We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my brand is me. I truly believe that with any brand it’s the person behind the brand that makes it unique. There is no other skin care brand that is formulated by a biochemist / herbalist as ours is. This combination guarantees a high quality, effective product. Colorado Aromatics’ skin care line is also farm to skin, meaning that besides being a formulator, I am also a farmer. I grow herbs and use them as ingredients for our skin care line. As a scientist, I use active ingredients that are sustainable. Some natural brands just are not functional because their formulator lacks the chemistry and formulating knowledge. While there is a general anti-science and anti-chemistry attitude abounding now, I try to educate consumers on science and chemistry topics to reduce that fear. Education is one of our main values; teaching about the importance of sustainability, herbs, ingredients and the nature of skin. I also feel it is important to do education for colleagues. I speak at conferences, write articles and teach classes. We promote agriculture, sustainability, and functionality through Colorado Aromatics and Sagescript Institute.  

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I love science, but wanted to start doing more with herbs. I took a scientific approach to it of course. At the time I was teaching and doing medical writing, so I began writing about the evidence based use of herbs. Many people think the use of herbs is all folklore, but there is quite a bit of scientific research done on herbs. As I began making products with herbs I realized that my knowledge of science/chemistry really enabled me to make a sophisticated product. That, along with understanding the biochemistry of skin, really put my brand in a good place. I knew to grow a botanically based brand I needed to farm, so we bought a small piece of land where we could continue to increase our growing area along with the brand. Now my husband and I have a farm where I grow lavender, calendula, mint, lemon balm and 30 other different herbs that we use in skin care products. It’s a lot of work but it is so worth it. So we have a farm to skin brand that is formulated to help skin exposed to the outdoors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I typically take guests to the mountains for hiking. Especially now, with COVID, it is a great way to social distance and to de-stress. But in the city, we would go to a few microbreweries. Colorado really has the best craft beer there is! 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Who we are is shaped by so many people as is success in business, its hard to name just one. Being the oldest girl in a large family helped to shape who I am and my parents taught me a love of science and nature. One of my professional organizations, Indie Business Network has helped me a great deal in learning business. I also have to thank my husband who has supported my mission. Right now my son and his girlfriend work for me so it is even  more of a family business. There are several books that have helped. I have to say that reading my first biochemistry text book in college was life changing as I fell in love with learning the detail of how life works on a molecular level. But more recently, reading the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and Janet Mills has taught me to live and let live. The most important of those four agreements; not to take things personally is an important lesson in business. But most of my success is due to our great customers who have supported us at farmers markets and understand our vision and mission.

Website: http://www.coloradoaromatics.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/coloradoaromatics
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-jones-sagescript/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/coaromatics
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coloradoaromatics
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr5s4iBv-WJv6CeKyaFAVew

Image Credits
Fern Crossway (for picture with leaves)

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