably some kayaking too – maybe the Toccoa River Canoe Trail with a stop at Swinging Bridge and then head to Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in Aska after. Or maybe hit the Hiwassee River, enjoy drinks at Hayesville Brewing Company and then hang by the campfire at our property in NC. In Marietta, we’d probably have brunch at Reveille Cafe and of course visit Marietta Square. As far as in-town touristy activities we’d probably visit the GA Aquarium. For a night, out we’d probably hit our old stomping ground – nachos at El Myr in L5P and then maybe East Atlanta.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
From a personal standpoint the shoutout definitely goes to my family for being the best cheerleaders a girl could ask for!
As far as BEAUTY IN THE Raw, the shoutout goes to my amazing customers, many of whom I’m now lucky enough to count as friends. There’s been so much love and support and I feel like we’re building a community with BEAUTY IN THE Raw.
Website: https://beautyintheraw.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautyintherawllc/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeautyInTheRawLLC