Brandi is the founder of Evio Beauty- a clean skincare company that's good for the skin, the planet, and the community. Founded in late 2014 from the shelter, the power of conscious choices during those years of personal turmoil shaped both Brandi and her cosmetics line. Read our Q & A where we chat about her inspiration for the business and the most rewarding part about her journey.

 

What is your story? 

Grew up between a small town in Alberta and a dairy farm in Bruce County Ontario, with 10 siblings. Grade 9 was my last year of formal education, I later got my high school diploma through correspondence. I didn’t learn what the word ‘entrepreneur’ was until I was one; it certainly wasn't anything I ever thought was in my reach. When I was 21 I lived in a Safe House Shelter after leaving an abusive relationship, which is where I started EVIO - and when my life started to change drastically!

I photoshopped a catalogue of make-up that didn’t exist (yet!) and shopped it to local boutiques. That’s how it all started.

In 6 years I went from $15 in a shelter to being the founder and CEO of a company valued at $15 million, on the Chatelaine women of the year list, and speaking on the Forbes 30 under 30 stage in Israel. It’s been a wild and rewarding ride of growth and perseverance - and we’re just getting started. 

What inspired you to start your business? How did you get started?

What inspired me most was my circumstances; and wanting to get out of them while also breaking stigmas and stats. Most of all what inspired me while on the journey was the impact of the beauty community and the kindness within it. 

The beauty community is the amongst the largest on the web, and beauty tutorials are some of the most watched videos; It’s incredible how people come together over beauty to lift each other up!

I was determined to break the stigma of what I was capable of due to my circumstances and the stat that 70% of people in my circumstance would continue the pattern of unhealthy relationships in their future. Abusive relationships affect every part of your being; your perception of yourself, your self-esteem, your capacity to dream, your physical health, your mental health, your financial freedom. I wanted to free myself of these burdens and begin the journey of doing the inner and outer work to become the best version of myself while do my part in creating a kinder, more conscious further along the way; and what better place to start that journey than amongst one of the largest, kindest communities on the web.

What is your mission with your platform?

Evio’s mission is to create a kind & conscious future :) - We know we’ve gotten there, when my outcome is no longer an anomaly, but the norm. 

What does a typical day look like?

I wake up around 7:00am, walk my dog (April the pug), make coffee (Coconut latte is my go to!), take a moment to get ready (Usually using new products that we’re developing) and then dive into Basecamp by 8:30 - 9:00am (The program that we use to stay connected while we WFH)

Favourite part of your job? 

Through Evio, I’ve gotten to meet, learn from, and become friends with some of the dopest people who are also on a journey to become the best versions of themselves - Best part of the job is hanging with them! 

Most challenging part about running your own business?

In large qty CPG cash flow is always something that you have to keep your thumb on at all times! - It’s what can make you feel like you're on top of the world, and at your lowest low all in the same day. Learning to not let it define you, go with the flow, and do your best to plan and forecast is one of the most important and challenging parts of the job. 

If you weren’t running your business, what would you be doing?

Before starting Evio I was seriously considering becoming a criminal lawyer, or a criminal profiler. I LOVE people watching and learning about their stories and what drives their decision. This is also one of my favorite things about business; whether marketing, business development, or contract negotiations it’s always a human to human connection that results in a transaction, and the more you understand the person on the other side, the better the outcome. 

What has been one of the most rewarding experiences being in your line of work so far?

Getting to know other people’s stories. I am SOOO grateful that Evio gets to be a part of someone’s self-love/self-care moment; The moment they look in the mirror, put on their mascara and feel like they can conquer their day! - Or the moment at night when putting on serum before bed and think, “Wow what a day!” they're such powerful moments in a day and I get to be a part of them for so many people - It makes me feel a part of something bigger than myself. 

Best piece of advice to others that are wanting to start their own business?

Dream BIGGER!!! 

Life motto you live by?

“Do the right thing, even when no one is looking” 

What’s next for you and your business?!

We’re working on growing our shoppable conscious content on the EVIO GUIDE and virtual event series - Along with the 4 new products we are launching in 2021!- Can’t wait for you guys to see what they are 🤩

Find Evio here to follow their journey!