Green Beauty + Étymologie + Interview
After researching Montreal based Étymologie’s website and reading founder Raquela Cheesmond’s thoughtful answers to this interview, I knew I’d found a great skin care brand to share with you and also I learned how to make an E on my laptop with that accent on it which caused me a little stress at the beginning until I googled how easy it was. Did you know it was so easy?
In the recent newsletter I shared a few reasons why I chose to collaborate with Raquela on an online pop up (November 11th-30th) but I think the following interview will speak for itself! Enjoy! (and you can sign up for the newsletter here ;) )
Can you share a little of your background and the path to the founding of your brand?
I was born and raised in Switzerland and lived mostly in Basel and in the mountains above Aigle in Canton Vaud. Growing up in Switzerland gave me a passion for science and a great appreciation and respect for nature, which translates into how I went about creating Étymologie.
My academic background is in biochemistry and food science - I received my M.Sc. Food Science from McGill University in 2016. I also spent time in Milan researching natural sunscreens and alternative preservation systems for cosmetics, so I have been exposed to both the cosmetic formulation and the ingredient development side of the business.
On a personal note, I struggled with cystic acne and sensitive skin and I wanted to create products that were contrary to traditional acne treatments that are harsh and drying. I sought to create products that were healing and nourishing and treated acne and redness in gentle way over time. I also wanted these products to be anti-aging and plumping, without being comedogenic and pore clogging to oily/combination skin types - and so Étymologie was born!
Do you have advice for other female entrepreneurs?
Just start! But do your homework first and make sure you have realistic expectations and are prepared to put in the work. I’m still at the beginning of this journey and am learning so much everyday and am constantly faced with new and exciting challenges as a new business trying to find its footing and perfect market niche.
What are you most proud of about your brand?
Our passion for sustainability and refusing to green wash or science wash our marketing. We pay a high premium to be as sustainable as possible: we use infinitely recyclable Miron Glass bottles, use carbon neutral boxes printed entirely in Canada on FSC certified paper, source non-GMO organic certified botanicals and safe, sustainable clinical actives. All of these efforts contributes to our performance and value driven product line that is that good for the skin and the planet.
And you work with a charity also?
4% of sales of our Miracle Oil go to Artistri Sud - a charity based out of Montreal who empower women to fight poverty through entrepreneurship. I volunteered for Artistri Sud when I was a student at McGill University and was so inspired by the work they do and how their projects have a real measurable impact.
Artistri Sud provides targeted, entrepreneurship training to women artisans and not only teaches them how to market and sell their products more efficiently, but helps these women see their value and become confident leaders in their communities. Within 1 year of completing Artistri Sud’s training program, participants saw an average increase in revenue of 67%!
Can you give away any secrets about your product development?
We are always doing R & D and working on new products and have a lot of exciting things in the pipeline for next year - I’m a chemist so this is what I enjoy doing most, and would spend all my time doing if I could! We are launching our
Probiotic Glacial Clay Mask in November and are working on an innovative product with botanical retinol that is different to a lot of botanical retinol products on the market.
And a few more prying questions :)
Favorite product from your line?
I love all our products, but my favourite would have to be the Probiotic Vitamin C Serum. It is such a powerful serum with 15% vitamin C ester that you will genuinely notice skin brightening and diminishing of scars in the first week of usage! The probiotics suspended in the formula also provides a very different serum experience, as they have a slight grainy texture to them which is unique for a serum.
Are you listening to any great podcasts or reading anything particularly good right now?
In terms of books, I just finished Shoe Dog which I really enjoyed and am currently reading my friend Léonie’s book on sustainable fashion.
Recommendations for bars/restaurants/cafe where you’re based?
I’m vegan, so am really spoilt for choice in Montreal! My favourite places to eat are LOV, Sushi Momo and Café Leaves . I also love Damas - it’s an amazing Syrian restaurant that will satisfy vegans and carnivores alike!
