Meet The Makers Mini Interview: Ativo Skincare
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We’re very fond of saying “Good Food Changes Everything”, but we also very strongly believe that what you put on your skin is as important as what you put in your stomach! That’s why we love Ativo, a super local, PoCo-based, family run business who created the cleanest, highest quality skincare with your health and wellness always front of mind. And on top of that, their products really, really work! They are amazing for soft glowing skin and shiny, healthy hair, and they have helped tons of people struggling with tough skin issues like cystic acne and psoriasis. We’re so grateful that founder Tracy managed to put aside a bit of time to answer our Meet The Makers Mini Interview questions so you can learn a little more about the people creating the amazing local products we all get to enjoy.
Ativo Skincare Mini Interview
Share your story with us in a 150 words or less.
Ativo Skincare started with Tracy’s daughter, 11 year old Jayda. At 11 years old and dealing with many medical health issues, she began to develop a severe case of cystic acne that was difficult to control. This was until she was introduced to a beauty blogger who gave her some advice about using natural and organic skin care products and the importance of using fewer chemicals on her face. At 13 Jayda formulated her first product for her acne. After many months of research, she created a detox soap for her skin. Within weeks her breakouts were calming down and the pain starting to diminish. The results have been unbelievable. Using natural products has taken away the need for additional medications. Combined with a healthy diet her skin has never been better. At Ativo Skincare we believe that holistic whole organic ingredients are what’s needed for our bodies to be their best. We will continue on the path to creating the best formulas using the best ingredients available to us.
Getting from an idea to a small business is a lot of work! When did it first sink in for you that ‘this is really happening’?
Yes you can say that it was a bit more of an undertaking then we expected. We quickly outgrew our home and needed a space that would accommodate the growing needs. Signing our first lease was scary but so exciting at the same time!!
Out of all your products, which is your personal favourite and why?
My personal favourite is the Cleansing foam. I developed it due to my severe rosacea that I was dealing with. There was nothing on the market that was working to ease my pain and redness so I just had to make it. Jayda’s into the new gel mask, she loves how cooling and refreshing it is on the skin, especially after a day in the sun.
What motivates you on a day-to-day basis?
Hearing from customers their self esteem has improved, or they have been able to leave the house without makeup in years, and feel good about it, it brings me to tears. Emails and reviews with words like “life changing” give me chills. Having dealt with skin issues my entire life, I know how hard it was. To hear their personal stories of success is what motivates me. Business can be hard, but when you know you are helping change someones life, there’s nothing else that needs to be said. You just do what you need to do to help.
What’s your favourite thing about the town or city you live in?
We moved our family from Vancouver almost 13 years ago now. We wanted a community feel in a neighbourhood where our children would make life long friends. Port Coquitlam has a municipal government that is very forward thinking. They are much more advanced in terms of recycling, eco friendly options, business opportunities and equality. Keeping a community feeling in a large growing town has been a challenge for them but I believe they are doing an amazing job.
Describe your ideal Sunday morning, including your breakfast.
Coffee with my family on a Sunday morning has always been a priority. Our kids know that Sunday mornings we catch up with one another. See how their weeks have been and just generally talk. A good cup of coffee with a bowl of overnight oats topped with a little fresh fruit is perfect for me.
What are your personal top three tips for feeling awesome?
Every single day, take time for me. Be it 10 min in the morning or a 20 min bath in the evening. I’ve learned the importance of taking that time just for me, it just makes me a better mom and wife. If I am feeling like I am overwhelmed then I just am not a good mom or business owner.
I meditate every single day, it allows my mind to rest. I have a type A personality with so many ideas running that I need my mind to take a daily break. Meditation allows me to reset.
I make my friends a priority along with my family. I crave connection with others so spending time with my girlfriends allows me to just be me without someone needing something from me. People often ask how do you balance it all, the reality is I spent many years, overworked, burnt out and exhausted. There was very little balance but I consciously made some choices to change that and now I feel like we have something amazing.
Find Ativo Skincare: On Their Website | On Instagram | On Facebook
