Today we’d like to introduce you to Carrie Smith.
Carrie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About 15 years ago, I started working with a personal trainer who changed a lot of things for me. He taught me about organic food, safer cleaning products, and all around better living. I made a lot of changes. I carried the healthier living with me through marriage and the birth of two children. I wasn’t always perfect by any means, but I tried.
In 2012, my father (also my best friend) was diagnosed with leukemia. When the doctors walked into the room to tell us his exact diagnosis, the first question they asked was, “What have you been exposed to during your life?” You see, this type of leukemia was not genetic. It was environmental. At that point, I had more reason to pay attention to what I put into and onto my body.
Career-wise, the majority of my background is in banking. I wouldn’t call it a passion, but it was the logical path after majoring in finance. When I had my children, I stayed home and after my second son was born, I started a photography business, Carrie Smith Photography. I was able to find something that I loved. It was working with people, capturing precious moments of life and flexibility that allowed me to love my job. My business grew and was successful.
I wasn’t looking for something new when a friend called to tell me about an opportunity with Beautycounter. At first, I was not interested at all. But, after looking at their website and doing a little research, I knew that this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. It was similar to my photography business in that it allowed me to continue to work with people and have the same flexibility. But allowed me to expand on the “precious moments of life” that I loved with my photography business. I am passionate about families. And for everyone, no matter what, our most precious asset is our health. I learned about how little regulation there is in the personal care industry and I wanted to educate as well as be an advocate for change.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge over the past 3 years has been running two businesses at the same time – both my photography business and Beautycounter. Fall 2017 is the first time I’ve referred all of my photography clients to others. It has been extremely hard for me to say no and I also feel an attachment to my clients. I’ve been able to witness births, newborns, and children growing over the years. Life goes by so quickly. I’ve been able to capture moments of time in the lives of so many families. And it’s my hope that my clients can see how Beautycounter is a continuation of my passion and love for family.
Carrie Smith, Managing Director with Beautycounter – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Managing Director with Beautycounter. I own my own business, have amazing personal clients and also manage a large team of women across the United States. I love introducing people to Beautycounter, whether it’s trying the products or starting their own business with the company.
Beautycounter is a B-Corporation dedicated to radical change in the personal care industry. They are unusual in that they are pro-commerce and pro-regulation. Beautycounter provides a safer option when it comes to personal care products – cosmetics, baby products, kids products, body care, skin care. But the company is more than their products. They truly are about making a change in the entire industry.
There has not been a major law passed regulating the personal care industry since 1938. The United States is miles behind the EU. We have approximately 30 ingredients in the U.S. that are banned or restricted from use in personal care products (shampoo, shaving cream, moisturizer, etc.). The EU has over 1300 ingredients that are banned or restricted. Beautycounter has set the bar high with over 1500 ingredients that they never choose for their products.
This year, Beautycounter formed the Counteract Coalition. It’s a group of 20 clean, high-performance beauty brands. Beautycounter is proud to stand alongside some of the top leaders in our industry to push for safer cosmetic ingredient laws.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is making a difference. I hope that clients and Beautycounter consultants I work with are able to live longer, healthier lives because of the work we are doing. To be able to measure that success is highly unlikely. And I’m okay with that.
Contact Info:
- Website:beautycounter.com/carriesmith
- Phone:214.478.8008
- Email:carriewsmith@yahoo.com
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