The Goofy Mermaid aka Kirstie Lauren is a curated box with organic, natural + non-toxic ingredients

I created a green beauty subscription box called Beauty Gone Green to help consumers easily discover safe nontoxic beauty brands. I work with companies, both big and small, to personally curate each box and deliver the best green beauty products to people’s doorstep. My team and I take the time to do extensive research on all ingredients so that people can feel good about what their putting on their skin. Beauty Gone Green is for the customer who already shops green, but it also offers an amazing solution for people who want to start living a green beauty lifestyle but don’t necessarily know where to start. My ultimate goal is for people to no longer blindly trust and purchase the larger conventional beauty brands that are filled with toxic chemicals and replace them with products that are organic, natural and non-toxic. Plus, each box is super cute and reusable.

Success means... making a positive difference while doing what I love.

Three adjectives that describe me are... inspired, passionate and driven.

You can’t run a business without... a community of supporters, lots of energy and of course your phone.

In the next 10 years... I will be running my business and working hard to educate people about the importance of making more mindful and healthier choices about what they put on, as well as in, their bodies. 

What are some pros and cons of having (OR not having) entrepreneurial parents?

When it come parents I have the best of both worlds! 

With my mom, doing something outside of the norm that didn’t already exist with a clear and concise plan was a scary topic to address. She was skeptical of the idea, because she only wants to see me succeed, but now that she’s that the business has come alive she is extremely supportive and happy for me. She also sees my passion and can tell I’m creating a positive impact in peoples lives.

My dad on the other hand has an amazing entrepreneurial spirit! He told me the most important thing I can do is to do something I love with gusto and passion. And if I can achieve that it will never feel like work! 

What motivated you to become an entrepreneur? Is having your own business something you always wanted to have?

I’ve always had a passion for business, wellness and beauty and was motivated to start Beauty Gone Green because I wanted to be my own happiness dealer. 

I  knew my vision had a life, but that it was just a matter of putting all the pieces together. When I was younger I honestly thought the only option for a career was to apply to ones that already existed. Growing up I heard the saying follow your dreams or find what makes you happy, but when it really comes down to choosing that path, it’s not always easy. I was lucky enough to find my passion and turn it into a business. There were definitely tough times, but I'm so happy I pushed through the doubt and did it!

How did you come up with your business idea? What inspired you?

I was already using my green beauty social platform @thegoofymermaid to raise awareness  about harmful ingredients found in conventional beauty products when I realized I could do more. Because no matter how much I talked about the importance of going green, people were still purchasing harmful products out of convenience. So I wanted to create something tangible that was just as convenient and even more affordable, and that’s when the idea behind Beauty Gone Green was conceived. 

I know first hand that beauty, skin care and hair care products add up fast, so I used my relationships in the green beauty world to get amazing products in the box at a super affordable price. Customers are getting these products at a significantly lower cost than if they were to purchase each item individually. And doesn’t like to save money!

Who is the one super successful person you look up to? Why them? Can you share their quote/ideology that inspires you the most?

I look up to anyone who brings awareness to the importance of not using harsh toxic chemicals. I look up to women with a strong presence who use their platforms to help bring about positive change. Emma Watson is a great example of a successful women who I admire. She’s helped create awareness around the subject in a way that makes you want to care.

One if her quotes I love is:

"If you truly pour your heart into what you believe in, even if it makes you vulnerable, amazing things can and will happen.”