From College Idea to $2M Sustainable Business

Can an eco-friendly beauty brand compete with mainstream makeup brands? Corinne Lefebvre, founder of River Organics, shares how she built a vegan, zero-waste beauty brand that challenges big cosmetics while staying true to sustainable values.In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman uncovers the journey behind River Organics, from paper packaging innovations to creating high-performance makeup without compromising the planet.𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀:Sustainable beauty & vegan cosmeticsZero waste makeup packaging innovationsCompeting with big brands like Sephora without VC fundingHow to grow a profitable sustainable businessRiver Organics founder story⏩ 𝗝𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀:00:00 Intro00:36 Founding River Organics: The Origin Story02:04 Sustainable Packaging Innovations04:21 Challenges and Growth in the Beauty Industry05:22 The Importance of Sustainable Business Practices08:32 Packaging Details and Customer Feedback18:34 Expanding Product Lines: From Lip Balm to Mascara24:21 Future Innovations and Customer Loyalty31:22 Conclusion and Contact Information𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗯𝘃𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀Corinne Lefebvre is the Owner and Founder of River Organics, a vegan and sustainable beauty brand. River Organics is a thoughtfully crafted zero-waste makeup line that prioritizes transparency in both ingredients and packaging, while working to reduce its environmental footprint and yours.🔗𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗯𝘃𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀Website : www.riverorganics.orgYoutube:   https://www.youtube.com/@RiverOrganicsBeautyFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/riverorganics/Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/riverorganicsbeauty/𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻” 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁: Instagram:   / cdesignhaus   TikTok:   / consciousdesign   LinkedIn:   / conscious-designhaus   X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus💄 What’s the #1 thing you look for in a sustainable beauty brand: performance, price, or packaging?🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Emma Rose Cohen, founder of FinalStraw, turned a simple idea into a $2M Kickstarter and a movement against single-use plastics. In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, she shares how small changes spark massive environmental impact.Emma Rose Cohen is the CEO and founder of Final, the company behind FinalStraw and other sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. What started as an idea during college parties turned into a viral Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $2 million  and has since kept over 300 million straws out of the ocean. 🌊In this episode, Emma opens up about:How to turn passion for sustainability into a thriving businessWhy simplicity beats complexity in product designThe power of voting with your dollars and influencing othersWhat’s next for Final and the fight against waste✨ If you care about sustainability, startups, or how to bring a product idea to life, this episode is a must-watch.⏩ 𝗝𝘂𝗺𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀:00:00 - Guest Intro00:18 - The Birth of Final Straw00:46 - The Journey to Sustainability02:17 - From Kickstarter to Sustainable Living Innovations05:34 - From Feedback to Innovation: Growing the Product Line10:49 - Material Choices and Environmental Impact15:57 - The Ripple Effect of Sustainable Choices18:48 - Encouraging Awareness and Action21:17 - The Historical Perspective on Waste22:27 - Corporate Responsibility and Consumer Power24:39 - Consumer Impact and the Future of Sustainability27:43 - Product Development Challenges and How to Tackle Them30:12 - Sharing Ideas and Execution36:14 - Exploring New Business Concepts𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄Emma Rose Cohen, CEO and founder of Final, found her passion in sustainability on a Sunday morning during college. While walking around campus in Santa Barbara, she felt as though she was drowning in a sea of single-use plastics⁠—solo cups, straws, and water bottles.That day would stick with her. Emma went on to earn her master’s degree in environmental management and sustainability at Harvard and spent four years working at Los Alamos National Laboratory. As she watched different materials being wasted day in and day out, Emma couldn’t help but wonder if there was a better way. So she quit her job to work on her dream: to create fun alternatives to single-use plastics.FinalStraw launched on Kickstarter in April 2018 with a goal of raising $12,500. The product struck a chord. In a matter of weeks, the campaign raised $1.89 million. The momentum hasn’t stopped. Since launching, FinalStraw has prevented approximately 300 million single-use straws from entering the environment.