Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessi Atkocaitis.
Hi Jessi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been pretty conscious about what I use in my beauty routine- but especially after having my 3 kids, and dealing with postpartum hair loss- I thought I was using “clean, non-toxic” hair care products- but they were making my hair worse.
I began researching and was so alarmed by the number of unpronounceable, chemical-laden ingredients in luxury and even so-called “natural” hair care lines. I had been a hairstylist for over 20 years and I was determined to find a cleaner path to healthier, more beautiful hair.
The first product I created was the Balancing Tonic. I tested it out on myself for more than a year, and the results were amazing. My scalp dryness was gone. My hair was growing like crazy, with less frizz and more shine, and I loved that I was using products that were good for my body, too. Buoyed by the success of the Balancing Tonic, I continued to create more of the products myself and my clients so desperately needed to achieve the healthy scalps and full, shiny hair they desired. The result: a line of sustainable, non-toxic, organic products that work wonders and pay tribute to our wonderful Earth. Inspired by my Norwegian heritage, I named the line Ren Jord, meaning “pure Earth.”
Each Ren Jord product contains nothing artificial, fake, or toxic and uses only organic, biodegradable, cold-pressed ingredients, combined in a process that uses 90 percent less energy and retains 97 percent more nutrients than the extreme-heat process used to create most traditional hair care products. The result is a product line that strengthens roots at the scalp to reduce fall-out, breakage, dryness, and frizz and to promote hair growth and density.
All packaging and labels are recyclable and compostable, and all Ren Jord products are sustainably handcrafted in small batches for optimal potency.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have owned a few small businesses- and there are so many wonderful perks but also hardships that come along with that. Ren Jord truly stands out in the beauty industry as a truly clean, organic line that is handcrafted in small batches- but the market is very saturated and I am a small business- so its a challenge to market, use the right PR, and get into the hands of customers and boutique owners who will appreciate and love these products. Once you try the line, and see the transformation- you are a customer for life.
It is a lot of work to pitch to stores, sell online via social media in such a saturated beauty industry market.
I love supporting other small businesses locally and across the country. That’s been one of the best things about having this brand. I continue to push my way through the market with the grass roots/self funded budget I have to spread the word to help others use the best hair care that wont compromise your health like so many on the shelves today.
There are a lot of obstacles as a business owner- but it’s worth it.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What truly sets Ren Jord a part is that I am a hair stylist who founded and creates the products myself. I do not outsource production. It’s myself and my small team who handcrafts each product. I want the integrity of the ingredients (which are sourced from organic farms in the US), and how it is created/formulated to stay intact and as pure as possible. I am very picky when it comes to the formulations, ingredients and how its produced using less heat which keeps 97% nutrients intact for optimal results.
Our hair care is like a fresh squeezed juice- it’s handcrafted and made to order- so when you receive your package in the mail- your products were made within days/weeks. Unlike the conventional hair care at the store that has been sitting in warehouses for years. No additives or harsh preservatives here- we use radish root ferment, coconut oil, and vitamin e to help stabilize and preserve the products.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have owned my own salon and also a hair accessory company called Autumn Lynn where I created and sewed bridal hair pins, veils, and flowers- as well as everyday hair accessories. Some of my bridal pieces were featured in bridal magazines. It was fun!
Pricing:
- Balancing Tonic- $48
- Renewing Oil Treatment- $61
- Coastal Sea Salt Spray- $44
- Lift and Refresh Dry Shampoo- $51
- Lift and Refresh Dry Shampoo Refill- $29
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ren-jord.com
- Instagram: @ren.jord
- Facebook: ren.jord
