Meet Lindri Riveras, creator of Gallipot All Natural, Handcrafted Skincare, Seatle USA
Lindri took our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation in 2014. We catch up with her and see how her business is flourishing.
Why did you decide to start your brand? What was the catalyst/inspiration behind it?
I was seeing changes in my own skin and beginning to experience the fear and discomfort that many women feel as they move through the phases of life. I wanted to formulate, based on my own knowledge and research, products I knew would be effective. I wanted to bring the conversation about fear and aging out into the open and I was working with high-end natural products in an integrative pharmacy. I thought I could do better for myself… have a different sense of pro-activity, using hand-selected ingredients in specific combinations. I’m also very interested in simplicity and sustainability, so it was a natural progression.
What is the essence of your product line? What is unique about it?
Gallipot is an all-natural, handcrafted line of skincare specifically designed for simplicity and sustainability. I promote pro-aging using hand-selected ingredients that have clinical studies to back their efficacy, and I mix them with textures and aromas that soothe and comfort mind, body and soul.
What is your favourite or most popular product from your skincare line?
Lavender Neroli Dry Body Oil. It’s formulated specifically with oils that promote healthy cell turnover, most prominently seabuckthorn oil. There is so much emphasis on facial products, and I wanted to focus on parts of the body where aging begins to be most apparent. Lavender and neroli are heavenly when paired.
What do you love about running your business or creating your products?
I love getting to share what I make with people. I love their reactions. I love it when someone is so happy and grateful to find something different, something they haven’t found in commercial lines. It’s the joy of sharing.
What difficulties or struggles did you have before you started the Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation? What challenges were you facing?
I did not know how to formulate, that is to say pair ingredients in percentages. I wasn’t familiar with terms like cosmeceuticals, high functioning ingredients, preservatives. I did not know how to mix water and oils. I did not have a thorough grasp of what ingredients produce what results.
After taking the course my knowledge base is so much broader. My potential is so much greater. I can stay as simple as I want, or get as complicated as I want now.
How has the Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation helped you with your business?
I have expanded my line and made my products more complex in ingredient make-up. My products are still simple, but they have been taken to anther level by adding a few, hand-selected, key ingredients.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
All of the learning about which ingredients do what, and then learning how to put it all together. I have access to worksheets and formulations that I will be able to use whenever going forward.
What advice would you give someone who dreams of starting their own skincare line?
Get a double boiler, some containers, some butters and oils… get some recipes online and go for it!
What do you do to relax, unwind and get away from it all?
I practice yoga, walk my dogs in the woods, spend time with my husband, travel to South America. We are currently leaving the large city to buy a house on a quiet lake. I’m literally getting away from it all.
Find out more about Gallipot All Natural, Handcrafted Skincare:
Web: www.gallipotskincare.com
Want to design your own product range?
Check out our Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation here.
