Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Rimbergas.
Nancy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
We started about 2 years ago with a brand called American Botanics when a close friend was diagnosed with melanoma a second time. Our learning curve was steep and we were educated in a meaningful way about how 60% of what goes on your body is absorbed through your skin. We made the commitment to become advocates for the skin of all kinds. This includes using only natural, earth-based ingredients that are vegan and finished products that are made cruelty-free.
Last year, I was feeling a lot of frustration and really wanted to use my voice in a way that felt more authentic. I realized that, with my knowledge deficit, I had created American Botanics as something I thought other people wanted. Big mistake! As I worked on my plan for a re-brand of American Botanics, I realized that what I really needed was a totally new thing.
During a regular call with some lady bosses, I was struggling to explain that I wanted to take the leap and do something more powerful and funny and loaded with attitude. I literally said I wanted to go Full Unicorn! It was one of those thunderclap moments that was caught on tape. From there, I was off and running. We’ve been slowly rolling out at select boutiques and a couple pop-ups.
We are also available at Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ. Our major launch will happen at the Indie Beauty Expo Dallas which happens in early May. And, we’ll be back at the Chicago One of a Kind Holiday Show in December.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As I was putting the brand story together, it was the year of the unicorn. A lot of people told me that unicorns were just a trend and that we were already at saturation. I mean, I almost threw in the towel when it was announced there would be a unicorn frap-a-whatever.
I had moments of doubt, but fighting through it really strengthened my resolve. That was the ultimate FU moment. When faced with rainbows and sweetness and kitsch, I knew I was not that kind of unicorn.
Please tell us about Full Unicorn.
Full Unicorn is naturally assertive skin care mindfully crafted with zero waste ingredients that reveal inner radiance and stoke the fire that fuels each of our FU moments. The entire line is vegan and cruelty-free. Our packaging is recycled glass that can be re-purposed.
We’re kind of the flip side of the K-beauty trend. Instead of multiple steps, we offer up a multi-functional skin care ritual. We’ve created 3 rock star products that do the work of 10. After all, we’re the city that works!
Gemstone Resurfacing Treatment is the product from which all unicorn magic flows. It’s an exfoliating treatment with hexagonal crystals, a botanical enzyme treatment, and a glitter mask you leave on for the full experience.
Liquid Gold uses 100% pure essential oils. There is no filler as a base. Everything serves a purpose. Unique ingredients like Sea Buckthorn, Turmeric, and Argan Oils allow Liquid Gold to function as a serum, moisturizer or spot treatment.
Clear as Mud cleanser is fortified by clarifying and brightening AHA’s as well as detoxifying activated charcoal. This is such an effective product that estheticians are using it as a clarifying mask.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I think about this all the time! I wish I would have trusted my gut sooner. It is so scary to reveal so much about yourself and to be judged, but there is nothing more beautiful than someone who is authentic. It’s tough being an entrepreneur, but laughing through the FU moments and building a bad ass community sure makes for a fun ride.
Pricing:
- Gemstone Resurfacing Treatment $58
- Liquid Gold Phyto Finishing Oil $62
- Clear as Mud AHA + Activated Charcoal Cleanser $22
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FullUnicorn.com
- Email: nancy@fullunicorn.com
- Instagram: @fullunicornbeauty
- Facebook: facebook.com/fullunicornbeauty
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
