We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Ryan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kristen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
I’ve always been somewhat of a beauty buff, but when I was in my late twenties to mid thirties, I struggled with adult acne, as well as some bouts with autoimmune issues that gave rise to me paying more attention to ingredients I was both ingesting and applying to my skin. My thirties became stressful, so starting a business of my dreams was unattainable. Looking back, however, I unknowingly began my beauty brand journey through healing my own skin and resolving the intermittent rashes that were intense enough to drive any sane person crazy. Learning which ingredients provoked a breakout and which ones were beneficial really helped when it was time to execute my idea of launching a beauty brand in 2021. It wasn’t until my forties that I had the opportunity to think about taking a risk. I’ve always wanted to start something of my own and the beauty industry seemed natural to me. Naming my company and designing a logo was the easy part. I was at a holiday paint n’ sip with my Mom when I “downloaded” my business name and envisioned the logo. Paige is my middle name, Ryan is my last (but not at that time), which is interesting. I legally changed my last name to match the vision of my brand. My logo signifies resiliency and the radical transformation of a woman after healing from difficult times. Beyond the name and logo, there is obviously so much more involved in launching a business. I really didn’t know the extent of it until I started executing. Who knew there was a difference between barcodes and GTIN numbers, gah! And I didn’t know if I needed an attorney or not for trademarking (no attorney needed but watch out for the plethora of scams regarding trademarks!). I had to perform many tasks you could say I have an aversion to, but I’m very blessed to have a domestic partner who is a businessman, so when I couldn’t find answers to complex business questions on Google, my partner, Andy, arrived at my rescue. For example, an operating agreement was never an item on my radar, as basic as that may seem to some. I just wanted to design and create, not be slowed down by legal formalities. It turns out the legal stuff is important for the protection of a business.
In early 2021, the quarantine of the world afforded me the time to solely focus on the details of Paige Ryan Beauty. I spent an exorbitant amount of time researching the sourcing of quality ingredients, packaging design and the creation of my first product of which I originally filled at home using a clean assembly process. At that time, PayPal somehow discovered my in-home fulfillment and suspended transactions in my business account. Apparently, they don’t take lightly to hand made serum, even though the common story of many creators is “I started in my kitchen”. Paige Ryan Beauty has since progressed forward and uses a lab to fulfill our products. Our first product was a luxury; plant based super-hydrating serum that led us to multiple product drops. Now we currently carry a total of 8 vegan, cruelty-free, plant-based products full of adaptogenic ingredients in our line-up.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Kristen Paige Ryan, creator and chief goddess of Paige Ryan Beauty. We craft and offer affordable luxury skin care products that are all plant based, cruelty-free and full of nature’s power. We blend the highest quality plant extracts for use in anti-aging, deeply hydrating facial products full of antioxidants. Although our products are suitable for most skin types, we specialize in maturing skin- ages 35+. Our product bundles will make your skin routine simple, and the ingredients are of high quality and soak in quickly, so you can almost immediately apply cosmetics to your limitless canvas.
The following is my story of why Paige Ryan Beauty chooses to give back to survivors of domestic violence.
I was once a rebellious child who was born and raised in the Midwest primarily by a single Mom. I had a childhood that pushed me into growing up a little faster than most of my peers, and although I was often a mother-hen to my little brother, I hold no regrets and never really knew any different at the time. When I turned 28, I met and married the father of my three children, who later became my abuser. It was a tumultuous 15 years of the yo-yo cycle of abuse, but I finally got out, taking our children with me. We moved in with my mother for safety and support, which was the best, most loving alternative decision to a shelter, however still very stressful, especially on the children. Unfortunately, the MN court system chose to order joint custody and parenting time, even though the abuser had a long trail of violence. Sometimes domestic abuse continues even when the survivor is physically out of the relationship and the courts often refuse to recognize a survivor is afraid to talk and therefore, neglect to offer protection. Additionally, the abuser often looks for ways to devalue their victim through use of the courts or by using their own kids as a weapon, which is what happened in my case. After my separation/divorce, I sought two years of talk therapy to unravel the long-term effects of trauma, confusion and numbness. When I “graduated” from traditional therapy, there was still a longing for more deep healing and at the age of 45, the universe sent me an opportunity to move to the mountains. Boise, Idaho liberated me from feeling isolated and offered lots of time exploring nature with friends and loved ones. There were more opportunities to forge and strengthen social connections, clear my head and open my heart. I was rising above the darkness, feeling empowered and wanted to start something of my own, so that someday I could lend a hand to other survivors. The devil’s voice inside my head was diminishing and I knew the best revenge would be success and happiness, so I voraciously started studying skincare formulations, trends in the beauty industry and developing my business.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Starting and scaling a business is no easy feat. It comes with a lot of potential rejection, like launching to online crickets, box stores declining my products, or receiving negative feedback from peers or loved ones about ideas. There were times I’ve cried and felt defeated, but my heart knows tenacity and consistent action is key! Behind enough “no’s, is always a “yes”! Heck, I learned that as a child. Just ask my Mom, haha!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a great reputation is fostered through passion, hard work and perseverance. And let’s not forget about manifesting! It’s important to me to stay committed and try to find fulfillment in whatever task I’m doing, even those that I have an aversion to. I love learning about new trends and do my best to pass the knowledge on to my customers, family and friends. Customer service is a priority and I make a point to add a little something extra to orders, whether it’s a promotional item, a handwritten note, or even a surprise BOGO that a customer wasn’t expecting. I want our customers to know how much they are appreciated. After all, they are goddesses. Paige Ryan Beauty possesses a boutique style luxury packaging, but commands sustainability using recyclable materials. All of our packaging can be fully recycled after use.
Another important aspect of being a business owner is prioritizing giving back to the community and that’s why I created Beauty Beyond Skin Deep, an extension of Paige Ryan Beauty that donates a portion of all proceeds to helping a domestic violence survivor succeed. It is my goal for us to give year round and make a difference in the lives of survivors facing challenges. Doing so might create a ripple effect and help to transmute future generations of confusion and pain into love. I’m so extremely grateful to be living this beautiful life, and for those who are supportive and believe in me.
My heart is always open for life-changing opportunities and how I can share those with others.
Cheers!
Kristen Ryan, Chief Goddess
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.paigeryanbeauty.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_paigeryanbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaigeRyanBeautyFB
Image Credits
Deborah Hardee, https://DeborahHardeePhoto.com