Daily Inspiration: Meet Heather Lentz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Lentz. 

Hi Heather, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In 2014, I began experimenting with making natural soaps, because at the time, the market just didn’t offer products that I was willing to put on my skin. All the products were chemically dominant and had a harsh, long-term impact on the skin. Over time, I perfected my own soap-making process and decided to use real food ingredients, straight from the kitchen, in all my formulations. I founded Koi as a natural continuation of my early skincare exploration, but as it turns out, my fledgling company also helped to restore my lost confidence and rediscover my own true self after leaving a toxic and emotionally abusive marriage. 

I found that the research and development process was not only fun but gave me energy and focus for my journey toward emotional healing. My confidence began to grow and deepen when I saw, heard, and read about the impact my products made in the lives of the women who used them. 

Through my study of herbs and botanicals, I found that they can be blended to work wonders on the skin. My 17-years of clinical and research laboratory work along with studies in natural cosmetic formulation, led me to craft effective, healthy skincare products that deliver noticeable results. I continue to keep up to date with important scientific trends while embracing proven, ancient healing and natural herbal traditions. 

This strong, dual mind approach, which brings together the old and the new, is how Koi Botanicals is able to bring you the most effective, natural skincare…and make you love your beauty routine. 

My efforts to make effective healthy skincare products easily available, in a marketplace that was lacking in this area, was a simple labor of love for me. I never dreamed I would be showered with notes and messages from women who had been battling a range of different skin challenges for years, only to have these issues cleared away through the consistent use of Koi products. My work to build up Koi Botanicals, as a viable boutique skincare business, inadvertently led me to uncover my greater purpose – to help every woman rediscover her best self and reconnect with her own special confidence and sense of personal beauty, through glowing, naturally healthy skin. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. All struggles encountered were my own doing. I have sometimes been my own worst enemy. I struggled with confidence, with imposter syndrome; doubting my abilities, and feeling like a fraud. I would force myself to get uncomfortable because that is when you grow. I knew I would have a hard time growing personally and in business if I didn’t get over the hurdles in my mind. I still force myself to get uncomfortable! Growth never ends. 

The path of working through real and perceived barriers, along with being showered with notes and messages from women who had skin issues cleared away through the consistent use of my products, led me to greater confidence and greater strength of purpose. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Founder and Chief Formulator for Koi Botanicals, a line of effective herbal skincare. I have a degree in Biology, a 17-year work history in clinical and research laboratories, and studies in herbalism and cosmetic formulation. I am proud of my formulations that have helped women resolve skin issues and irritations they had been battling for years before using Koi products. As well, I am proud to place emphasis on creating as many socially conscientious outcomes as I can by sourcing more than 80% of raw materials, marketing, business/tech support, and other vital supplies from family-owned, female-controlled, and minority-operated businesses. I also have a commitment to purchasing from local companies to minimize our carbon footprint by cutting down on product transport and shipping. 

Finally, I use whole leaf herbal infusions in my formulations to ensure optimal concentration of skin loving and healing properties in my products. 

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To serve and love others. When you do – all else falls into place. 

Contact Info:

• Email: koibeautybar@gmail.com
• Website: www.koibeautybar.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/koibotanicals
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koibotanicals

Image Credits
Kirsten Delpinal