I Turned My Kitchen Beauty Experiments Into a Thriving Business: Jessica Iclisoy

california baby

Before “Organic Was Trendy”, This Balanced Babe Turned Her Kitchen Experiments Into a Thriving Business: Meet Jessica Iclisoy

Our team is always on the lookout for entrepreneurs who have a vision and are passionate about creating a product niche.  Jessica has the kind of pioneering spirit that helped her launch her kitchen experiments into a thriving business: California Baby .  Almost 20 years ago, Jessica created her own natural, non-toxic baby products and today her company works with leading raw material suppliers to create safe, new and improved green ingredients.  As a result, Jessica is nationally recognized as an expert in natural living.

 

source: California Baby Instagram

BB:  You started your thriving business by experimenting in your kitchen?  We’re curious about this process…can you give us more details?

In the beginning, it was very much trial and error in my kitchen. When creating skin care products, a percentage change can make a big difference to the finished product, so I spent a lot of time working to understand what my preferences were, such as thickness, foaming and amount of scent I thought worked best.

 

california baby
source: California Baby Instagram

BB: Back in 1995, there was no such thing as a “baby organic market”.  You must have realized that you were creating a niche market.  Did success happen overnight or were there setbacks along the way?

In my mind I was working to fill a need for a product that I felt was very important and completely overlooked. I wasn’t thinking that I was creating a whole new category that didn’t exist, nor was I looking to start a business, for me, it was a passion project. The product was immediately successful in that people loved it and bought it, but I purposely did not try to expand too quickly, I wanted the product to find its own way and market. To grow in a natural and organic way. I didn’t have setbacks per se, but I did have to spend a lot of time educating people on why my product was so much better and healthier for the skin than the products that were on the market, even in a natural food market! As a big believer in organic, I also worked to educate people on its merits and why it was worth the extra cost.

 

california baby
source: California Baby Instagram

BB:  What was the best advice you received along the way to creating and growing your company?

The best advice I received was actually more in the form of encouragement. I was talking to a lady who was in the beauty business and was very sharp and I had a lot of respect for her. She asked me how many years I had been in business, and at that time, I hit my five year anniversary. She said, oh, you’re fine—you’ve passed the “go out of business mark.” That gave me great confidence and was definitely a milestone for me.

 

california baby
source: California Baby Instagram

 

BB:  With such a busy schedule, do you have any go-to healthy snacks or meals that you prepare regularly?

Yes. I have a whole system! If you saw my kitchen cabinet, you would see it is filled with Life Factory glass bottles and stainless steel thermos. Every morning I prepare drinks for the day and carry them in our California Baby insulated cooler;  I usually tote around 6 bottles. One will have a smoothie that contains dandelion greens, soaked raw almonds, and various super green powders. Another will be a cucumber and mint drink, water with a tincture of Echinacea and garlic, a small bottle of pressed juice that I make and freeze, and finally, a thermos of green tea or bone broth.

 

california baby
Source: California Baby Instagram

BB:  Can you share a few of your favorite natural beauty remedies?

I always remind myself that our skin is a direct reflection of our health and lifestyle. So first, I work to stay healthy and well hydrated. A light daily exfoliation is also a good idea—for face and body. I don’t like scrubs as I think they are too harsh. I created for our kids line a light yet effective facial cleanser, kids #superclear face wash that contains the natural exfoliate taken from willow bark. Use it everyday with a natural konjac sponge and your skin will glow.

 

california baby
source: California Baby Instagram

BB:  How do you maintain the Balanced Babe lifestyle?

For me it’s very important that I have time to re-charge because I output a lot of energy and am constantly on-the-go. I make sure to exercise 3-4 times a week—this is key to keeping my stress level in check. I eat zero junk or packaged food, which means that my diet is clean and supports an active lifestyle. I’m also a big believer in massages whether deep tissue or lymphatic massage. Meals with family and friends help to keep me connected and remind me to relax, be giving and have gratitude.

 

Ok mom readers – if you are feeling super pumped after reading this interview and you are dying to try out California Baby’s non-toxic formulas, we are hosting an awesome giveaway packed with goodies! Follow the Rafflecopter instructions to enter and good luck! 


California Baby is giving away a Eucalyptus Ease Tote to one of our lucky readers!

