Kiss the Sky – A New Organic Skin Care Line!
I like yummy smelling soap and lotions. But who doesn’t. Especially on Maui, it seems like everyone is making bath and body products these days, with delicious fresh and floral scents, but when something special catches my *nose*, I take note. At one of my favorite gift shops on the island, the Hui Noeau, I was doing my usually ‘smelling of the soap’ when the sweet packaging and amazing cocoa butter fragrance of the Kiss the Sky caught my attention.
I recently caught up with the owner of Kiss the Sky, Alyson Gaioni, to hear more about her delicious new line.
Maui Made: How did you get into the bath and body business?
Alyson Gaioni: My love for herbalism and plants grew out of a passion for self empowerment. About ten years ago I started on a journey to learn the best way to keep myself healthy and happy while also respecting my environment and keeping that healthy and happy too. I ended up finding myself at a little herbal school in Boulder, CO with a rigorous curriculum where I became certified as a Clinical Herbalist.
A fresh batch of Cocoa Rose Body Butter
I am consistently blown away by the simplicity of the healing power the botanical world offers. Just by learning about a few plants it is possible to take care of yourself and create products that are tailored to your exact needs. It was exciting to discover I could take that knowledge and expand it into beauty products. I started creating fun and pretty recipes that also heal and nourish the body. After some years of experimenting and playing around I decided I wanted to share my creations and show people that beauty doesn’t have to come with a cost to your health or the environment. That’s when I started Kiss the Sky.
MM: Is this a full-time job for you?
AG: Currently it is my part time job and full time passion.
MM: Tell us a bit about yourself…
Calendula Infusing into Jojoba Oil
AG: I am a culmination of the New York girl who slowly made her way west via the Rocky Mountains and ended up on this magical island 2.5 years ago. I have followed my heart through many different places and occupations and have found a beautiful life here. I love playing the alchemist in my spare time and my kitchen can sometimes resemble a witches den. I am constantly researching, learning and experimenting.
MM: What is the good and the bad about having a company on Maui?
When I first moved to Maui I was nervous about the idea of finding a job that could support me (we all know this island can be expensive). But I have come to realize that the lack of jobs has inspired many people to become entrepreneurs. This has generated a very supportive community for people starting their own small businesses – from free consulting to farmers markets and stores that are willing to carry local products. One difficultly that I have run into, however, is the cost of shipping. It is very expensive if any of your ingredients need to be imported.
MM: Where can people find your products?
AG: Currently I am selling my complete product line on my website www.kisstheskyorganics.com and Etsy Store “KissTheSkyOrganics”. They can also be found in the Hui No’eau in Makawao and Mana Foods in Paia.
MM: What’s next for your Kiss the Sky?
AG: So much! I have a new line of mineral eye shadows coming out in the next month to be followed by more mineral make up products. I will soon be selling my lip glosses in a liquid applicator tube as well. After that I am contemplating a botanical baby care line.
HUGE MAHALO to Alyson for taking the time to share her story!
Want to follow Kiss the Sky? Check out the page on Facebook…
Maui Made 