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 hydrated I felt when I applied it just out of the shower, before dabbing dry with a towel. 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 my 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.

Eventually 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 began to realize how many formulas incorporate harmful synthetic components and are touted as “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 least and cleanest amounts of preservatives, emulsifiers and surfactants possible, resulting in truly clean formulas. I’m also not interested in “lab-washing” i.e. picking a hero ingredient and then having a lab customize an existing formulation off 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 customer support that I’ve been able to expand my efforts into this more nuanced world of skin care formulations.

I also built out a lovely lab/workspace that doubles as a mini brick-and-mortar studio where customers can shop in person. It provides a workspace to store my tools and allows me to order ingredients and packaging in larger quantities — helping keep prices reasonable — and, most importantly, giving me the space + 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. As carers, we get overwhelmingly busy — with work, family, partners, chores and our efforts to make the world a better place. I 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… unknit your brow and capture a few moments. Keep your bath salts next to your tub to remind you 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.