Two women, one great idea: Save the planet—and women’s skin!

Who: Heather Washburn and Sharron Pinheiro, entrepreneurs, earth-minded moms, sisters-in-law.

Two women on a mission: Before they launched organic makeup and skincare line Eve Organics, Heather and Sharron had perfectly comfortable day jobs they enjoyed. Sharon worked as a massage therapist, Heather as a paramedic. Heather specialized in aromatherapy, and took to making her own products for clients—body oils, bath salts, and lotions. “I loved doing it, so I began to research, wanting to develop even more. That’s when I found out all the harrowing statistics about conventional cosmetics’ side-effects.”

A mission to provide women with healthy beauty was born, and a new business venture began. Heather was the first test subject. “Sharron was very vibrant; she had this vision. Everything she said made so much sense,” Heather says. “As a consumer, I had done little research as to what was in my makeup and skin care. I just assumed it was regulated. I considered myself an educated consumer, but I found out I wasn’t. I wanted to be a part of helping women everywhere learn the truth.”

Building the business: Sharron began mixing batches of cleanser, moisturizers, and facial toner at her Michigan home, but once they scored investors, they moved to a professional lab with a storefront for retail sales. “We’ve been very fortunate. Being a woman-run business makes me proud, even though it can be a struggle,” Sharron says. “But ever since I was little, my father told me I could do anything a guy could do—and I believed him.”

Keeping it green: Eve Organics launched with three skincare lines: Balance (for hormonal control), Clarity (for oily or acneic skin), and Renewal (for dry and mature skin). It’s since expanded to scrubs and mineral makeup. Every product is at least 80 percent organic and free from parabens, artificial dyes, fragrance, and petrochemicals. They use recycled paper, natural light whenever possible and packaging that’s recyclable. “The idea of a green business shouldn’t be that it’s a current trend,” Heather says. “We know through education and experience that this is the direction we should all be heading. Everybody wants to be young, healthy and take care of themselves. If you can do that in a healthy, natural way that’s truly good for you, then why wouldn’t you?”

Eve Organics are available online at eveorganics.com.

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Tags: green, makeup, mineral makeup, organic, sirens spotlight, Vanity

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