Life & Work with Kayla Fioravanti

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Fioravanti.

Hi Kayla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have been a leading expert in the natural cosmetics industry as a cosmetic formulator for over 22 years. I have always had a deep and abiding passion for aromatherapy and natural personal care products. In 1998, I co-founded Essential Wholesale – one of the first all natural cosmetics/ingredients companies – which was listed as an INC. Magazine 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America for three years in a row. Essential Wholesale Started out $50 in my kitchen and grew to a multimillion dollar company. At this time, I was formulating for large cosmetic brands and small businesses.

After selling Essential Wholesale, I started my own publishing company and became an award-winning author of books like The Art, Science and Business of Aromatherapy, The Unspoken Truth About Essential Oils, DIY Kitchen Chemistry and Puffy & Blue.

My passion for aromatherapy and formulating never wavered, which is why on December 1st of 2017 – the day my non compete ended – I co-founded Ology Essential with my son and daughter-in-law.

My Introduction to CBD – I had been struggling with adenomyosis as well as uterine cysts and fibroids for several years. After trying alternative treatments and medical procedures, I had given in and scheduled a hysterectomy. My son, Keegan Fioravanti, was adamant that I try CBD oil to help with my pain. Being in the natural industry for over 22 years, I was a little hesitant – thinking I had already seen every natural remedy under the sun. Within three days, my symptoms stopped along with reducing the chronic pain I lived with from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. It has been three years since taking my first drop of CBD oil, and I still have not had that hysterectomy and I’ve been able to stop all of my prescription and over-the-counter medications.

CBD had completely changed my life, and I knew I needed to spread the word about its astounding benefits. When I entered the CBD industry, I saw a desperate need for quality, all-natural, transparent formulas. I’m able to do this in Ology Essentials by combining my love for natural remedies like aromatherapy, herbal medicine and now CBD with expert knowledge as an organic/natural cosmetic formulator.

I have written two books on the topic of CBD and cannabis – A Little Handbook about Topical CBD: A Revolutionary Ingredient for the Skincare World AND A Little Handbook about Addiction: And the Future of Recovery that could Include Cannabis.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had many obstacles and many failures throughout my 24 years of entrepreneurship. When I started my journey in aromatherapy and cosmetics in the late 90’s, there wasn’t a whole lot of information out there on making completely natural products. I was told that it couldn’t be done by many large cosmetic manufacturers, but I took that as a challenge, figured it out and started one of the first all-natural cosmetics/ingredients companies – Essential Wholesale.

Before the success of Essential Wholesale, there were many roadblocks that were not meant to be overcome. These include a failed restaurant, spa and workshop space, but I have always been able to stay flexible, pivot, and identify what is working so that I can continue following my dreams.

The industry that I am currently in has been a sort of uphill battle the entire time. I entered into the hemp CBD industry over three years ago, which was right around the time that it was taking off. There was and still is a misunderstanding surrounding what hemp CBD is, and there is a lot of misinformation and bad quality product out in the world. But this is exactly why I co-founded Ology Essentials – I saw a need for quality CBD products and all-natural cosmetics that prioritized research and transparency.

It’s these types of challenges that help us grow not only as entrepreneurs but also as individuals. I truly believe that experiencing failure is what makes a great entrepreneur.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a certified aromatherapist and cosmetic chemist, I specialize in all-natural and organic formulations of anything from CBD, skincare and cleaning products. I love combining the power of natural remedies like aromatherapy herbal medicine and CBD to create a synergistic and effective product.

I’m best known for my work in the aromatherapy world, as I have been an outspoken proponent for the safe use of essentials oils. I have written several books on the topic of aromatherapy, including The Art, Science and Business of Aromatherapy, The Unspoken Truth About Essential Oils, and DIY Kitchen Chemistry. I also have my own Aromatherapy Certification School that is approved by the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists (NAHA).

I’m currently most proud of our contract manufacturing services at Ology Essentials. We currently work with many small businesses, offering low minimums which allows people to enter into the beauty and wellness industry without breaking the bank. Some might consider these small businesses competitors, but we firmly believe that supporting these entrepreneurs has a positive effect throughout their community. When they succeed, we succeed.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Nashville is full of opportunity right now. It feels like there’s a buzz in the air – kind of like a beehive. People are working together to help this city grow into its full and amazing potential.

I’m originally from the Pacific Northwest, so I have to say that what I least like about this city is the weather- it is so hot! Oh, and the bugs.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://ologyessentials.com/
• Instagram: @ologyessentials
• Facebook: @ologyessentials
• Twitter: @ologyessentials

Image Credits
Kate Pulley + Haleigh Fioravanti