A Moment With Jenna Hipp

A Moment With Jenna Hipp

For Jenna Hipp, actions speak louder than words.

The eco-nail pioneer and stylist grew up surrounded by greenery, living off the land and relying on natural remedies. But it wasn’t until later, when she started to experience worrisome symptoms as she inhaled and applied toxic nail products at work, that she realized how those core values could have a broader scope.

That’s whenmotivated by the good of women everywhereshe mobilized, dedicating herself to safer nail care and launching an eponymous green nail color line. Since then, her work has been featured on the covers of magazines from Elle to Harper’s Bazaar and on fashion-conscious celebrities from Jennifer Aniston to Emma Stone.

Here, Hipp explains why, for her, happiness is about attitude:

Live The Process: How did your upbringing shape your outlook on natural living? 

Jenna Hipp: Being raised on both sides of the country (West Virginia and Maui) and traveling the world at a young age has given me a deep appreciation for all things nature. I was constantly exposed to the variety of ways the earth consistently provided us with what we needed: food, drink, medicine. If we were hungry, we went fishing. If we were thirsty, we cracked open a coconut. We grew many of our own fruits and vegetables on our property.

Apple cider vinegar removes a wart. For a spider bite, we used the milk from a green papaya and, to lighten age spots, women used lemon juice. I've always had a deep appreciation and respect for our earth and the ingredients it continues to provide us every day.

LTP: How were your eyes opened to the need for eco-friendly beauty products?

JH: The "ah-ha" moment came with my own symptoms (nosebleeds, rashes, dizziness). While I understood we had to watch what we put in our bodies, it didn't occur to me when I began doing nails that we also need to be very aware of what we put on our bodies. Through my journey, I've come across thousands of women who have product sensitivity and unexplained symptoms. These women keep me going every day because I want to keep them safe. 

A woman on average applies 244 topical applications of beauty products every week (think body soap, shampoos, makeup, lotions etc.). Our skin absorbs everything, especially those ingredients that we can't even begin to pronounce. It's up to you, the consumer, to be responsible for the products you purchase. The stronger the demand for safe ingredients, the more the heavy hitters will listen. I don't want green/organic beauty to be trend. I want it to be a normal way of living.

Not sure what's in your beauty products? Cross-check them with the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics database or download the app for ingredient breakdowns on the go. 

LTP: You’ve collaborated with many luxury and mainstream brands. What drives your passion for bringing green beauty to the public?

JH: Women. Beautiful, strong, passionate mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, nieces. I love what we are capable of, what we're able to achieve and accomplish, especially together. Women are inspiring. Even if my products just open up the conversation about a cleaner beauty routine, then I did my job. 

LTP: What are some of your personal favorite beauty products?

JH: H. Gillerman Essential Oils are my lifeline. In my personal and professional life, there's not a day that goes by that I won't reach for my Muscle and Tension Remedies. Travel remedy is always in my carry-on bag to use on the plane.

My new favorite skincare line is Odacité for being 100% natural and organic. The “Winter In Paris” face serum from their Private Collection offers deep hydration and smells of the freshest roses. A perfect way to start and end the day.

I, along with many of my clients, am obsessed with Dr. Hauschka. They recently launched a line of illuminating foundations in their cosmetic collection, and it's amazing. I basically love everything about Dr. Hauschka from the ingredients to the packaging. Such a great gift to give too.

For pregnant, breastfeeding and new moms, be sure to try anything from Nine Naturals. They've got you completely covered.

The list wouldn't be complete without mentioning RMS Beauty and Tata Harper. They’re both leaders and pioneers. I've been very inspired by the groundwork they've laid to pave the way for clean beauty. They don't and won't compromiseI love that. 

LTP: What does happiness look like to you?

Finding joy and contentment in the little things, everyday. 

LTP: What does it mean to you to "Live The Process" and how do you do that every day?

Attitude is everything. How we think is how we act and how we act dictates our life. I choose to see the glass half full and focus on the positives. At the end of the day, people like to be around happy people. I'm happy! More than happy. And I hope it shows. Learn more about Jenna Hipp.

Editor's Note: other interviews you might enjoy include A Moment With Isabella BoylstonA Moment With Rachel Goldstein and A Moment With Jess Robertson.

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