Click the image above to watch the full interview! Animations by Alice McGillicuddy.
Jordan Hilton, founder of Skin Alchemy, has a Master of Science in Chemistry degree and an extensive knowledge of the cosmetic industry. Skin Alchemy is an all-natural essential oil based skincare line. Each Skin Alchemy oil blend is formulated to maximize moisture, promote collagen production, deliver potent antioxidants, and keep your skin looking youthful and radiant!
“The best thing about essential oils is definitely the therapeutic benefits they provide for the user. Depending on what problems you have skin-wise or your needs, you can create a blend with specific essential oils to target those needs and it’s really great to just have mother nature healing your skin.”
GBX: How did you get your start as a maker?
Jordan: I was getting my masters in Chemistry and I was feeling really uncertain about my future in that field, especially in New Orleans because it is all petrochemical. I was also suffering from rosacea, so I made a point to start researching natural remedies, as well as pharmaceutical remedies, which would usual leave my skin feeling really dry, raw and inflamed. So I discovered the healing power of essential oils, and that’s the beginning of it!
GBX: What is the best thing about your specific medium?
Jordan: The best thing about essential oils is definitely the therapeutic benefits they provide for the user. Depending on what problems you have skin-wise or your needs, you can create a blend with specific essential oils to target those needs and it’s really great to just have mother nature healing your skin.
GBX: What is the most meaningful product you’ve made?
Jordan: My most meaningful product is Halt, for sure. Halt cured my rosacea within a day. It’s night and day, it’s amazing! If you have any other type of skin ailment - diaper rash? Healed! Maybe your lady bits aren’t feeling super fresh? Put some on a wipe and - healed! It’s pretty awesome. Bites, cuts, all of that. It’s just a beautiful healing love of tee tree oil and all the other oils in that blend.
GBX: Advice for other makers and entrepreneurs?
Jordan: Don’t know that I’m in the best position to give advice [GBX vehemently shakes head ;)] but I would say, if it’s something you love - perseverance. Just stick with it, keep doing it. If you love it, it’s not that hard of a job in general!
GBX: Biggest mistake?
Jordan: Avoiding social media. That is my biggest mistake and regret. I know there is a lot of power in free marketing from social media and I’m just not that good at it. I like to say that I spend all my time in the creative part and the managing part, but really I should make a better effort and I have not.
GBX: Bravest decision?
Jordan: Honestly, launching Skin Alchemy, in my opinion, was brave. We launched in 2015, which was really before all the big companies like Urban Outfitters etc. started doing facial oils. So it was really new and people were like, “I don’t want to put oil on my face!” I just had no idea what to expect and it was a head dive into the unknown. So I would say that was brave, in my opinion! It felt really gratifying afterwards.
GBX: What does living & creating in New Orleans do for your creative practice?
Jordan: It does everything. It means everything. I’m a born-and-raised New Orleanian and New Orleans is just drowning in this creative culture that you don’t really find in other cities. If I wasn’t from here or living here I don’t think I would have that type of creative outlet that I have had my entire life. And honestly I think it means everything. New Orleans is a part of it, you know?
To learn more about Skin Alchemy, please visit their website: http://myskinalchemy.com/
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