“To me sustainability means trying to lead a lifestyle that if most people, maybe even just North  Americans, lead it would vastly lower our ecological footprint on the earth,”says Jessica Lafleur who is the owner of  Stark Skincare.  The Vancouver native created her company in 2010 with the desire to create multi-tasking products that  are all natural, mostly organic and fair trade.

Recently Jessica Lafleur was kind enough to talk some time to answer a few questions.

When you wake up in the morning what makes you smile?

I’m really happy to work from home, with my favorite person in the world (my boyfriend) and our 2 cats.

Can you tell me a little about yourself, such as your background?

I’m from Ottawa, and currently live in Montreal. I’ve worked hard since I was 15 in all kinds of environments, from retail to project managing, in the fashion industry, in the health industry, all over the place. I also have a fairly diverse educational background that includes Liberal Arts and even Fashion Merchandising, but I went to university (the second time) to study Geography and Anthropology. I never knew exactly what I wanted to do as a career until I started working for myself. As soon as Stark began, a project I had fantasized about for years, everything started to fall into place.

What inspired you to create your company?

Almost 10 years ago I worked at a health food store in Vancouver, I started buying single-ingredient natural products, such as pure jojoba, raw Shea butter, coconut oil and green clay. I instantly saw how these ingredients transformed hair and skin and I could see and feel that my body preferred these over their chemically-derived counterparts…like the difference your body feels after a bag of chips versus eating a big organic salad. From that point on, I became interested in what ingredients are used in personal care products and I started creating my own natural beauty products, always going for the simplest yet highest quality ingredients I could find. This is still the basic premise behind Stark.

What inspired your company’s name?

Stark stands for purity and simplicity. It’s short and snappy, like our ingredient list! I just like the way it sounds, too.

What do the words high-quality, all-natural, organic, cruelty-free, environmentally sound luxury products mean to you?

This is what I strive for with every product I make, and it can be challenging, but it’s something I will not be lax about. Every Stark product has to work beautifully, smell awesome and look really nice without compromise, without damaging other organisms, without creating waste and certainly without damaging skin!  I believe in integrity, and I try to reflect this in every aspect of my business.

What do you think is the biggest mistake most people make when purchasing a beauty product?

I feel people are styling buying into bad marketing hype, and don’t take the ingredients in skin care products seriously enough. I feel this will change dramatically in the next 5-10 years. 

What inspires you?

The way nature finds ways to thrive in unexpected places truly inspires me. Such delicate organisms can prove to be so strong and resilient. This is why I chose the redwing blackbird as Stark’s emblem. They prosper here in Montreal without being dirty scavengers. They’re beautiful birds.

Which of your products do you use in your daily routine?

Almost all of them, plus I use myself as a guinea pig so lately I’ve been testing out a few products that are set to release soon. Also, I’m addicted to my Sweetmint & Argan oil lip balm, as well as my toners, which are really multi-purpose. They make very nice body sprays for the summer.

What is the most challenging part of your work?                                                                        

Out-sourcing work is tough. I want to control every little aspect of my business, but it’s not always possible! Luckily I’ve been working with some really talented freelancers who I totally trust.                              

What do you think surprises most people about your products?

That I hand-make every product. People are shocked and say “But they’re so professional!” I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or not, but I take it as one!

What are your best sellers?

My blood orange and black pepper lip balm is a hit…I’m thinking of making a perfume version of it, as the scent is incredibly intoxicating. Also, Stark Naked is a big fan favorite. It’s vegan, it’s multi-purpose and it contains Argan Oil!

Why is important to buy organic beauty product?

I think it’s more important to buy natural products, first and foremost, and then look for organic. It’s exactly the same as food: make the switch away from processed junk to natural, plant-derived foods, then go as organic as you can. Phasing out junk is better for your body, better for the environment, plus it’s an affordable luxury for just about anybody.

How has practicing yoga influenced you in your daily life?

I can be a pretty hyper and scattered person, so yoga helps me stay grounded and focused. I love how it changes small and important things, such as bringing awareness to your breath and posture. I’m a firm believer that small changes to routine make a huge impact on lifestyle.

A lot of your products contain Argan Oil how beneficial is this oil to the skin and why should people use it?

Argan oil is becoming really popular, and it deserves the attention. It’s a lightweight oil that absorbs easily, so it’s great for those who are nervous about using oil on their skin and hair. It’s nourishing and repairing since it is rich in vitamin E and other antioxidants, plus it supports some great women’s co-ops in Morocco. It may be one of the most expensive oils available, but I feel it is a great investment. Also, the attention it has been garnering has pushed UNESCO to help restore and protect the precious few Argan forests left. It’s a win-win-win situation. I plan on using it in more and more Stark products in the future.

In the last year the term “going green” has been all over the place, even though most of us have been living a green life style for many years.  Is there anything about the current “green” movement that frustrates you?

Like anything that makes its way into the mainstream, oftentimes the meaning and purpose gets tainted and a little tacky. This has been happening with the green movement with oodles of greenwashing; companies creating throw-away products meant to make us feel better about ourselves. Consumerism of any kind is, and never will be, truly “green”! Living a green lifestyle means lowering consumption, buying sustainable products, and making decisions that reduce your impact on the earth. Every single day. It means never living beyond your means, and never taking or using more resources than you absolutely need. As consumers, we need to be informed about what we’re buying and use our money wisely.  

Do you feel the term “natural” is being misrepresented in the beauty product industry?

Unfortunately, yes. This makes it hard for truly natural cosmetics companies, such as Stark and others, to claim their naturalness in a concise way…you have to say “we create natural products…like ACTUALLY natural…no, really!”, because every big company is trying to dip their toe in this market and use a couple of key ingredients derived from nature and boast about it. Next thing you know, the companies still using petrochemically-derived ingredients will be claiming that it comes from “ancient, natural reserves found in the Earth”.

 

What does sustainability mean to you?

To me it means trying to lead a lifestyle that if most people, maybe even just North Americans, lead it would vastly lower our ecological footprint on the earth. I think that, my boyfriend and I,  as a childless couple who work from home and walk or bike everywhere, eat vegetarian and buy very little, we’re doing pretty good. I know that it isn’t for everyone, but every single family can make adjustments that can actually make a real impact. That’s sustainable. I also honor these values when I make decisions about Stark; how and where I source ingredients and packaging, making small batches of product and having my studio in my apartment. Small things that can make a big difference over time.

I was reading your bio and it say you like experimenting making vegan food, Do you have a favorite vegan dish you have created?

I didn’t create this, and it’s too simple to be really called a “creation” but I love short-grain brown rice and lentils so much! It’s my new comfort food. I sprinkle some crushed walnuts on top, and vary the seasoning by using different vegetable stocks and spices. So simple, satisfying, and very nourishing. I’m also a big fan of anything with quinoa, and love making salads with it featuring different shredded veggies, chickpeas and nuts.               

 Name one thing you wish people would recycle more? 

 Clothes! I don’t know why, but I love a good hand-me-down more than anything new. Vintage silk scarves and cashmere sweaters are way up there on that list, and considering what these are made of, I think looking for something pre-loved is a far kinder option. Plus, I love to really wear clothes hard, and when it’s already been around the block a few times, a little tear or stain isn’t a reason for a meltdown.

 What’s in store for the future?

So much! I’m always scheming, always creating. I have more ideas in store for Stark than I know what to do with. Expect to see my new line-up and website layout soon, which is what I am currently busy working on…after that, we shall see!

 (Courtesy Photo Stark Skincare)