When you travel overseas, the first night is the perfect way to relax in your suite. This month's Athleisure Beauty, focuses on making your own in-room entertainment in the stunning bathroom at The Ritz Carlton Suite in Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island.
| MATRIX Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking Hair Mask | JURLIQUE Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturizing Cream | LANEIGE Waterclay Mask | LAURA MERCIER Almond Coconut Milk Scrub |
PHOTOS COURTESY | Skinny & Co
Recently we started using Skinny & Co. which is a line of natural, unrefined extra virgin cold pressed pesticide-free coconuts that are from Vietnam. It can be used on your skin as well as consumed. With fans that include Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, The Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears use this in their training routines. We sat down with Matt Geddie, President and Co-Founder of the brand.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how Skinny & Co. came into being?
MATT GEDDIE: Skinny & Co. was founded by my brother and I after we discovered the life-changing benefits of practicing a chemical-free, holistic lifestyle. At fourteen, I was diagnosed with a terminal illness that doctors could not treat or cure. Searching for a way to save me, my mom turned to holistic medicine and went back to school to become a NMD. After suffering for four years, it was through alternative medicine that I regained my health and realized the value in providing the body natural, raw nutrients. To celebrate overcoming such an illness, Luke and I traveled to Asia on a backpacking trip where we discovered the coconut-rich palms of Vietnam. We’ve always been interested in international business and decided that the health benefits of coconut oil were too good not to share. Thus the mission of Changing the World was born. At Skinny & Co., we believe happiness comes from good health and that healthy people change the world. Healthy people are more than physically fit; they are energized, inspired, engaged, and capable of impacting the world around them.
AM: What are your backgrounds and had you previously worked in the beauty/skincare industry?
MG: Both Luke and I are serial entrepreneurs who have always been interested in international business, import/export, and creating companies with a purpose. Our backgrounds do not include the beauty or skincare industry, but we are thrilled to be disrupting the market and providing consumers with a healthy, chemical-free option.
AM: How did you know that you wanted to focus on coconut and to create an extensive line?
MG: When you start a business, it is always best to start with one product and focus on simplicity. Coconut oil that we could build a simple business around, was something due to the versatility yet would solve so many people’s complex problems. We knew we wanted to expand the line and offer multiple coconut oil products. We hope to introduce more Skinny & Co. lines and products in the future.
AM: What sets your coconut brand apart from other's that are also within skincare?
MG: The Skinny & Co. beauty line is truly raw. It’s a step above organic. We use five or less ingredients that are all non-toxic and edible. Everything is chemical-free. There are no preservatives, fillers, solvents, or binding agents. Just real, raw coconut oil and therapeutic grade essential oils to bring your skin the nutrients and benefits it truly needs. The skin is our largest organ and it deserves the best ingredients possible. Our company believes in transparency and quality as two of our top values. We will always be honest with our customers and provide top quality products.
AM: How important is packaging to complement the product and the brand?
MG: The look and feel of a brand is incredibly important. While we believe the quality of the product is most important, our branding reflects the purity and cleanliness that comes with Skinny & Co. raw coconut oil and our entire product line.
AM: Can we expect new products from Skinny & Co.?
MG: We are always working on fun and exciting new products. There are lots of future plans for Skinny & Co. We are currently working on a coffee coconut oil line, all raw, natural, and chemical-free as always.
AM: Where is Skinny & Co. sold?
MG: Skinny & Co. products are sold online on our site and in Von Maur department stores
across the country. We are also located in Sephora Canada and different boutique stores all over the US. Check our site for our product locator, email, or call us as we love interacting with our customers.
AM: How important is it that product can be used in a number of ways - including being ingested?
MG: One of the best things about our raw coconut oil is that it’s so versatile and healthy for everyone in the entire family, including your babies or pets. You can consume coconut oil or use it in a variety of skincare applications. We recommend adding at least 3 tbsp. of Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil into your daily lifestyle.
AM: Does Skinny and Co support any charities?
MG: Skinny & Co. is a sustainable business that provides resources to build homes and teach English to Vietnamese children. We also
support initiatives to educate American children on the importance of nutrition and eating healthy. The charities we support include a non-profit in El Salvador called King’s Castle and Rest Ministries in Indiana.
AM: Are there additional ingredients that you will include in the line (we're obsessed with the Rose Body Butter)?
MG: As of now we are starting working the coffee coconut oil line which will incorporate the amazing benefits of utilizing coffee in skincare. I’m glad you like the Rose Body Butter. We use real rose, not just rose scent, to make it extra luxurious.
Read more from the July Issue