Lindsay Knaak-Stuart prefers to keep things simple.
As a young woman, the onetime advertising and fashion executive relied on health food store cures and mainstream lotions and potions to treat her skin. But, as she embraced adulthood and prepared to battle challenges from health concerns to mounting responsibilities, she found herself craving clean, but also efficient skincare solutions. That’s when she began to conceive her brand new natural beauty line, Meant Body Care, a collection of five organic, multipurpose products for everything from face to body to hair (launched on April 19th).
Here, Knaak-Stuart explains why sometimes beauty—and happiness—don’t have to be complicated:
Live The Process: How have your personal beauty tastes and needs evolved throughout the years?
Lindsay Knaak-Stuart: My taste in beauty has evolved a lot! I went to college at the University of Oregon, so anything other than patchouli oil was considered overdoing it. Now, in my 40s, I’m definitely most concerned with aging and, as the mother of two toddlers, not looking totally haggard is a must.
LTP: How did you come to launch Meant Body Care?
LKS: I was struggling with infertility and decided to make major changes with regards to what I was putting in and on my body. The biggest challenge was finding body care products that met my health standards, delivered results and was aesthetically pleasing. Fast forward: I became a mom of two children and time management became part of the equation. I set out to create a collection of a few hardworking body care products with ingredients that work for you, not against you. I collaborated with a chemist to develop the formulas: The requirements were that the ingredients had to be natural or organic, they had to multitask and the resulting products had to be unisex. Once the formulas were perfected, we tackled the design. I am a minimalist at heart and the packaging had to be aligned with the philosophy of the brand. We kept it chic, simple and the colors complement most bathrooms.
LTP: If you had to pick one product that you couldn’t live without, what would it be?
LKS: From the Meant line, definitely The Absolute Balm. I use it on absolutely everything—hence its name! I keep one in my purse, one in my desk drawer and one in my shower. And I can’t leave the house without putting on RMS’ “Un” Cover-Up concealer. It’s all natural, but covers my dark under eye circles better than any product I’ve ever tried—and I think I’ve tried them all!
“Take chances, say “yes” to things that make you uncomfortable and get yourself out there every day.”
LTP: In addition to using your own line, what wellness rituals and tools do you rely on to keep yourself feeling healthy and balanced?
LKS: I’m a huge fan of acupuncture and cupping. I started doing acupuncture while dealing with infertility and quickly became a believer. Now, I go for regular maintenance and anytime I’m feeling stressed, rundown or on the verge of getting sick. And when I was contemplating making the transition from corporate America to being an entrepreneur, I did a lot of energy work. I referred to it as my spiritual therapy!
LTP: What does happiness look like to you?
LKS: For me, happiness is rather simple and involves my family, sunshine, a good cup of coffee and a beach in Australia!
LTP: What does it mean to you to “Live the Process” and how can we all do that more every day?
LKS: Living a life without regret. I never want to be in a situation where I say, “I wish I had…” It’s why Meant was born! That means it’s important to take chances, say “yes” to things that make you uncomfortable and get yourself out there every day.
