Name: Chelsi Oestreich
Brand: Kinko
Established: July 2019
Hometown: Houston, TX

What motivated you to start Kinko?

After working for other founders my entire career, I wanted to do something on my own. When Fanny and I started talking about doing natural deodorants better, I had 3 friends diagnosed with breast cancer – all in their early to mid 40s.  Way too young.  I’m happy to say that all 3 are doing well but the conversation in my circle of friends was about what we were putting in and on our bodies that was increasing our risk for cancer.  In my 20+ years in the beauty biz, I was in the business of selling confidence.  It became so clear that I could still do that but I needed to also be in the business of ensuring that the products I put my name on were safe as well.   

What would you consider your hero product from your brand?

Definitely the Unscented Microbiomix Balancing Deodorant.  I prefer to have no smell whatsoever.

What standards/non-negotiables do you take into consideration when thinking about enhancing or developing new products?

Performance.  What is inside the package must do what it says it will do on the outside.

What do you think are some of the biggest challenges for "beauty/wellness" brands today?

Cutting through the clutter.  It is a crowded market and getting your message to your intended audience gets harder and harder each day. It is also important to educate the consumers.  There is a lot of wacky press out there – some true, some not – and helping your customer decipher for herself and empower her to make the best decisions for her and her family are key. 

What has been one of your proudest moments since creating Kinko?

Being featured in Allure Magazine!  That has forever been the ‘beauty bible’ and to see our young brand featured on the Editor’s Picks page was unbelievable!

What can we expect in the future from Kinko?

We want to create more products that benefit your skin’s microbiome.  Everything from scalp to toe has its own biome ecosystem that needs nurturing in order for your skin to work like it was intended and stay healthy.

What advice would you give customers who want to make the most out of your brand?

Be patient.  When you are using a product that is meant to balance your skin’s microbiome, that doesn’t happen overnight.  The living microorganisms on your skin are well, living. It takes time for the good bacteria to populate so your skin can build its defensive mechanism back to 100%.

How do you start your day?

My mornings are all about getting my kids out the door.  Lunches, backpacks, and carpool start the weekday mornings.  After that, I take my 2 dogs for a walk to clear my head and think about my day so when I return, I am ready to go!

Do you have a morning/evening ritual?

My mornings, not so much.  My evenings are a little more routine.  I actually enjoy doing the dishes, and maybe a little OCD about dish placement in the dishwasher.  It is a mindless activity where I just have my thoughts while the house chaos goes on behind me. I also like to read a little before going to bed. I am currently reading a leadership book that a friend gave me – a little self-improvement reminder every day never hurt anyone.

What is your daily skincare routine?

My kids always tell me I need a hobby and I tell them that Skincare IS my hobby! 

Cleanse – Love the Tatcha Deep Cleanse

Exfoliate – I still have some bootleg tubes of the original Laura Mercier Face Polish.  When I run out, I will be devastated!

Oil/Serum – I use a different oil daily depending on my mood (not scientific, I know). Right now, I am switching between Pure Culture’s Serum, Dr. Elsa Jungman’s Start Over Serum, The Organic Pharmacy’s Vitamin C Serum and BYBI’s Strawberry Booster.

Moisturizer – Glo Beauty Hydra-Bright AHA Hydrator

SPF – Supergoop Play Body Mousse SPF 50

Do you have a daily wellness routine?

Daily is hard but I do have a Friday night treatment time.  I recently discovered these ‘peels-in-a-box’ from Glo Skin Beauty.  They are affordable and include everything you need to recrate a facial or peel at home.  I have been having tons of fun with these and for me, they take the week off and get me ready for the weekend.

What is a beauty product or tool you can’t live without?

My Supergoop Play Body Mouse SPF 50. It says Body but I use it on my face everyday.  I promise the secret to delay aging is wearing sunscreen every day, even when working inside!

What do you do for R&R when you need to reboot?

We live in Texas so we are lucky enough to have a pool in our backyard.  I love sitting outside, even on the crazy hot days, getting some fresh air and swimming with my family.

What are your must haves when traveling?

A light jacket (I’m always cold) and a great hydrating mist to replenish my skin, like the Pixi Glow Mist.

What selfcare advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago?

Keep exercising. It is amazing how quickly you lose endurance and strength.  Even if it is for 10 minutes, just do something!

Do you have any beauty/wellness advice for our followers?

Wear SPF…did I already say that?!