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝗺𝗺𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘄Website : https://finalstraw.com/LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmarosecohen/     https://www.linkedin.com/company/finalstraw/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/finalstrawX : https://www.facebook.com/finalstrawInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/finalstraw/🌍𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 SUBSCRIBE ► @ConsciousDesign𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 “𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻” 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.🌍 If you could ban ONE single-use plastic item forever, which would it be?🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Fashion is one of the world’s most polluting industries 🌍 Can labeling & AI make it sustainable? Host Ian Peterman sits down with designer Vicky Tsiachri to explore her A–E clothing labeling system, how transparency fights greenwashing, and why conscious design is key to reshaping fashion.💬 Do you believe fashion labels can really change how people shop, or will fast fashion always win? Let us know below!💡 What You’ll Learn:Why fashion is the second most polluting industryThe truth behind fast fashion, greenwashing & overconsumptionHow Vicky’s A–E labeling system empowers shoppersThe cultural gap between Greece & UK in sustainable designHow AI & 3D printing could reduce waste and overproductionWhy transparency builds trust and long-term profits in fashion⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:00:37 - Introduction to the Conscious Design Podcast00:49 - Meet Vicky Tsiachri: A Journey into Sustainable Design02:23 - Cultural Differences in Sustainability: Greece vs. UK04:16 - Conscious Choices: Vicky's Sustainable Fashion Project06:05 - The A to E Labeling System for Fashion08:55 - Challenges in Sustainable Fashion and Greenwashing15:47 - Consumer Behavior and Sustainable Fashion21:53 - Promoting Conscious Design and Thrifting23:30 - The Paradox of Fast Fashion and Sustainability25:39 - Consumer Perception of Eco-Labeling27:24 - AI and Sustainable Fashion Solutions29:00 - Cultural Shifts and Fast Fashion32:11 - The Role of Transparency in Sustainable Fashion38:06 - The Continuous Journey Towards Sustainability43:50 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAbout Vicky Tsiachri and “The Conscious Choice” ProjectVicky Tsiachri is a multidisciplinary designer and Creative Director specializing in fashion branding, digital engagement, and youth culture. Based in London, she holds an MA in Design from the University for the Creative Arts and is now a PhD candidate researching sustainable fashion through digital innovation.Her project, “The Conscious Choice,” introduces a fashion labeling system (A–E grades) designed to help consumers make informed decisions while pushing brands toward greater transparency.🔗 Connect with Vicky Tsiachri:Website: https://www.vicky-tsiachri.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-tsiachri/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicky_tsiachri Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 Do you believe fashion transparency can fix fast fashion—or is it too late? Comment below!🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

How are AI and fractional leadership reshaping the future of work? 🚀 Host Ian Peterman sits down with Execnow founders Kahlil Dumas & Colin Smith to explore how they’re disrupting executive search, solving culture challenges in startups, and redefining leadership in 2025.💬 Do you believe AI will actually fix hiring, or just make the problems worse? Let us know below!💡 What You’ll Learn:Why traditional executive search firms are brokenThe risks of relying on AI in recruitmentStartup culture mistakes (and how to avoid them)Change management strategies that actually workThe rise of fractional leadership vs. consultingHow to hire and integrate leaders for long-term success⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:00:59 The Origin Story of Execnow02:08 Disrupting Executive Search04:38 Challenges in Talent Acquisition07:44 The Role of AI in Recruitment09:29 The Importance of Change Management14:18 Integrating New Employees23:32 The Culture Challenge in Startups26:23 Innovative Design Teams27:40 Breaking Down Echo Chambers29:59 Challenges in Traditional Corporate Structures34:18 The Rise of Fractional Work36:21 Benefits and Misconceptions of Fractional Work38:29 Implementing Fractional Leadership39:11 Fractional Work vs. Consulting43:24 Future Trends in Fractional WorkAbout Kahlil Dumas, Colin Smith, & ExecnowExecnow is a next-generation talent partner that helps companies rapidly find and hire top performers. Their new platform, ExecnowOS, enables businesses to instantly identify and connect with top talent. The company was co-founded by Kahlil Dumas and Colin Smith.🔗 Connect with 𝐊𝐚𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐥 𝐃𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐬, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 & 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐧𝐨𝐰:Website: Execnow.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/execnow/ LinkedIn (Kahlil): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahlildumas/ LinkedIn (Colin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/execnow/ Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 Do you believe AI will actually fix hiring, or just make bias worse? Comment below!🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

