We were lucky to catch up with Pam Phinney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pam, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Right now, the “clean beauty” niche has taken the world by storm which I feel is fueled by a lot of anti-science fear marketing. In the beauty and cosmetic industry, fear marketing is often the tactic used by many brands because it’s frankly extremely effective. It taps into consumer’s emotions to encourage sales, and this is a strategy that I’ve come to find highly deceptive and dishonest.

One of my passions is sharing the knowledge I’ve learned over the years, and I try to do this in a palatable, digestible way, from educating about various ingredients, breaking down current skincare trends, and more. There is so much information out there, and it can be really hard for the average consumer to decipher what information is true or not. I want consumers to feel empowered to make the best informed and unbiased decision when it comes to what they feel comfortable putting on their skin, whether they buy from me or not. My customers come to me because they know they can trust me and come to find me as reliable source. I have a no nonsense, scientific approach when it comes to cosmetic formulation, while also using the tools provided by our earth, a true alchemy of science and a fond love for nature.

Pam, 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?

My business has evolved over the years becoming more focused, now carrying a core line of body products from artisan soaps, bath and body, and a full line of skincare. When I originally started, I was working a full time job outside of my brand. After fourteen years, I was laid off from that job and dealing with many personal and family matters simultaneously. It seemed the best time as any to drive this brand into a full time career, and I haven’t looked back since.

One belief I always stand by: if you’re going to do anything, do it with intention. I feel that carries through all aspects of my brand and business. Every choice I’ve made, from sourcing ingredients, color choices, scent options, environmental impacts, packaging, was all done with intent. I take pride in the suppliers I’ve chosen to do with business with, choosing Fair Trade any time it is an option and available, focusing on sustainability, ethical supply chains, and human rights advocacy. If a supplier does not align with my ethics and morals, I purposely will not buy from there, even if it means spending a little more elsewhere.

I also believe in carrying the idea of intention to our daily lives, which is why I also carrying many crystal infused body products, with the purpose of “wash with intention.” Many believe crystals contain a certain concentration of the earth’s energy with a particular vibration and frequency, interacting with our body’s energy field, creating balance and alignment. This vibrational energy can benefit the mind and body much like aromatherapy. Some of us go to church or practice yoga, some of us collect crystals and meditate.

I want my customers to be able to take what it seem to be mundane, daily tasks, to a little rituals of self care, reflection, and joy. Whether that is using a beautiful bar of crystal soap in the bath and enjoying the aromatherapy, to taking a few minutes each day to focus on themselves using skincare that truly works.

Have you ever had to pivot?

As a primarily one-woman operation, I’ve recently made the decision to pivot with my business. The amount of products I carry had become quite extensive, which is not sustainable for one person to have to formulate and keep in stock on a regular basis. It was not an easy decision to make, especially since the cosmetic formulation process is among the most enjoyable parts of my career, but I also recognized the undue stress I was putting on myself. My work and life balance had literally gone out of the window, which ultimately led me to reducing the amount of products in my line in 2023. It’s actually a relief.

I also realized that there is a psychology of too many choices, especially when it comes to making purchases. I want my customers to enjoy their shopping experience with me, feel at ease, and not be overwhelmed.

I had been working on a few passion projects this past year where I was able to work with my fellow creatives and small businesses to create beautifully curated specialty boxes. I had done one for Litha (summer solstice), Mabon (autumnal equinox), and most recently for Yule/Winter Solstice. I want to continue with these creative ventures in the future, and I know pivoting my business and offerings for 2023 will now allow more time this.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience is the very foundation that Plainville Homestead was built upon. I shared briefly that I was let go from my job of fourteen years before I continued with my brand full time. Prior to that, I had been dealing with postpartum depression after giving birth to my (now eight year old) son. A couple years later I became pregnant again, a much wanted pregnancy, but I miscarried. I was absolutely devastated, as anyone who has dealt with infant loss would feel. Throughout all this, I was living in an abusive marriage. Getting laid off from my previous job was the catalyst the truly changed my life. I was so fortunate to be able to get a severance package, which afforded me the financial means to leave a very bad living situation (a privilege those struggling often don’t receive), find a new home for me and my son, and essentially start my whole life over. All of this allowed me to move my business venture into a full time career that I cherish, to live on my own with my son in a home rich with love, with a future full of endless possibilities.

I truly believe nothing in life is a coincidence, and we have control in how we want our personal story written.

Contact Info:

• Website: plainvillehomestead.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/plainvillehomestead
• Facebook: facebook.com/plainvillehomestead
• Youtube: youtube.com/@snarkandsuds
• Other: tiktok.com/@plainvillehomestead