Where did you grow up?

I name and claim Texas because I’ve been here since fourth grade, but I was born in Portland, Ore., and, then, lived in Vancouver and New Jersey before coming to Texas. My immediate family is here for generations. We’re all like five-deep, so it’s nice to be close.

Did any of the places you lived before Dallas impact your idea of beauty?

There’s always been this part of me from Oregon. That West Coast-outdoors-nature-is-best type of thing always stuck with me. We don’t get a lot of that in Texas because it’s so hot, but, for the most part, that is what has resonated with me. Being initially from Portland, specifically, brought me back to how my mom grew up on a farm. They were totally self-sustainable.

How did your blog start?

I had such an unofficial start. I started with Instagram two years ago and, then, decided I should put a website behind it. I was living this lifestyle that was naturally-driven. The people I met, the people that got to know me, encouraged me to talk about it more and share the specifics. For me, it was simply a normal way of life, but I got so many questions all the time, not realizing how much of an anomaly I was. I just started sharing that information routinely. It’s been really fun. I didn’t expect it to have the impact that it has.

Is it fair to say you didn’t have any idea you would become an influencer?

No, I didn’t at all. I just hoped people would like what I was sharing and, if they didn’t, it wasn’t a big deal. I would say, though, about a year ago is when I really started to notice people paying attention and engaging. I became very focused on being consistent, and I really started to act the part and influence in a sort of way. You know, in the social media space, you tend to be inspired by others. You use the same products, though spoken through your own voice, it’s all still very much the same. Luckily, I had a few fellow influencers actually pull me aside and encourage me to share more about what sets me apart. It’s been nice to have freedom to fit into the space as myself. I can talk about things about me and what I don’t use as much as what I do use.

You also have a small beauty brand. Can you tell us about it?

Pure + Radiant started before any of the blogging or influencing. Basically, I started learning about clean beauty, but I couldn’t afford to buy any of it and, as a naturalist, I wanted to use what I already had on hand that could work for me. For example, the face wash I formulated came from a place of consciously using things in my house. I decided one day to cleanse my skin with honey, but it was obviously super sticky and clearly wouldn’t work on the go. So, I experimented with things I could add to make it more effective. I had pure jojoba oil on hand and that was the next addition. It worked so well that I began mixing and adding other ingredients and using these formulas on myself.

Are you able to share what’s ahead for the brand?

I always say I’m a chiropractor first. So, I knew I was going to bring in someone else to help me, but from that it really became so much more than skincare. I’ve decided to focus on the heart and soul behind what the line is, and we’ve joined up with a local ministry project that will provide jobs for women who have been incarcerated that can’t find decent work otherwise. They will be hand-making these products, and it’s just such an amazing vehicle for outreach while also providing the with a steady wage all year round.

Have you learned anything as an influencer that you apply to your brand or vice versa?

I try to keep it separate. As an influencer, I don’t sell my own brand, but it has certainly helped me both ways in other aspects. When people or influencers solicit me about working with my brand, I get to see their feedback, not only about the product, but also in how they prefer to work. I take note of what they are asking me and, in turn, see what questions to ask brands. I think this helped me when I was at a place where I had the least amount of followers, but I had an unconventional advantage of knowing how to operate between the spaces.

What do you wish brands knew about working with influencers?

I wish that brands knew that there is real heart and emotions behind everything that we do. I think sometimes we get stuck in a space of wanting to share these products and only in a positive light. As a brand owner, I get that, but, honestly, what we should want more than anything are authentic reviews and feedback because influencers are such a valuable test group. Also, working with brands, some have been very forceful about when I’m going to post, so much so that I put in my press kit that “deadlines kill my vibe.”

How do you choose which brands to feature or collaborate with?

First and foremost, ingredients are a huge priority of mine. And I’ll choose a toxic product over a toxic human all day every day. Anyone that knows me knows I wouldn’t willingly choose a toxic product, but the best example I can give on that is there is an organic salon in the area, and I was casually asking them questions and fielding how they work, and they were so incredibly rude and toxic in energy. It ruined it. I’d rather go to a conventional salon than put myself in that space.

What do you think indie beauty has gained momentum?

It’s this greater paradigm shift. There is a real consciousness that has occurred. You can’t blindly walk in and trust what is on the shelves either in ingredients or how it’s marketed to you. You have to be your own advocate, and that is really showing up in the beauty space. People are taking their needs by their own hands and knowing they deserve better.

What are a few brands you are crushing on right now?

Aleavia body washes. Anyone who knows my page knows I don’t often use body wash, but since it’s prebiotic it really fosters the microbiome that is so important in supporting skin as its own system. I also really love oil cleansing right now and the Province Apothecary oil cleanser is something I always go back to, and it’s the real deal. Lastly, I’ve been using Siam Seas Yen toner with the Khus+Khus Sans Age face serum, and I’m excited about the combination because my skin is typically so dry, but this pair is creating a visibly healthier barrier for me.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on separating my blog from my brand, so I am creating distinct websites that differentiate the two. I’m building the websites by myself by the way, so it’s a project. I’m also moving more into sharing the very expensive knowledge in my brain or rather my education and not just beauty, but I will say that beauty will always be a huge part of it because I am passionate about it. Other than that, really pouring a lot of love into the brand expansion I’m working on. Then, of course, I’ll be working full-time at the Nest in Addison as a chiropractor, which is just now kicking into high gear.