Includes:

  • 8.5oz Eucalyptus Ease™ Shampoo & Bodywash
  • 6.5oz Eucalyptus Ease™ Everyday Lotion
  • 2oz Eucalyptus Ease™ Bubble Bath
  • Tote Bag

72 comments on “I Turned My Kitchen Beauty Experiments Into a Thriving Business: Jessica Iclisoy

  • Monday Announcements: 11.9.15 , Direct link to comment
    […] California Baby Git Pack from Balanced Babe – ends 11/14 […]
  • Michelle , Direct link to comment
    I promote a non toxic environment in our home by installing a charcoal air filter in our furnace return. This not only cleans the air in our home better than just a regular filter but it also eliminates any household odor from pets or cooking.
    • Sarah Baker , Direct link to comment
      Charcoal air filters are awesome!! I've been trying to find one to use in my home!
  • April P , Direct link to comment
    We don't buy anything for our son with flame retardants or other harmful chemicals. We love California Baby products!! It's all we've used so far for our son :)
  • Heather Clark , Direct link to comment
    I make my own salves and cough medicines which I store in glass jars that I can wash and re-use. That way we're using natural remedies and cutting down on waste.
  • Jonathan , Direct link to comment
    Eat organic, clean chemical-free, but most importantly speak to each other with respect.
  • Stephanie V. , Direct link to comment
    eating organic, using non-toxic cleaning solutions tvollowitz at aol dot com
  • Erin F , Direct link to comment
    I try to use reusable products as often as possible, not only to reduce waste but also to avoid exposure to the chemicals used to bleach and manufacture the disposable items.
  • Enter to win California Baby Tote Bag full of Goodies – ends 11/13/15 | Blog Giveaway Directory , Direct link to comment
    […] Enter Here: https://balancedbabe.com/california-baby-jessica-iclisoy/ […]
  • Cindy Peterson , Direct link to comment
    I have removed all the chemicals that I used to used to clean the house. I now use simple natural cleaners like vinegar and lemons. I use soap and not detergent in the laundry.
  • Tamara Baker , Direct link to comment
    I use vinegar and baking soda to clean pretty much everything in my house.
  • Wehaf , Direct link to comment
    We've swapped out commercial cleaners for ones that are gentler to us, and to the earth. We walk or bus more than we drive, and we try to eat whole foods instead of processed ones.
  • Inda Blackwell , Direct link to comment
    I prefer to keep my cleaning non toxic by using baking soda and vinegar!!
  • Jennifer Reed , Direct link to comment
    Another way I promote a non-toxic environment for my family is by using natural laundry detergents.
  • Sara S , Direct link to comment
    We use cloth diapers, napkins, and paper towels. Lots of vinegar for cleaning.
  • jaimeb , Direct link to comment
    I use only non toxic, organic cleaning products in my home. Including laundry detergent and body washes/shampoos.
  • Carolyn Daley , Direct link to comment
    We keep things cleaned using organic products and wash our hands to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Tabatha :D , Direct link to comment
    Healthy living is a continual growing process for me. There is so much to learn. I used to say I eat healthy but now I say I eat healthier (healthier than I used to). Thank you for the giveaway.
  • Jill H , Direct link to comment
    trying to use natural things like vinegar & baking soda for cleaning. I use natural toothpaste & deodrants
  • Jessica Mcfarlin , Direct link to comment
    I used reusable bags when I'm shopping as much as possible. I also use cloth diapers and non toxic cleaners
  • james jenkins , Direct link to comment
    I use as few chemicals as possible, preferring organic-based cleaners, soaps, shampoos, etc.
  • Dorothy Deakyne , Direct link to comment
    I use all natural products that I can or make my own natural products
  • jill rivera , Direct link to comment
    I use white vinegar with lemon rind that has been in a dark place for a month. It infusing in the vinegar.
  • Melanie Comello , Direct link to comment
    By using strictly non toxic household cleaners. My little girl is super sensitive, even to some of the not so harsh cleaner smells, so I've had to learn to look for and sometimes even make my own alternatives.
  • Cheryll Shubert , Direct link to comment
    I always try to buy non-toxic cleaning supplies. I feel better with an infant in the house and it's so much better for the environment.

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