We are over-the-moon thrilled to announce our guest editor for May, the one and only Josie Maran. Not only has this former model transformed her quest for the best natural skincare products into an amazing beauty empire, she’s also a busy mom of one (with one on the way) who has some seriously great advice for anyone who wants to live well and balance it all. All month long she’ll be sharing her best advice for turning your passion into a thriving business, being the best partner and parent you can be, and of course, how to use her incredible, all-natural beauty products including giving away a ton of her Argan-oil infused skin, makeup, and hair care line.
Of course, as an introduction to the lovely Josie, we sat down with this Renaissance woman in her gorgeous LA offices and to get all her answers to our top questions. Her thoughtful answers were truly enlightening and we hope you find them as insightful as we did.
DEAR CHALKBOARD READERS,
I’m so happy to be your guest editor and look forward to a month of good stuff with Pressed Juicery. As the founder and creator of Josie Maran Cosmetics, a chicological line of Argan-Oil infused makeup, it’s great to be here to share my eco-beauty rituals with you and help you green your own ritual. Sometimes people forget that what goes on your skin is just as important as what goes in your body; your skin is your biggest organ, after all!
When I was pregnant with my daughter (and by the way, I’m growing my belly everyday with a second on the way), I really took a hard look at the world of beauty and thought, “How can I make it better?”. After being a model for most my life, I was used to being exposed to chemicals in makeup and skincare. But with Rumi Joon on the way, I really wanted to transform how people thought of makeup and create options that were safe for people and planet. So, in 2007, Josie Maran Cosmetics (and Rumi) were born.
Now a company of 30, we’ve come a long way. We are currently sold on QVC, Sephora (both here and internationally) and on our own website. The foundation for our line is 100% organic Argan Oil which, if you haven’t tried it, is a skin-saving miracle moisturizer, and my personal beauty secret. Made from argan nuts, we source it directly through fair trade from a women’s co-op in Morocco where they organically grow the trees and first cold-press the oil retaining all of the nutrients. Our company then infuses it in our cosmetics along with other cruelty-free, natural ingredients.
Our bestseller, 100% Pure Argan Oil, can be used for everything from your head to your toes. I like to use it as my daily moisturizer every morning and evening on my face, and on the ends of my hair, to help dry with cracked cuticles, and on my growing pregnant belly to help with stretch marks. It’s even been known to cure eczema and other skin diseases. My husband, Ali, uses it on his hands and hair while Rumi uses it on her face just like her mama. She’s learning how to nourish and protect her skin and face with healthy ingredients early on.
Beyond making safe, chicological products, I also wanted to build a company that gives back. So far, we’ve partnered with City of Hope to help cancer survivors, the NRDC to help fund their SOS Polar Bear initiative, and I recently launched my Model Citizen Campaign with fellow models Petra Nemcova and Angela Lindvall. Each of us designed limited edition bottles of 100% Pure Argan Oil with proceeds from each going to our favorite organizations. I chose Women for Women International, Petra chose her own Happy Hearts Fund, and Angela is giving back to Healthy Child, Healthy World.
My mantra is to live a balanced life and I think this includes finding your passion, taking care of yourself, and giving back to your community. During my month here with Chalkboard Magazine, I hope I can help you find that balance and inspire you, too.
With eco love,
Josie