From Hollywood TV sets to replacing 656M plastics — Host Ian Peterman sits down with Repurpose Co-Founder & CEO Lauren Gropper to reveal how she built the nation’s leading compostable tableware brand, disrupted single-use plastics, and made eco-friendly living affordable and easy for millions.💬 Question for you: What’s the single-use plastic item you’d most like to replace in your home? Comment below — we’d love to hear your ideas!⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:00:00 - Intro00:33 - Meet Lauren Gropper: CEO of Repurpose00:50 - The Origin Story of Repurpose02:43 - Challenges and Innovations in Sustainable Products05:38 - Creating a Brand and Market Entry10:07 - Product Range and Market Challenges17:01 - Composting and Material Choices22:54 - Future of Sustainable Products32:51 - Closing Thoughts and Contact InformationAbout Lauren Gropper & RepurposeLauren Gropper is the founder and CEO of Repurpose, the leader in compostable household goods. An eco-entrepreneur and green architecture pioneer, Lauren began her career in sustainable design. Her early success led to a surprising career in Hollywood, working as a consultant to the industry with customers like Discovery Networks. Confronted with the waste generated by craft services, Lauren had an aha moment on- set. She founded Repurpose to extend the disposable lifespan of single use products and reduce waste. Today, Lauren leads Repurpose on its quest to change the world one low-impact cup, plate and fork at a time.Repurpose offers a range of plant-based, non-toxic, and compostable alternatives to traditional single-use products, aiming to reduce landfill waste and promote sustainability. Repurpose is the #1 eco-compostable tableware brand at U.S. grocery stores like Whole Foods, Albertson’s, Kroger and more, and is sold in 20,000 retailers nationwide. Since its founding, Repurpose has replaced 656 million pieces of plastic.Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🔗 Connect with Lauren Gropper & Repurpose:Website: https://www.repurpose.com/ LinkedIn (Repurpose): https://www.linkedin.com/company/repurpose-compostables/ LinkedIn (Lauren): https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gropper-65b3102/ Instagram (Repurpose): https://www.instagram.com/repurpose/?hl=en Instagram (Lauren): https://www.instagram.com/laurengropper/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/repurpose/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRAe_hzGzfysi_Bgy8nZbAQ🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

She walked away from two decades of luxury bag design to build carbon-negative, vegan bags that actually make a difference. Meet Alona Komsky, co-founder of AKKONIQ, the minimalist bag brand that’s reshaping sustainable fashion with innovation, function, and style.In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman explores how Alona turned her frustration with fast fashion and greenwashing into a mission: designing eco-friendly bags made from 3D-woven recycled materials, biodegradable fibers, and honest minimalist design.If you're interested in ethical fashion, sustainable materials, slow fashion, or how to build a conscious product brand—this episode is for you.⏩ Jump to your favorite parts: 00:52 - Meet Alona Komsky: Co-Founder of Akkoniq01:03 - The Journey to Sustainable Design02:06 - Challenges in the Industry05:00 - Creating Sustainable Bags14:30 - Innovative Materials and Techniques17:10 - Customer Feedback and Education26:38 - The Future of Sustainable Design27:50 - Conclusion and Contact InformationAbout Alona Komsky & AKKONIQAKKONIQ is a new name in sustainable fashion, but co-founder Alona Komsky brings over 20 years of award-winning design experience across tech, travel, and fashion. Her products have won Red Dot, IDSA, and remain global bestsellers.AKKONIQ blends minimalist aesthetics, functional innovation, and planet-first materials. Born from Alona’s mission to align design with values, the brand delivers truly sustainable bags—without compromise or greenwashing.🔗 Connect with Alona Komsky & AKKONIQ: Website: akkoniq.com LinkedIn (AKKONIQ): https://www.linkedin.com/company/akkoniq/LinkedIn (Alona): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonakomsky/Instagram (AKKONIQ): https://www.instagram.com/akkoniq/Instagram (Alona): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonakomsky/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akkoniqYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@akkoniqGet the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesignLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 What’s the #1 thing you look for in a bag? 🔍🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

