FOREWORD :
Hi there, my darlings! As part of the current indie featured Instagram giveaway with Chloe Meranda, I will be posting a review of some of the new brand's fabulous bath and body products shortly! But in the meantime. here's an exclusive interview with the maker, so people can get a little glimpse into the world of the face behind the brand! How can one get to know a brand without getting to know the maker a little, right? So, I present to you my interview with Chloe of Chloe Meranda! Read on for a peek into the woman behind the brand!
1. How and why did you first get into making bath and body products?
I have always loved making things from scratch.I have a habit of seeing something and then automatically my brain starts figuring out how I can make it myself. So when I was without a job I started spending more time with my mom and she taught me how to make hard bar soaps. I was hooked after that. I had so many ideas I knew I had to do something about it.
2. What was the inspiration for the name "CHLOE MERANDA"? Is there a story behind the name?
Well I had been contemplating opening up a shop because it initially requires spending money to make product and I wasn't sure I could take the risk of falling on my face. I talked it over with husband and he was really supportive. It was his idea to name it after me "Chloe Meranda". His exact words, "It sounds fancy." Haha. I don't know about fancy but it's unique and not likely to run into anyone with the same name since they aren't common names.
3. What inspires your products (or where do you look for inspiration)? Any hints/ideas about upcoming products?
I'm really inspired by my family. In the beginning I was just making these to tailor their personal needs. Then they started having really great results and so I wanted to expand. I like to make people happy so I try to make things that are either commonly used but full of junky ingredients and make it clean and harmless for you. Or I look for something you aren't using but maybe should, like our High Heel Foot Spray, a rejuvenating spray for women who spend a lot time on their feet or perhaps walk/run regularly and deal with soreness. If I can make one person feel better at the end of the day, I'll be happy. Look for a lot of feel good, beauty products to come later on this fall. As well as an affordable monthly subscription box with all the goodies you need for those rougher days.
4. Do you have a favorite indie maker(s)? Favorite mainstream brand?
Favorite indie makers are Kari from ChickPickPolish and Yamira from LolitaLacquer. They my favorite go to products and are constantly coming up with new goodies. Kari's base/ topcoat duo have been a game changer when it comes to doing my nails and Mira's mani bombs are the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day ( or any day for that matter haha). At the moment I think every beauty product I use comes from either my shop or another indie shop, I don't really think I have a favorite mainstream(maybe Opi?).
5. What are your go-to products for nail/cuticle care?
I've been using my cuticle oil and hand balm for sometime now. I don't want to toot my own horn, but I kinda love them and so do my cuticles.
6. What are your favorite scents? In general? For summer? For fall?
Well this is probably so typical but anything pumpkin spice scented is a must have for me. I love vanilla beans and nutmeg. I also LOVE coconut lime mixtures.
7. This may be hard--but which are your 3 favorite creations so far?
Hmmm, yes definitely a tough question. I would have to say, Hand balm, lip balm, hair mask. I love them all but I use those the most.
8. Do you have any other hobbies? Are you involved with any other clubs, associations, or recreational activities?
I love to bake and I LOVE to watch older shows and movies (especially BBC). I also enjoy running, pilates, and weightlifting with my Mom.
9. What is your most favorite thing about being an indie maker? What are some of the challenges? What advice would you give to people considering starting their own brand? Overall, are you happy with your decision to get into the indie world?
My favorite thing about it is the freedom to do something I really enjoy. Even though this isn't my only source of income, it is a stress reliever to come home and play around with different oils and products. I also see a difference in my personal appearance that using all natural homemade stuff has had. BUT It is a lot of work!! My advice is DO NOT just jump right in. Sit down, count the costs. Figure out how much you need to buy/charge. Find out how many hours a day you will need to make, package, ship. Count shipping costs. Then look at the numbers and say either, "I can do this" or "right now, I'm not in the position to do this, let's try again in 6 months." Overall I am very happy with my decision! It brings me a lot of joy!!
10. Fun facts :
Astrological sign : Not into astrology so I have no idea! Haha
Favorite comfort food : anything involving potatoes
Favorite beauty item besides polish : Red Lipstick
Favorite fragrance : Chloé
Favorite vacation destination : Anywhere near the beach!
Favorite candy : Swedish Fish , is there really any other candy??
Favorite celebrity : Jennifer Lawrence. She seems cool and weird and crude. We'd get along.
Favorite family member or friend (you can pick one of each) : For family I'd pick my mom and friend my hubby. I love them all though, Dad, mom, bubba and my hubby, their truly my bestest friends.
Most recent read : Started Judy Blume's "In the Unlikely Event", unsure of my feelings toward it yet...
Most recent movie you loved : The importance of being Earnest. All time favorite. I die laughing every time.
Favorite TV show and character : Reddington from The Blacklist. I love his voice, his humor and the way he looks at idiots.
If you won a million dollars, first thing you would buy is : A bunch of land with a little house on it so Kari (chickpickpolish) can take in all the doggies at the pound!!!! And then probably a house somewhere in Italy so my family and my hubby and I can go live there and make wine or something.
So there you have it, my darlings! A little glimpse into the world of Chloe of
Chloe Meranda!
I will have a review of some of her products very soon and don't forget to enter our giveaway on my
Instagram.
As always, I'm thrilled to hear from you, so don't hesitate to leave me your thoughts in the comments section below!
Until next time,
<3
B
What an amazing interview.. great questions and awesome answers!!! I love chloemeranda products..lip and hand balm are amazing..pure gold
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, it reminds me of myself as I was a nail tech for over 15 years and I used to make my own products too. Unfortunately it was before Facebook or Instagram existed, so I missed out on my interview. I wish you the best Chloe💞
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome, it reminds me of myself as I was a nail tech for over 15 years and I used to make my own products too. Unfortunately it was before Facebook or Instagram existed, so I missed out on my interview. I wish you the best Chloe💞
ReplyDelete