Female Founder Friday with Emily McNabb
Welcome to 2020, a new year, a decade, and opportunity to make a fresh start. With quality of life(style) being at the forfront of many resolutions, people are wanting more not only out of their meals, exercise, and even work culture to make for a balanced existence. It’s no surprise that the skincare revolution is upon us. Meet Emily McNabb, owner of The Good Hippie™ which is a small-batch, natural, artisan line of skincare + beauty, handcrafted in Austin, Texas. Emily believes the ritual of the bath and daily skincare routine should be a time of indulgence. Emily shared about her journey with holistic health, honoring personal wellness, and what it means to be a “good hippie.”
Emily McNabb | The Good Hippie™
JA: Are there any beauty rituals that you grew up with/inspired your product line?
EM: I actually grew up as a competitive dancer, and then went on to receive my BFA in dance performance. Growing up in front of a mirror was difficult and it did a number on my self confidence and worth. After struggle with body dysmorphia for most of my life, I threw all of my money into yoga teacher training to hopefully create a healthier relationship with my body and movement. Since then I’ve been rehabilitating with holistic approaches to health. The Good Hippie was just an extension of this practice that I felt other’s could easily adopt. So, to answer your question, I think moving away from the mirror as an adult and doing what made me feel good and healthy was really my inspiration.
JA: What is the process to choosing/sourcing the ingredients?
EM: A LOT OF RESEARCH. If I can’t get clear answers from a vendor, I don’t use them. My standards are high. It has to be ethically sourced, sustainable, and vegan. All of my vendors also have proof that there is no animal testing with any ingredient. These standards should be easy to keep, but unfortunately and unsurprisingly they’re not. We, as consumers, don’t hold big companies accountable so there is no reason for them to change their practices. Though, there are many makers out there that are rewriting the beauty and personal use product rules. That’s the good news!
JA: When did you have the “a-ha” moment of creating the Good Hippie?
EM: My husband asks me all the time, “what’s the end goal with TGH?” It keeps me honest and really challenges me to recognize my intentions. I quickly realized that while this was a job and a business, it’s also a personal protest. I have moments of clarity every day that I’m doing this to hold other brands to a higher standards.
JA: What does it mean to you to be a “Good Hippie” ?
EM: I like to think of The Good Hippie as the person behind the scenes creating the products. There are a lot of hippies out there that aren’t necessarily practicing what they preach, and that’s totally fine. We’re human. But this is a way for someone to easily adopt a better personal ritual that can ultimately change the world if we all got on board.
JA: Any favorite at home wellness remedies that you recommend?
EM: While I want to give you a product or an item that I’d really recommend, I don’t feel like that’s my favorite wellness remedy. Instead I’d say it’s time. Time for you. If you truly give yourself time and space, you’re honoring your wellness. Nothing can replace that. Maybe during that time you sit quietly, or decide to breathe. Maybe you use a face mask, or maybe you walk your dog. Take the time.
JA: What were some of the challenges you faced when you started?
EM: When I took over TGH, I faced funding challenges. I had to be really honest with myself that I was ready to bet on myself. Money isn’t evil. Money helps me grow and change the industry. Changing my outlook on money and money spending was a challenge.
JA: Where do you see your company in 5 years?
EM: I hope to create recipe manufacturing jobs! I’d love to be so busy that I need a team to constantly manufacture with me. And educational workshops about the harmful ingredients we put on our largest organ that absorbs 80% of these products. If we can encourage other big brands to change their practices, I’d be thrilled.
JA: Who do you go to for support?
EM: My husband and my mom. Both of whom are very involved in TGH. My husband knows most of my recipes and methods. He is in the studio with me whipping up magic every week! Beyond the actual physical work, he’s there to celebrate the wins and help cope with the struggles of owning a business. My mom helps with the books and handles all of the details like a champ. She and I are constantly working on the expansion of the company.
JA: How do you destress?
EM: I walk my dog and listen to podcasts or audiobooks. It’s like a mini vacation. Sometimes being a business owner feels very selfish. I were constantly considering the next step and it can be challenging to get out of our heads/work-mode. My puppy brings me back to the present and it’s nice doing something that she also loves!
JA: What does wellness mean to you?
EM: Loaded question alert! Wellness is the ability to look within and listen to your body. If you can recognize there’s something wrong physically or mentally, you’re able to look for ways to heal. If you’re not listening, you’re not healing.