In recent years the trend of being conscious about what we put in our bodies has become part of regular convention. Organic, vegan and natural are all part of our vocabulary when shopping for foodstuffs so it makes total sense that we’d not only be interested in what we put in our bodies, but also what we use for our beauty regimen.
Monaly Pal recently opened beauty shop Altruistic located in Calgary’s Mission district that sells 100% Pure products made from all natural ingredients that use fruit dyes and other ingredients that are much easier on our hair and skin than many regular beauty products. Oprah, along with every major woman’s magazine in publication, has raved about these products and you too will fall in love with the signature items, like the fruit-pigmented mascaras and honey and coconut revitalizing shampoo.
The original concept for the shop came about through Monaly’s family, who has battled with cancer and the realization that we need to do everything we can to battle this terrible disease. As Monaly explains on her website, the skin is the largest organ in the human body and the face is the most absorbent, so her hope is that by offering natural products, customers can be preventative while still being beautiful.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the owner and operator of Altruistic Company, essential healthcare for your skin. It’s nourishment for your skin with superior quality ingredients, which are 100% Pure. The products are all natural and they work! Ordinary organic is gone, sexy organic is IN!
Why did you you start working at your company?
Passion. Passion for the products. Passion for the name of the store, Altruistic; I wish for the universe to know the meaning.
What was the Inspiration?
The products. I believe in them.
What is the best part of what you do on a day to day business? The most challenging part?
Customer Satisfaction. I designed an interactive store and I want everyone to see instant results and know they are getting quality products. I gain trust because customers know the products work before they leave the store (and have the soft hands to prove it).
It sounds cliché but I get so focused on my store that it becomes difficult to get out of my own ‘business brain’ sometimes. Music really helps me with this.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work life balance is off?
Sleep; too little or too much.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope that Altruistic will be a trusted brand with a unique customer experience where customers enjoy shopping. Hopefully I’ll have another store location.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I think the biggest challenge has been myself. I needed to be ready for a life that was true to my heart. I overcame it by spending a lot of time by myself listening to music, dancing, reading books, soul searching. I really needed to know what contentment meant for myself.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
One of my favorite quotes sums this up for me:
“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelo
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
When Altruistic’s purple sign was being secured to the building. It was surreal.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
“When you fall it can be embarrassing, but it takes courage to stand back up.” Anonymous
Where is your favorite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
I am a foodie so I usually try to go to a new spots and discover something new, and this is one of the reasons I love Calgary. I hope I get to see all. Currently, I am making my rounds throughout the Mission area. Donegal’s for baked brie is always a favourite.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Listening to music, dancing, reading and chilling with my dog.
Where is your favorite place to travel? Why?
Travelling is a passion I hope I can do more of in the future. There is something so miraculous when your eyes see a new place for the fist time; it intrigues me. I discovered San Francisco recently and fell in love with the culture and people of that city. I am hoping to visit Australia as I have family I would like to visit. I have a feeling this will be a favourite new spot because of the beaches and sunshine!
If you had to choose a theme song what would it be?
“Come on knock on our door…we’ve been waiting for you…” Three’s Company is one of my favourite shows of all time and laughing cures pretty much everything for me.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing what would you be doing?
I would go back to school to learn culinary arts.
Do you support any charities? If so, which ones and why are important to you?
Yes, I do support charities. This year I contributed to prostate cancer research due to its involvement with my family. On my webpage I have mentioned a few that I believe in: Music that Heals, Terry Fox Run and Covenant House Calgary is one I would like to be involved with now.
What to you is notable?
My family. They are constantly teaching me to have humility and happiness.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Andriod, or Other?
iPhone.
#LYNL | (Live Your Notable Life)
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