Kari Gran is a local West Seattle gal who has turned her personal obsession with natural skin care into a simple, clean product line. Meet her at Click! this Saturday, June 3rd 2–6pm where you can sample her creations: concoctions that clean, tone, and protect your skin, and a collection of natural lip balms for the protection and care of your lips.
We caught up with Kari to hear about what she makes, how she makes it, and the joys of living in the neighborhood:
How would you describe what you make?
We color a bit outside the lines of the traditional beauty industry. Most products consisting of lots of water as the main ingredient that are sourced from a lab that creates a base cream or lotion that lots of brands use and re-label. We produce our own skin care and Lip Whip in small batches on the shores of Lake Union.
If you could collaborate with anyone (living or not), who would it be and why?
I’d have to say Isabella Rosselini. I’ve long admired her since the days she was the face of Lancome and I think she’d create the best Lip Whip color imaginable.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
You can always say something, you can never take it back. Choose your words wisely.
Can you describe your favorite part of the process in your work?
My absolute favorite part is working with raw materials. When you work with organic and wild-harvested ingredients, each batch has it’s own personality. The color or smell can vary from season to season based on the soil, climate, what the ingredient is grown next to. It’s really inspiring what nature creates.
When you are in the studio, what are you listening to?
Most likely the Rolling Stones, the old stuff. A little Sympathy for the Devil feeds the soul.
What is your favorite part of being in West Seattle?
I’ve lived in West Seattle for more than 20 years now and being so close to the water is something that I love and don’t know if I could ever live in a place where the Puget Sound wasn’t part of my everyday scenery. We also love the ability to walk to everything – the Movie Theater, Library, beach and the Junction. It’s got an urban vibe with a small town feel.