If you’re a DIY’er who fancies natural skincare products, you’re going to love today’s conversation! I got to chat with two of our guest editors – a sister-sister duo who are the founders + creators of The Crafty Cube!
Gabrielle and Italia Woodson are on a mission – to change the way people approach natural body care. The ladies are passionate about teaching others how to handcraft their own natural beauty products, usually with ingredients you already have in your own home.
Why is this important? Because taking greater care with the products you use on your skin often equates to you taking a more empowered approach to your overall health.
I personally believe this is true 100% and as a lover of natural beauty products I’m excited to try my hand at some of the gorgeous DIY recipes they’ve been sharing over on the blog lately.
But today, sit back, grab a cup of tea and get to know two wildly passionate and soulful ladies.
xo
Thanks for chatting with me today ladies, I’m excited to talk about all things natural beauty, so let’s dig right in. Tell us a bit about yourselves – what you do, create and love.
Hi! Well, Gabrielle was born in England and Italia was born in Italy. We lived abroad for several years before moving to the United States (our mom is in the Air Force). We currently live in Los Angeles about 5 miles apart from each other. We’re concert junkies, travel experts, DIY experimenters, and wellness crusaders. We’re passionate about holistic health and homeopathic remedies.
Why did you decide to start The Crafty Cube (which is such a great idea btw)?
For starters, Personal Care products are one of the least regulated industries in America. Which is shocking when you realize that the human body can absorb up to 5 lbs of chemicals every year. Crazy right?
Most of the products on the market are filled with synthetic chemicals and toxins linked to allergies, disease, and cancer. People are sick of getting sick (and so are we), that’s why we started this business.
The Crafty Cube is a do-it-yourself (DIY) body care box that teaches you how to handcraft your beauty products with six or less 100% natural ingredients. We want to empower people to take an active role in their health by teaching them how to make their own body care products.
Most people don’t knowingly coat themselves in toxic chemicals but that doesn’t mean they’ll go out of their way to find natural alternatives either. We hope The Crafty Cube will change that. We want to make using natural products as easy as using the conventional ones in terms of convenience, functionality, and effectiveness.
I love it – and I do think more and more people are being drawn to more natural products and ingredients. I have no doubt people will love what you’re doing. I’m curious, what do you feel is most important about the work you’re doing in the world?
We’re bringing awareness to the lack of transparency in Personal Care products. We’re also reconnecting people with the healing power of nature.
Yes, I love that. Nature is full of healing magic and many of us don’t tap into the wonder that is there. I’m curious, who do you look up to? Who inspires you?
Our mom. She’s the hardest working woman we know.
What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome since starting The Crafty Cube? What helped you get over that hurdle?
As sisters, we have to balance our work/family relationship. It’s not easy having difficult work conversations then switching gears to discuss our grandparent’s birthday plans.
That dynamic must be fun and also filled with opportunities for growth as well. Speaking of fun, what are 5 things you can’t live without (like ever)?
- Music
- A good laugh
- Outdoor adventures
- Raw apple cider vinegar (w/ The Mother)
- Our dogs
What does it mean to you, to live a life and have a business – with SOUL?
We don’t have souls. We are souls. Therefore, The Crafty Cube is an extension of the things we hold close to our hearts. Every product we make and every idea we conceive is designed to bring health and wellness to the lives of others – it’s soul work.
A First Class flight to a new country with unlimited funds to spend while there.
Yes please, sign me up! As travel veterans, I’d love for you to share the top places you’d send me if I was visiting your ‘hood (Los Angeles, CA)?
- The La Brea Tar Pits (there’s real, bubbling tar!)
- The Hollywood Bowl
- A hike to the Wisdom Tree
Tell us what you’re working on right now that feels like a celebration?
We’re semifinalists in the Miller Lite Tap the Future Business Plan Competition and we’re competing for $200k. Cha-ching!
That is SO exciting – congratulations, that is such a big deal ladies! Through the process of starting your business, even being part of the Tap the Future competition, and the life you’ve lived, you two have undoubtedly learned a lot. If you knew then, what you know now, what message would you have for your younger selves?
Everything unfolds as it should.
And finally — what is one thing you know to be true?
Your thoughts control your reality.
. . . . . .
I hope that you are as excited to try your hand at crafting your own DIY beauty care products as I am! I couldn’t be more grateful to Gabrielle and Italia for sharing a bit about their lives and work with us.
They are up to amazing things – I can’t wait to see where their creative adventures take them. I’d love for you to hop on over to Instagram and say hi and follow the ladies to learn more about natural beauty. And if you’re up for it, grab yourself a Crafty Cube box and get to crafting!
I’ll catch you again soon when we get to speak with another mega-talented woman who is leading her life and business with heart, and soul. Until next time…
xo,
Stephanie
Photos courtesy of Gabrielle & Italia Woodson
