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EPISODE 28
In this episode we celebrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the people behind these businesses, the mom and pops, the CEOs, the people who are keeping our economy running during these incomprehensible times. Today’s guest is CEO Heidi Reimer Epp of Botanical Paperworks. Heidi and I originally sat down to record this episode about 10 months ago, in the early days of the pandemic. But, it couldn’t be timelier to release this episode today – when 10 months later we look back on all we have collectively gone through and reflect on the lessons learned. We need to pause and celebrate the CEO – the toughest job in an SME, the burdens we carry and the decisions we need to make to survive: as a company, as individuals and as families. The topics Heidi and I discuss and the wisdom that she shares are relevant today as we navigate this pandemic, still under lock-down in many areas, including mine. I hope that you may find some inspiration here.
Namaste, Andrea BIO: HEIDI REIMER-EPP, CEO, BOTANICAL PAPERWORKS Heidi Reimer-Epp turned her passion for sustainability into Botanical PaperWorks, an award-winning business guided by environmental sustainability and practices. The company manufactures and markets eco-friendly seed paper that grows into flowers, herbs and vegetables when planted in soil. As CEO and co-founder, Heidi has overseen company growth from the ground up (pun intended) as Botanical PaperWorks went from start-up to international success story. The company produces promotional products, wedding and memorial products and sustainable packaging for more than 40 countries around the world. Heidi is the co-author of three books and serves on several boards, both corporate and volunteer. As an early innovator in the green products arena, Heidi has been profiled in many publications including Fast Company, The Huffington Post, the Wall Street Journal and the National Post. LINKS:
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Testing Testing...1,2,3...  Skin care has become increasingly important to me over the last 5 years. Ever since my dear friend and colleague, Jenise Lee (fellow Engineer and Guest on the Fempower Podcast - check out her Episode), of Cert Clean started up her Clean Beauty certification company, I have been hyper-aware of what I'm putting on my skin, just as much as what I'm putting in my body or in my environment. Afterall, we are all so deeply connected to our ecosystem and polluting my body with toxins in an everyday routine just became out of the question! So ever since, I've been testing and preaching the value that clean beauty practices and products bring into our lives, the lives of our loved ones and our dear environment. And as we transition to living an even more sustainable lifestyle, it was a natural transition to make the leap to clean beauty. But here's the thing - what do you know about clean beauty? or clean beauty products? There just isn't enough word on the street (yet) about how great these products are - like really great. There are many out there, and I can't wait to tell you more about them, but today, let me tell you what I've been up to the last few months!
2. Hydrating Serum: as soon as winter hit here, I found my skin to be unsatisfyingly dry all the time, until I switched to using this serum. It did the job on a clean face. I did find that I had to follow up with the rose oil to add in extra moisture though. The serum absorbed well into my skin and didn't have a particular scent, just a very natural light finish to it. It's great for all skin types and contains hyaluronic acid and kelp extract and nourished with marine phytoplankton and protects with vitamin C and ectoin. I quickly finished up my sample, so it's one of those products that if you use every day, you'll quickly go through as it dispenses a penny sized amount in one press. Since I've run out, I haven't been using it and going straight to the facial oil. It does the trick, but it was a really nice combo to have the base serum and then the facial oil in my opinion! 3. Kelp Enzyme Mask: this has become a staple in my home facial treatment routine. I was a bit hesitant at first to try it, again worried that a thick clay mask would clog my pores - but I was totally wrong! This mask came out in a really nice thinner consistency, smooth and skin tone colour! It can have a subtle tingly effect, depending on if you exfoliate before masking or not. It didn't bother me at all and I have sensitive skin. I found that by using this mask with my facial routine that included exfoliation, I was able to heal an unintentional scratch that lead to a scab on my face (yes, very unsightly and annoying) in about 2-3 days. Before I used it the scab was healing slowly, but I had an idea to give it a try and it really helped to tighten up and rejuvenate the skin that was hurt. I think that the enzymes, mineralized sea kelp and mineral blend really helped to heal the skin. They also provided a sweet head wrap that made the process feel that much more luxurious from home! It's these small details that really showcase a brand. So to summarize my routine, I clean my face with a cert-clean facial cleanser - one that I've talked about in previous posts and really love. Then I would apply the serum (when I had it) and then follow up with the rose facial oil. This lasted me all day. In the evenings I would follow a similar process and since I found the rose scent so relaxing, I'd use it at night as well. about 3-4 drops would work for my face. I've been doing this now for about 2 months. And the BIG NEWS IS, I've noticed that it has helped to lighten the "baby" marks I have on my face that I got with hormones from my first pregnancy. I didn't think it was possibly for them to be naturally lightened or removed. I proudly wear them anyways - after-all, nothing stronger than a Mother! But I have to admit, I have noticed that the rose oil is brightening up the marks. The bi-weekly to monthly facial routine is helping as well. If you are interested in learning more about my facial routine, leave me a comment below so I know you want to hear about it!
And the cherry on top of this note: 100% Biodegradable Packaging - not only in the box and stuffing it arrived in, but the hydrating serum and kelp enzyme mask are 100% biodegradable, including the lid! The ink is plant-based and good for the environment. And the packing peanuts are made from corn starch and dissolve under water. I didn't get a chance to make a video of it, since I have little ones and a pet that could eat it and I didn't want to take the chances of their lingering curiosity - but if you do order from them, be sure to try it out and tag me @dr.andreakraj and @moorspanatural and @certclean ! In the meantime, be sure you go check out this amazing Canadian Clean Beauty brand, Moor Spa, located in stunning Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Their products are naturally derived with foundation of pure organic Moor Mud sourced from Austria and are absolutely great for everybody - I did let my little ones play with it on their faces and they loved it. My husband was even curious and tried it out as well. Rest assured, the products are certified by CertClean (www.certclean.com) - North America's leading certification for safer skincare. You can find them at www.moorspa.com and when you go there, here's a little something for you from me!
Plus, tag me on social media at @dr.andreakraj on Instagram to show me your shining, glowing beautiful faces using clean beauty products! I'll be right there along side of you, cheering you on with my own products on! Shine Bright, You are Brilliant and the Earth is Hiring! Namaste, Andrea Tag us: @moorspanatural @dr.andreakraj @certclean #moorspanatural #moormud #naturalskincare #crueltyfree #biodegradable #ecofriendly #certclean #fempowerpodcast |
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