With a business degree, an esthetician diploma and an ayurvedic certification, Kristen Ma is nothing short of experienced and knowledgeable in heath, wellness and commerce. With her own organic skincares and spas, as well as a published book, check out her keys to holistic success in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I am the Co-Owner of Pure + Simple natural and organic skincare and spa locations. I’m also the author of Beauty: Pure + Simple (Canada), re-titled Beauty, Pure and Simple (US). I also have a blog about my adventures in natural beauty and eastern medicine called Holistic Vanity.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
My mother and I launched Pure + Simple in 2000. This was inspired by my own frustrating struggle with acne and my discovery that natural, gentle products along with a holistic approach to health was incredibly effective. I wanted to share what I had found with others who were looking to heal their skin.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
I love helping people feel more beautiful and see changes in their complexions through self-love and healthy care. I have worked for huge, conventional beauty companies, but nothing beats knowing you are offering women and men products packed with healthy ingredients and devoid of toxic chemicals. Also, it’s wonderful when clients tell me that they view themselves in a different way or attained better health from our support or my book. I get emails like that a few times a week.
Challenges? Well, we’re a retail company for the most part – and it’s a dynamic industry (as dynamic of human interaction itself). Everyday has new challenges and sometimes its exhausting. Machines break, alarms go off, products move in and out of fashion… I usually wake up not knowing what new things I need to overcome will be. But it keeps me on my toes.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope to have written another book (working on an outline for a book on holistic acne solutions). I also hope to further develop Pure + Simple’s wholesale faction. A few spas and stores carry our Pure + Simple branded products, but hope to see that within the next five years this will be expanded.
What does success look like to you?
Success is being able to enjoy the present moment and be able to shape your own destiny. Its also about loving your job and being able to stay balanced while striving to achieve your goals.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Getting published. It was a huge thrill to have Beauty Pure and Simple published in Canada and the US.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Love what you do because you’ll be putting a lot of hours into it.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Supporting women and women’s health is important to me. I have donated Pure + Simple products to womens’ shelters when we excess inventory. Hopefully its nice to be able to use natural skincare products when they are trying to re-establish themselves. I have also invited participating women to come in and receive facials when we are training ourselves on a new service. Again, a nice way to support women who do not have the means to pay for our services at this moment of their personal journey.
Pure + Simple donates its bag proceeds to Evergreen and I personally donate to The David Suzuki Foundation. We donate a ton to gift certificates, product baskets and other giveaways to charity events…too many to list because we donate a few every month.
What to you is notable?
It notable when young entrepreneurs offer something positive and meaningful to the world. This is why I have strived to move beyond peddling creams and lotions and promote wellness, sustainability and a healthier view of beauty at Pure + Simple.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry, only because I love buttons for typing quickly. I send a ton of emails.