Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Guadagno.
Brian, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been an Ocean Lifeguard up in RI my whole life. Through that experience and my overall affinity to beach lifestyle, I became aware of all the harmful effects of chemical sunscreens to humans and to our environment. I went on a quest to find a natural sunscreen so that I could share with my team, friends and family. After years of trying them all, I was never satisfied with what was available. I was determined to find a solution to this problem, one thing led to another, I turned my SOBE kitchen into a lab and began formulating. In the early days, I worked in nightlife and hospitality with Morgans Hotel Group so I was able to use my days and South Beach as the development and testing grounds for natural sunscreens I was creating. Today, Raw Elements is found in close to 4,000 doors across the country, is Non-GMO Project verified, NPA Certified Natural, Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, EWG 1 Rated, Reef Safe and a 1% For the Planet Member. Our mission is to deliver the safest, most effective sunscreen on the planet.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Don’t they say the road less traveled is the road less smooth!? I think the struggles that come along with entrepreneurship and pioneering change always come with their rightful share of struggles. It is difficult, it is challenging, it is far from easy and it can be scary at times. Having said that I believe that our mission is so true and authentic that it has attracted so much support and help along the way. As young, growing company, having committed team members and the support of friends, family, and supporters along the way is really what makes the difference. I’m most grateful for all of that throughout this process.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Raw Elements USA story. Tell us more about the business.
We produced the safest, most effective sunscreen on the planet. What really sets us apart from any other, even natural sunscreen is that Raw Elements is gentle enough for use in infant care yet meets the performance demands of the most extreme athletes while being environmentally safe. From a formulary standpoint, our specialty is utilizing over 20% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide as the sole active ingredient in aesthetically pleasing products that hold up in all conditions. I believe the extent of our 3rd party certifications really communicates a degree of validity that is apparent right on our packaging. I am most proud of all of the work our small, dedicated team accomplishes day in and day out.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe when you are doing good work in life, good things will happen, that’s life and business. The Raw Elements journey continues to teach me and bring people into my life that I learn from. It seems to be just an extension of my life of which I feel very fortunate.
Pricing:
- Face + Body SPF 30+ $18.99
- Tinted Facial Moisturizer SPF 30+ $17.99
- Daily Lifestyle SPF 30+ $19.99
- Organic Herbal Rescue Lip Balm $4.99
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rawelementsusa.com
- Phone: 888-442-6676
- Email: contact@rawelementsusa.com
- Instagram: @rawelementsusa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RawElementsUSA/
- Twitter: @rawelementsusa
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