A Victoria businesswoman selling natural makeup out of a small downtown store is thinking big by acquiring a local cosmetic manufacturing and wholesaling company.
Megan Johns, owner of the Green Kiss, works out of a tiny corner in the Good Planet Company, 764 Fort St., where she is surrounded by cosmetics — everything from purple mascara to hot-pink lip gloss to a rainbow selection of nail polish. Bubble bath, lotions, eye creams, masks and other products also fill the shelves.
One of the best-selling lines is Paperdoll Minerals, founded in Sidney. Johns purchased the company this month and began producing its products in the manufacturing section of the Good Planet store.
Paperdoll Minerals products include eye shadow ($16), foundation ($30) and lip gloss ($13). They are made with only a few ingredients and are without added fillers often found in conventional cosmetics, she said.
The foundation base for Paperdoll consists of titanium dioxide, iron oxide, zinc oxide and mica.
Paperdoll is not alone. Mineral makeup has carved a place in the mainstream cosmetics industry and is sold by major companies.
Johns, 27, said the goal for her company is to “make it cool.” She seeks out natural cosmetics that work as well, or better, than conventional makeup.
Half her customers have some kind of sensitivity. Much of the Green Kiss merchandise is vegan and gluten-free, she said.
Paperdoll was created in 2010 by Carmel Graham. The Paperdoll line is carried in other locations, such as Hemp and Co. Johns is planning to attend trade shows to further promote the product.
Johns, 27, opened her business in 2011 after working for a relative who owned three stores carrying natural products. She became convinced of the benefits of natural cosmetics. “I started the Green Kiss because I felt that it was truly the way of the future.”
Sales have grown steadily since the Green Kiss opened, she said. “This year, I’m set to double last year’s sales.”
That means that Johns is planning to expand her one-person operation by hiring an employee. The Green Kiss sells products online and offers makeup application lessons as well.
