Spot Light on New Beauty Start-Up

Meet Amanda Holt of Peresphone's Purse

The Canadian Cosmetic Cluster is passionate about shining a spotlight on startups in the Cosmetic Industry. Startups are the future of the Cosmetic Industry. We would like to put a spotlight this month on Amanda Holt of Peresphone's Purse. We talked to Amanda about her start-up journey. 

1. What Attracted You to the Cosmetic Industry?
I actually really got into gardening in the fall of last year during the quarantine. I began looking into herbs and all their healing properties. I'm a big makeup and skincare person so I thought about how I could merge the two. I began making products for my daughter. I was using herbs and flowers I grow in my garden. My business Persephone's Purse was born. 


2. What Do You Enjoy About the Work You Do?

I enjoy the creativity. I enjoy the research of the different ingredients and how they work together. I enjoy creating a product with a specific purpose and then fulfilling that purpose. I love passing on the knowledge that I have learned to others. 


3. What Is Your Opinion of Clean Beauty and What Does It Mean To You?

I'm into clean beauty. I believe ingredients should be thoughtfully chosen. I don't believe in adding ingredients just for the sake of adding them in the formulation. I believe in using the least amount of ingredients that are ethically sourced. We can create products that are good for the skin and also good for the environment and our surrounding communities. 


4. As A Small Business What Are the Biggest Challenges that You Face? 

Right now the biggest challenge would be having more time and access to funding. I do work as a teacher nine months out of the year. So while I have this month out for summer break, I am formulating as much as possible. Additionally, funding is always an issue with any new start-up. It's a challenge but it just pushes me to be more creative when selecting my ingredients and finding options like ChemBox. 


5. What Types of Cosmetic Formulas Do You Most Enjoy Making?

I don't know if I have a favourite just yet. I enjoy making them all. It's like when I plant a seedling in the garden. I get so excited when I see it come to fruition. It's the same when I take my little concept and make an actual product that works. 


6. Where Do You See Your Business Growing In The Next 5 Years?

Yikes, I have not thought that far ahead. I'm just excited to make it through today. Although, I can see myself still continuing to craft quality, handmade goods using innovative ingredients from the ChemBox and growing my business.