Feature Friday: Skwiik
She's 24 and making waves in the bath and body industry. Soz is the girl boss behind the brand, Skwiik. Creator of an ethical, vegan and sustainable product, this fab entrepreneur knows her story and how to tell it well. Here's a bit more about this awesome local brand!
Tell me a little bit about yourself and your work. Where are you from? What do you do?
I'm Soz, a 24-year-old dreamer, that put my dreams into reality by starting my own vegan, ethical and sustainable bath and body line. I am a firm believer in using products that are effective and that still contribute to the growth of the earth.
I am from Calgary, It's my home and always will be. I am the owner, maker, curator, photographer, marketer (amongst many many other things) at Skwiik with the help of my loving hubby of course.
What inspires you to do what you do? How did you start doing this work?
I get inspired by a multitude of things. Much of my inspiration stems from my passion for people and surroundings. I feel very connected to the world and all it has to offer. Whether it be with the earth or with people, I feel connected to making a positive impact with my time.
One of my biggest motivators and inspiration actually comes from the lack of mindful and ethical products- I want to be the change in the marketplace.
I started Skwiik when I decided to take a passion of mine and bring it to life. I wanted to take a risk, and it has definitely paid off. The sense of fulfillment you get by doing something that means something to you is so substantial and I would urge everyone to follow their passions in life.
What inspires you most about your community?
I feel so lucky to have such an awesome supportive group around me, whether it be my hubby, my family or my friends- I feel very fortunate to have everyone believe in my dream and my products! I also was so overwhelmed with positivity amongst the maker community in Calgary! I have made friends for life and have never felt the competitive nature that I felt may come along with being a business owner. Calgary has such an awesome vibe, with awesome and amazing people!
If you could give anyone who is starting out in your field one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't give up! It's going to be so hard, but if you love what you do, you need to push through! There will be days where you question everything that you do, but if you give it your all and are doing it for the right reasons, you will see the positivity and peace it will bring you. Stay true to yourself and your dream, and make sure to take some time for yourself when things get a little crazy!
Tell me three fun facts about yourself or your organization.
- One thing I'm really proud of is our Molido Polish! We donate 1 dollar of each sold to a Costa Rican charity in honour of the Costa Rican Café we get our grounds from (Baya Rica Café)!
- I'm the biggest lover of mint! That is why our signature scent "Peak" has a beautiful fresh wintergreen scent to it! It gets its scent from the amazing Birch Bark Oil!
- I'm a silly goose and talk in 1001 voices!
How can people get in touch?
Website: www.skwiik.ca
Instagram: @skwiikyyc
Do you know of a person, business, non-profit or other organization doing amazing work in Calgary? Tell me about it! Visit the Feature Friday page for more information!
