I started out making my own body oil, because in my teens and early 20s, I moisturized with baby oil after every shower (sadly this also doubled as my suntan lotion.) I loved how it felt when I applied it just out of the shower with wet skin. Then I found out how bad mineral oil is for us (not to mention the environment) and creating my own body oil felt like a logical solution. A few years ago, when my kids escaped the nest, I needed something to fill the void, so I expanded my offerings and opened up gia b goods. I fell in love with creating skin care products… which, when they are paired with fascia-care tools, encourage the best kind of healthy self care rituals.

Over the past couple years I started formulating with more plant-based and active ingredients: natural retinols, vitamins, extracts, acids, esters, herbs, proteins, algaes, bioferments, clays, absolutes and hydrosols, that work to heal, nourish and improve the skin, our biggest organ. And in the process, I realized that a huge amount of harmful synthetic components are also being used in many formulas that we deem “healthy + natural” — toxic, hormone + endocrine-disrupting, skin-damaging ingredients that are often masked within the INCI listings on product labels. I’ve dedicated much of my time to furthering my education, which has resulted in products that appreciate and incorporate science, yet contain the smallest amounts of preservatives, emulsifiers and surfactants possible, resulting in uber-clean formulas. I’m also not interested in “lab-washing” i.e. picking a hero ingredient and then going to a lab and asking them to customize an existing formulation from their shelves. I love doing my own research and sourcing my own ingredients so I can be sure of their integrity. I hope you’ll join me on this journey. It’s because of your support that I’ve been able to expand my efforts into this more nuanced world of skin care formulations.

I’ve also recently finished construction on a lovely lab/workspace that doubles as a mini brick-and-mortar studio where customers can shop in person. It gives me the space to store my lab-grade tools and allows me to buy ingredients and packaging in larger quantities — helping keep prices reasonable — and, most importantly, giving me the freedom to experiment with new ingredients and formulations. It’s also easier to fill orders and most importantly, it’s a great way for you to come and sample my goods. I desperately needed this extra elbow-room, and I hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to see how it’s all made so you can trust in this line (in the literal sea of skin care products.)

From the beginning I have prioritized the benefit of incorporating tools in order to get the most out of any skin care product, and my offerings in this space are rooted in centuries-old therapies: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Hanbang (TKM) and Maderoterapia. Caring for the lymphatic system and fascia supports overall health by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and aiding the body’s natural detox processes. When these systems are nourished and tended to, we feel less stagnant, more energized, and better connected to our bodies from the inside out.

Distractions and responsibilities often spread us too thin, requiring us to carve out the time we need to stay centered and balanced. We, as carers, get overwhelmingly busy — with work, family, partners, chores and our efforts to make the world a better place. It’s my hope that you will come to rely-on and trust me to provide you with the tools for “you-time” and turn your self-care routine into a priority… to unknit your brow and capture a few moments for yourself. Keep your bath salts on a little table next to your tub to remind you that they’re there and happy to help. Light a candle, pull a chair out into the sunshine, curl up with a blanket, go for a walk, read a book, listen to a podcast, stretch, watch a movie, whatever works. Never, ever judge downtime. Just be sure to take it.