A local skincare line specializes in mindful plant-based products

If Bethany Frazier could offer words of wisdom to her younger self, they would definitely include tips on giving her skin a little more loving. And while now, Frazier may be considered a guru on skin health, getting to this point hasn’t always been easy for the Maven Made founder. After years of seeing dermatologists and struggling with her skin, Frazier began to experiment with making products and serums on her own, one of which led to drastic results. The serum would eventually became one of Frazier’s best-selling signature products.

“My inspiration [for the business] was my own skin's transformation after I used the Facial Serum I formulated at home,” says Frazier. “It really helped clear my congested hormonal acne skin and it's really been the driving force behind creating approachable and simple skincare products.”

Frazier launched the line of plant-based skincare and wellness products — sold in their famed blue bottles — in 2014, and they’ve become a staple in mindful consumers' bathroom cabinets ever since. Frazier originally began selling through Etsy, taking time to slowly and mindfully grow the business. All of her products, from the matcha scrub to sleep serum are organic, cruelty-free, non-toxic and made using 100% botanical ingredients. Frazier also vows to never craft a product when feeling funky or frustrated.

Although plant-based products are Frazier’s focus and forte, she says, “Honestly, while I enjoy botanical-powered products and ingredients, I don't believe they are "best" for everyone. I think it's important to play around with brands - synthetic or plant-based and see which makes your skin feel good. There is no judgment on what you put on your skin with Maven Made.”

Looking to integrate new products into your daily skincare routine or wanting to switch to plant-based products? Richmond-based Maven Made can be found on the shelves at the multifaceted grocer and social hub, Ellwood Thompson’s.

“Ellwood's reached out last year to carry our products and finally this year I could give an enthusiastic "yes!". A generous portion of Maven Made customers shop at Ellwood's so the relationship made so much sense to me,” says Frazier.

For customers interested in testing the waters of plant-based skincare, or simply seeking something new to introduce into their routine, Frazier offers miniature commitment-free versions of her goods such as the Rosewater Wondermist hydrating facial spray and the Facial Serum, the latter of which she says has a cult following. Other skincare tips from Frazier: Establishing a trusting relationship with a esthetician who can analyze your skin and make product/ingredient recommendations, along with a focus on hydration.

“You always want to hydrate your skin (think hydrosol mists and hyaluronic acid) before moisturizing,” she says. “This two-step ritual helps prepare skin cells for optimal skin-

softening and repairing results and helps more heavier moisturizing products sink it in better.”

Approaching skincare with a gentle mantra, and understanding of the process it takes to find out what works for each individual, Frazier continues, “Try not to overwhelm your skin (and mind) with complicated products, gadgets or treatments and the marketing behind them - there is SO MUCH out there now. And a whole lot of fearmongering and anti-aging nonsense on full display for brands to push their products. Your skin will age, your skin will change, it's natural, accept it.”