What happens when used crayons become tools for healing? The Crayon Initiative has transformed over 500,000 pounds of wax into hospital-safe art supplies, bringing creativity, comfort, and color to children in medical care across the U.S.In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman speaks with Bryan Ware, the founder behind this purpose-driven nonprofit. What began as a simple question at a restaurant became a nationwide movement powered by sustainable thinking, community action, and compassionate design.This story goes far beyond crayons. It’s about how thoughtful product reuse and conscious innovation can reduce waste, support healing, and inspire change. If you care about circularity, social impact, and sustainable product development, this episode is for you.⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Welcome to the Conscious Design Podcast01:06 - Meet Brian Ware: Founder of The Crayon Initiative01:56 - The Crayon Initiative: Transforming Unwanted Crayons02:56 - Challenges and Innovations in Crayon Recycling05:09 - The Origin Story: How The Crayon Initiative Began07:45 - Manufacturing and Supply Chain Insights16:48 - Future Goals: Expanding Beyond Crayons18:55 - Designing for Hospitalized Children23:27 - How to Get Involved and Donate26:04 - OutroAbout Bryan Ware & The Crayon InitiativeBryan Ware is the founder of The Crayon Initiative, a nonprofit that collects and recycles used crayons to make safe, hospital-friendly art tools for children in medical care. With over 500,000 pounds of crayons diverted from landfills, the project helps reduce waste while bringing therapeutic creativity to kids who need it most.He is also the founder of WareWorks, a consulting firm specializing in manufacturing, product design, and packaging efficiency🔗 Connect with Bryan Ware & The Crayon Initiative:Website: https://thecrayoninitiative.orgWareWorks: https://wareworksgroup.comLinkedIn (Bryan): https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-ware-8681525/LinkedIn (The Crayon Initiative): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-crayon-initiativeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecrayoninitiative/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecrayoninitiativeTwitter/X: https://x.com/shareyourcolorsVimeo: https://vimeo.com/user53090177Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausGet the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/We help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬  What would you do with old crayons? Tell us below!🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Discover how Modern Mill is transforming the future of building materials with ACRE, a stunning, low-maintenance, sustainable alternative to wood.CEO Chris Guimond joins host Ian Peterman on the Conscious Design Podcast to reveal how upcycled rice hulls are helping create hurricane- and fire-resistant materials that outperform traditional wood in durability, ease of use, and sustainability.If you're a homeowner, builder, architect, or sustainability advocate, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.💡 What You’ll Learn:● Why old-growth wood isn’t a sustainable option anymore● How ACRE performs better than cedar or PVC in extreme climates● The surprising role of rice hulls in creating eco-friendly siding● How ACRE’s biophilic design improves wellness and aesthetics● Where ACRE is being used, from hospitals to million-dollar coastal homes⏩ Jump to your favorite parts: 00:00 - Guest Intro 00:37 - The Origin of ACRE by Modern Mill 01:07 - The Importance of Sustainable Building Materials 02:08 - Why ACRE Beats Traditional Wood and Composites 07:47 - Performance and Installation of ACRE15:23 - Sustainable and Easy-to-Maintain: ACRE’s Benefi ts 22:34 - The High Cost of Home Maintenance 23:58 - Psychological Perks and Biophilic Benefi ts of ACRE 27:13 - ACRE in Medical and Senior Care Facilities 29:10 - ACRE's Versatility in Interior Applications 36:08 - Sustainability and Longevity of ACRE 41:22 - ACRE's Fire and Hurricane CredentialsAbout Chris Guimond & Modern MillChris Guimond is the CEO of Modern Mill, a sustainable building materials company creating eco-friendly wood alternatives from upcycled rice hulls.Modern Mill’s flagship product, ACRE, offers a no-compromise alternative to traditional wood. It is durable, beautiful, low-maintenance, and fully recyclable. Made in the USA, ACRE is reimagining how sustainable design meets performance.🔗 Connect with Chris Guimond & Modern Mill: Website: https://modern-mill.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mill/posts/?feedView=all Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modern.mill/Twitter: https://x.com/ModernMillAcreYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Modern-MillGet the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 What do you think about using sustainable alternatives like ACRE? Let us know below.🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Your Makeup Might Be Hurting the Planet. Here’s How One Brand Is Fixing It.The beauty industry creates billions of pieces of waste every year, most of which never get recycled. But what if your makeup could be completely zero waste, refillable, and designed to last for decades?In this episode, host Ian Peterman sits down with Chris Tarling, founder of Izzy Zero Waste Beauty, to reveal how his brand is building the world’s first truly closed-loop, sustainable beauty line. Every mascara, lip product, and skincare jar is returned, sterilized, and reused instead of ending up in the trash.