BKIND is an all-natural, plant-based, vegan, eco-friendly beauty and skin care company that makes all of its products here in Quebec. Marilyne Bouchard founded BKIND in 2014 after she began developing skin and beauty products for her own sensitive skin. Bouchard’s background in microbiology informs BKIND’s offerings. We spoke with her to learn more.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Our business is called BKIND, and we design and offer vegan, natural, eco-friendly beauty products, made in Quebec! Our range of products includes shampoo bars, face serum and moisturizers, nail polish and products in bulk.
What made you want to do this work?
It started as a hobby while I had a pharmaceutical job. I wanted to create simple and clean skincare, since I had pretty sensitive skin. I never really thought of becoming an entrepreneur, but you know, life works in mysterious ways! I quickly realized that there was a need in the market for simple, natural, vegan skincare. So I quit my job, and the rest is history.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
As I evolved in the beauty industry, I realized that we needed to offer a better option to customers. The beauty industry is not transparent; there is a lot of over-packaging and waste created. I wanted to do things differently.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our products are for everybody who wants to take care of themselves while being kind with the environment. We have people in their 20s, as well as customers in their 60s.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We sell beauty products through our online site and our boutique on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Montreal. We also have over 900 wholesale partners that offer our products throughout Canada and the States.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is that every day is different. I love doing a little bit of everything: solving problems, planning, having meetings with the team (it’s probably my favourite part)! The worst part is feeling overwhelmed when there are too many problems at the same time.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I would say that being CEO is portrayed as something glamorous when it’s quite the opposite! My favourite joke was telling myself: “With my own business, I will be able to do my own schedule, go to yoga, travel, etc.”, while the reality is I’m on all fours drilling a booth at 40 degrees for the 10th event of the summer!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
