Shea Marie does things her own way.
The style influencer, swimwear entrepreneur and beauty junkie didn’t mean to develop such a devoted following. She was just trying to find her way in the world, tried something a bit different and found an audience.
So, when she launched her own skincare line, The Feelist, she wasn’t interested in doing it the same old way. She knew that, like her, most women wanted their clean, plant-based products to also feel elevated—and bright.
Here, she opens up about her journey and the beauty of embracing uncertainty:
LIVE THE PROCESS: When you look back, did you have any sense growing up that this is where you would have landed?
SHEA MARIE: I feel like things do come full circle. I always wanted to be a doctor growing up and eventually narrowed it down to dermatology in college. I ended up not going to med school and went in a completely different direction, but now, working on a skincare brand, it all makes sense.
LTP: You’ve been an influencer since before that was even a concept. How did you begin sharing your style and POV online?
SM: I grew up in a small town and then moved to Los Angeles after college. When I decided I wanted to work in fashion, I didn’t have any connections, “ins,” references or experience and it was nearly impossible to get a job. I built a website (during a time when it was pretty uncommon), so I could have something special and extra to add to my resume. The idea was for it to look like an online magazine. Most of it was inspiration-based, but I eventually started adding photos of myself and my style—and those images are what really started to take off (years before IG!)
LTP: What inspired you to create your beauty line, The Feelist?
SM: Working in the fashion and beauty industry for the past 10 years has allowed me to try nearly every product, treatment and beauty/health offering under the sun. There was a time when I had a morning beauty routine of probably 30+ products. I really became interested in the world of clean beauty over five years ago when I started developing sensitivities to many products I was using. Realizing that your skin is your largest organ and you should be very aware of what you put on your body, I started to research ingredients and learned that sometimes less is more.
Many “clean” brands of the past had very similar branding and earth-toned color schemes. At The Feelist, we’ve always said that clean doesn’t have to be boring and we set out to create a collection of plant-based essential products that are also extremely beautiful and look top-shelf worthy.
LTP: What’s the one product from The Feelist that you can't live without right now?
SM: I’m the "proud mom” who truly loves all the products, but our Most Wanted Radiant Facial Oil that just launched is my top must-have right now. We call it, “The face oil for people who can’t use face oils.” It’s an incredible blend of high-performing botanical oils and 500mg broad spectrum CBD. My skin has never felt more clear, healthy or balanced.
LTP: For you, what does the “Divine Feminine” mean and why is it important that we connect to that part of ourselves, especially in these crazy times?
SM: For me, the “Divine Feminine” is about sensitivity. It is about remaining open to each and every moment in life. During this time where the past seems like a distant memory and the future remains uncertain, staying present and in the moment is more vital than ever before. Embracing uncertainty is one of the most liberating things a person can do in their life.
LTP: What does happiness look like to you?
SM: Happiness looks like being present, being thankful, being kind to yourself and others, believing in yourself and knowing that it’s okay to put yourself first.
LTP: What does it mean to you to “Live The Process” and how can we all do that more each day?
SM: "Live The Process” is about remaining receptive to change, while also meeting yourself where you are. It means remaining understanding and open to accepting and welcoming personal growth. It’s about prioritizing your own well-being and caring for yourself.