The Golden Touch

Abode2 caught up with luxe skincare brand Goldie B. founder, Kelli Shelton, to find out how she creates her range of natural, toxin-free products

What inspired you to create Goldie B?

My background in aesthetics inspired me to learn as much as I could about ingredients in personal care products and Goldie B. was kind of created by accident. I've always loved spa treatments, so I began making spa-style personal care products in my kitchen. Initially I intended to only use them on myself, then I made a body wash for my son, some lotion for a couple of my friends and the business grew naturally from there. I vividly remember visiting my grandmothers' houses as a little girl, and using whatever lotions or perfumes they had in their bathrooms. Both women were extremely determined, family focused and possessed many wonderful qualities that I admired, so I named the business after them.

How do you go about creating your skincare range?

Anything I sell I make for myself first and foremost. In the beginning my idea was that if nobody bought anything I sold, at least I liked it and could use it. Every new product I like and use, because if you own a business - especially one where you handcraft what you sell, you have to like what you make. Any new product I develop is created out of necessity or a desire to have something with a specific feel or fragrance. I learned early on that you can’t make a product just because a friend of family member has requested it, no matter how close they are to you, they’re not going to purchase your entire inventory.

What are your favourite ingredients to work with?

Anything hydrating is a big favourite. I live in Chicago, where the winters are very chilly and as I grow older, I’m aware of the importance of keeping your skin hydrated. Oils that are easily absorbed and keep the skin from drying out are probably my favourite, such as rapeseed, sunflower oil, and any type of butter. I really love exfoliants, too. Salts and sugars are consistent go-to’s of mine, to remove dead, dry, winter skin.

What differentiates your products?

I never make anything solely based on what's trending. If an ingredient is fashionable and I actually think it will enhance the product, of course I will use it. However I never use an ingredient just because it is popular at the moment. It’s also important to me to keep my products as natural, and in many cases, organic as possible. I know those are marketing buzzwords, but consumers are more educated than ever before, and they realize how important it is to minimize harmful synthetic ingredients in personal care products. My son has very sensitive skin, and is allergic to a lot of fragrances and dyes. I made a conscious decision to avoid any synthetic colours or fragrances in my products. All of the products are scented with botanicals. I also carry a lot of products that can multitask. For example, the oils can be used on the body, hair, and cuticles. Some of the body butters can be used as shaving creams. Women in general need and want to get the most out of their products. Anything that saves us time is a bonus.

What’s your favourite product from the Goldie B range?

The body scrubs and body butters are my favourites. If I had to pick one at the moment, I think it would be the Coffee Butter Body Scrub, It’s made with real Arabica coffee extract, and it smells heavenly. It's also very rich, so it hydrates as it exfoliates. I use it weekly, especially on my heels and elbows.

Are you working on any exciting new products?

I’m always making something new and inventing new products. Right now I’m working on an organic honey foot scrub and face mask. I also have two new body scrubs and body butters. One reminds me of mulled wine, the other a vanilla latte. As we head into the cold and flu season, I decided to make a balm with organic essential oils.

Learn more here: https://www.goldieb.com/