We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karey Casto-Chrin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Karey, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Welcome to HOPATHEKAREY I’m Karey, the founder and driving force behind HOPATHEKAREY, a revolutionary beauty brand that harnesses the potency of nature’s most powerful plants, botanicals, and herbs. Our product range spans anti-aging solutions to pain-relieving topicals, all carefully crafted to promote holistic well-being.
My Journey
My passion for natural cosmetics began in 2012, when I uncovered the unsettling truth about commercial products. I started creating my own “kitchen cosmetics,” discovering a talent for formulating exceptional products. With the support of an investor in 2013, I turned my hobby into a brand.
The Game-Changer
In 2017, while developing a craft beer lip balm, I stumbled upon the remarkable medicinal properties of HOPS. This led me to the periodic table, where I drew inspiration for my logo, featuring the Alpha Humulene molecule at the heart of the HOP. Thus, HOPHEAD apothekarey was born, later evolving into our umbrella brand, HOPATHEKAREY, in 2019.
Our Presence
We proudly opened our first brick-and-mortar store in Jackson, Michigan, transforming a former Bath & Body Works location into a haven for natural beauty enthusiasts. Our website launched recently, offering a wider audience access to our unique products.
Media Appearances
I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be featured on two entrepreneur-focused television shows airing in 2024 and 2025. I’m also excited to start Beta BLOX graduate school soon, further fueling my passion for innovation.
Our Brand Store
Step into our store, and you’ll experience my personal aesthetics, surrounded by hand-selected, Made-in-USA art, jewelry, and more. At HOPATHEKAREY, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals with effective, natural solutions that nurture both body and soul.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
A Transformative Experience The most significant influence on my entrepreneurial journey and philosophy was participating in an immersive entrepreneur incubator for 7 days, alongside 100 fellow entrepreneurs, coaches, and mentors, while filming BLOX Season 18. This intensive experience profoundly shifted my perspective on running a business.
A Catalyst for Growth
Surrounded by diverse minds and expertise, I gained invaluable insights into innovative strategies, effective leadership, and sustainable growth. The incubator’s dynamic environment fostered meaningful connections, collaborative learning, and mentorship, which collectively transformed my approach to entrepreneurship.
A New Philosophy Emerges
This experience instilled in me a refreshed philosophy centered around:
Embracing innovation and calculated risk-taking
Fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning
Prioritizing adaptability and resilience in an ever-changing market
Cultivating a strong support network and mentorship
A Lasting Impact
The lessons and connections from this incubator experience continue to shape my entrepreneurial journey, inspiring me to stay curious, adaptable, and committed to excellence.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Essential Training and Knowledge To succeed in the competitive cosmetics industry, I’ve found the following essential:
Innovative Thinking: Train your brain to see every ingredient as a potential skincare solution. Research extensively and avoid copying others.
Unique Product Niche: Develop a distinctive product line that tells a story, like my products, which reflect my life experiences.
Originality and Effectiveness: Ensure your products are both unique and effective.
Networking: Establish relationships with influencers, brands, and industry experts. I’ve partnered with 250 global brands as an Amazon influencer, creating content and expanding my reach.
Self-Promotion: Get your face and brand out there through various channels.
Videography Skills: Learn to create high-quality video content to showcase your products and brand.
Self-Sufficiency: Be prepared to handle all aspects of your business initially, as outsourcing can be costly. Be prepared to put in the work to acquire each customer.
Key Takeaways
Innovation and originality are crucial in the cosmetics industry.
Networking and self-promotion are vital to building a successful brand.
Develop a unique product niche that tells a story.
Learn videography skills to showcase your products effectively.
Be prepared to put in the work to build your brand and acquire customers
Contact Info:
- Website: hopathekarey.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/@hopathekarey
- Other: amazon.com/shop/hopathekarey
