Meet Katherine, founder, and owner of scrub me!

1. How did you begin your journey into the skincare field?       When I was a young teen I struggled with my skin a little and had mild breakouts, so I was seeing an esthetician for regular facials.  I spoke to her about having an interest in cosmetics and the beauty industry.  She suggested going to school for esthetics (skincare) so I could learn about science and the skin as well as cosmetics and makeup.  I ended up enrolling at the Aveda Institute in Chicago and attending their esthetics program in 2009.  I became so enthralled with learning about skin science and ingredients.  That is when my passion for skincare really began.

2. How does being an esthetician help with running scrub me™?      My ingredient knowledge from my schooling and continuing education helps me to be able to formulate my own products and recipes. Also, working with many different skin types and conditions has given me a great opportunity to see how various products work with different skin types.  Being in the industry for almost 7 years has given me a good sense of what people are looking for in their products.

3. What made you start your own business?      In my first few years of working as an esthetician, I found that exfoliation was a key step, if not the most important step, of a skincare regimen.  I was taking all the right steps when it came to facial care and my skin looked great!  What bothered me was the stretch marks on my back and sides.  I couldn't find a product that I was happy with when it came to body care.  I started making my own sea salt scrubs with ingredients that would both exfoliate and nourish my skin, helping to smooth and fade my stretch marks.  After seeing the results, I shared the scrub with my peers and got some great feedback.  I decided I wanted to make my own body care line that would cater to all skin types and concerns.

4.  Why did you choose to make all-natural products?      Being a graduate of the Aveda Institute I was always partial to treating skin using all-natural and organic products.  Using chemical-free ingredients cuts down on the risk of irritating or damaging the skin.  I myself, like to be able to read the ingredient label and recognize each item.  I believe in the skin and total body wellness, so I only want to formulate products that reflect that.  It's fun for me to research and learn more about what I can make using chemical-free materials.                                                                                                                                                                         

5. What is the hardest thing about running a business?      Staying 100% organized!  I cannot tell you how many small mistakes I have made that could have easily been avoided.  I've learned that every little detail matters in order for things to run smoothly.  Being organized means I have to use my time wisely, especially since I work as an esthetician also.  I often plan my days or weeks out ahead of time and make as many small notes in my calendar as I need.  Another thing that is hard is dealing with rejection.  Not everyone will say yes to buying the product or even trying a sample.  I always remind myself it is better to have tried and failed than not tried at all.  I've learned to gain strength from it in the end.  

6. When you finally get a chance for free time, what are your hobbies?      I love to cook but I think I might love eating more.  I try to treat my body right so making healthy, home-cooked meals is important to me.  I also think fitness is a great outlet for stress and I really enjoy the energy gained from the endorphins!  My dad and I are bicycling buddies and I also like to jog and do strength training.  Indulging in baked goods and reality T.V are my guilty pleasures.

7. What do you do for your skin on a daily basis?     My skin is very dry and sometimes sensitive.  I cleanse my face using the toning bar and for my body, I use whichever scrub me® soap bar ends up in my shower (they are always rotating).  When I don't have a sunless tan, I exfoliate using the original sea salt scrub on my body.  The body scrubs are too harsh for facial skin.  I have recently formulated a gentle cleansing facial scrub that I have been using for a few weeks.  It's a keeper and will be on the site soon!  Previously to that facial scrub, I was using an exfoliant from a line called PCA.  On the days that I use a body scrub my skin is already nourished and hydrated after showering.  On the days I do not exfoliate I use either the unscented or lavender shea butter after showering.  I use the unscented butter on my face every evening after exfoliation.  SPF is a must in my skincare routine as it should be in everyones.  I use an SPF 30 by the PCA skincare line.  I also like Aveeno SPF from the drugstore.

8. Do you have a favorite product?      The salt scrubs are my original baby and I really can't get enough of what they do for my skin.  If I had to choose a favorite it would be the invigorating scrub.  Eucalyptus is one of my favorite essential oils, it always makes me feel clean and awake!  I still couldn't live without the rest of the products in my routine but the scrubs remain my number one.

9. Where do you see scrub me® in 5 years?      I have always had the ambition to open my own "scrub me®" space where I can retail my products as well as offer facial and body treatments using them.  I would like to be able to share scrub me® products with as many people as possible and spread the message of total skin and body wellness.  I hope in five years to have more people using and loving scrub me® and I am optimistic that in time I can open a spa where everyone can experience the products first hand.