💡 What You’ll Learn:How Izzy Zero Waste Beauty is transforming the eco-friendly makeup industryThe truth about why most “recyclable” beauty packaging still harms the planetThe surprising connection between dental tech and refillable cosmeticsHow closed-loop systems are reshaping sustainable beautyTips to reduce waste in your beauty routine without sacrificing performanceJump to your favorite parts:00:00 - Guest Intro00:36 - The Origin Story of Izzy02:00 - Reusability and Design in Sustainable Cosmetics04:57 - Closed Loop System and COVID Launch07:04 - User Experience and Subscription Model08:35 - Recycling and Reusability Process14:19 - Expanding Product Lines and Skincare Innovations19:04 - Global Expansion and Supply Chain Strategy22:08 - Designing with Purpose: Carbon and Storytelling23:37 - Challenges in Marketing Sustainable Products24:44 - Importance of Product Performance27:30 - Focusing on Wholesale Partnerships29:39 - Collaborations and the Startup Journey35:45 - The Future of Sustainable PracticesAbout Chris Tarling & Izzy Zero Waste BeautyChris Tarling is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, engineer, and environmentalist dedicated to disrupting the beauty industry with sustainable, circular economy solutions. Izzy Beauty Inc a global beauty brand centered around close loop performance beauty. Live Beautifully, Waste Less. Award-winning and patented, Izzy Beauty offers customers a life changing performance in makeup, with forever-changing waste free packaging experienceConnect with Chris Tarling & Izzy Zero Waste Beauty: Website: www.yourizzy.com LinkedIn (Chris): https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-tarling-92722317/ LinkedIn (Izzy Zero Waste Beauty): https://www.linkedin.com/company/izzy-zero-waste-beauty/ Instagram (Shelli): https://www.instagram.com/shellibrunswick/ Instagram (Izzy Zero Waste Beauty): https://www.instagram.com/izzyzerowastebeauty/ Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 Would you switch to zero waste makeup? Why or why not? Tell us below!🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!

Couldn’t find a safe sunscreen during pregnancy? That’s how Mama Sol was born, an award-winning, sustainable skincare brand changing the way people think about SPF. Discover how Arielle Moody, a beauty industry veteran, co-founded Mama Sol to create pregnancy-safe, non-toxic, luxurious sunscreen that people actually love to wear.In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Arielle joins host Ian Peterman to share how Mama Sol's mineral sunscreen became a spa favorite, won top beauty awards, and is helping people protect their skin without compromising on health, beauty, or the planet.⏩ Jump to your favorite parts:00:00 - Guest Intro00:19 - Meet Arielle Moody: CEO and Co-founder of Mama Sol00:33 - The Origin Story of Mama Sol01:56 - Challenges and Innovations in Sunscreen Formulation08:21 - The Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen16:59 - Expanding the Product Line and Future Plans21:14 - The Journey of Building Mama Sol26:46 - Conclusion and Special Offer👉 Shop Mama Sol: https://shopmamasol.comUse code ConsciousMama15 for 15% off.About Arielle Moody & Mama SolWhile pregnant with her first child, Arielle Moody was shocked by the number of toxic ingredients in everyday products, especially sunscreen. Frustrated by natural options that felt greasy, left a white cast, or smelled unpleasant, she set out to create something better.With years of beauty industry experience at brands like Smashbox, Dr. Perricone, and Skinn Cosmetics, Arielle co-founded Mama Sol, a 100% mineral luxury suncare brand created to make SPF safe, gentle, and enjoyable for everyone, including pregnant and nursing moms.Mama Sol’s silicone-free, multi-tasking formulas glide on clear, nourish the skin, and come in sustainable packaging, turning sun care into a daily ritual you’ll love.🔗 Connect with Arielle Moody & Mama Sol: Website: https://shopmamasol.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shopmamasol LinkedIn (Arielle): https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielle-moody-2325a422/ LinkedIn (Mama Sol): https://www.linkedin.com/company/mama-sol/ Instagram (Arielle): https://www.instagram.com/ariellesilbermoody/ Instagram (Mama Sol): https://www.instagram.com/shopmamasol/ Facebook (Mama Sol): https://www.facebook.com/shopmamasol/ Get the “Conscious Design” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Learn more: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausWe help creative entrepreneurs integrate social & environmental responsibility into their brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.💬 What’s your biggest sunscreen pet peeve: greasy, white cast, or forgetting to apply it? 😂 Drop a comment below!🔔 Enjoyed this episode? Like, subscribe & share to support conscious innovation!