GOLDEN PATH ALCHEMY

I first came across Golden Path Alchemy at a Green Conference a few months ago. The founders are two extraordinary women who have devoted their lives and educations to creating an awesome line of skincare products. The study of Nature, Holistic Healing, Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine inspired the creation of Golden Path Alchemy. Golden Path is representative of the Tao, or universal way. Alchemy represents transformation, or the process of “finding the precious gold within yourself by transforming the lead that weights you down”. The five stages of alchemical transformation can be observed as we begin our journey of spiritual development. These phases of cultivation are reflected in Golden Path Alchemy’s five skin care lines. Read my interview with the founders

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON SKIN CARE?

If you cannot eat it then you should not apply it to the skin. All of our products are fresh enough to eat. Pre Fresh Handmade Skincare.
The main purpose of holistic skin care is to bring balance back to the skin. Often overuse of harsh, alcohol-laden cleansers, toners and creams cause the skin to produce too much oil in an effort to replenish the moisture that it loses due to these unhealthy commercial products. We truly believe that what you are putting on your body every single day should be something that promotes healing and wellness, not something that makes your body work hard to detoxify.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO CREATE THE GOLDEN PATH ALCHEMY LINE?

We started our company in  August 2007 because we wanted to create a product where we knew the ingredients  were pure, made with intention and care, and reflected a quality and freshness  that we had not yet found in other products.
Out of our awareness and quest  for increased vitality and a healthier lifestyle we came to realize that many  of the personal care products we had been using for years were full of toxic  chemicals and little nutrients. We  were shocked to find out that the product lines we trusted and used did not  disclose toxic chemicals found in their products and / or they made chemicals  appear natural by saying it was derived from a natural source. As we began  researching we found out that many of these chemicals were known carcinogens,  xenoestrogens and contributed to infertility and birth defects. We were at a  loss. We did not know whom to trust and were tired of trying to decipher  ingredient labels of products in health food stores.

So we stopped using products.  We tried using more simple products and even ones that seemed more natural yet  they lacked a vitality that we craved.  As we delved further in our studies of Chinese medicine and herbal  formulations we created products for ourselves that were balanced, nourishing  and effective. We are used to incorporating medicinal herbs into our daily  lifestyle through cooking, teas and supplementation and we realized that we  could infuse these medicinals into another aspect of our daily life – our skin care. We began consciously blending together  traditions of the East and West using Chinese and western herbs, flower  essences, gem elixirs and aromatherapy to create a company that crafts PURE  FRESH HANDMADE skincare.

YOU ARE A CHINESE MEDICINE PRACTITIONER – HOW IS THIS REFLECTED IN YOUR PRODUCTS?

We based our skincare lines on the five elements of Traditional Chinese medicine (fire, earth, water, metal, water and wood.) We use many exotic Chinese herbs grown organically in the United States. The study of nature, holistic healing, Taoism and Traditional Chinese Medicine inspired the creation of Golden Path Alchemy. Golden Path is representative of the Tao, or universal way. Alchemy represents transformation, or the process of “finding the precious gold within yourself by transforming the lead that weights you down” (Jeffery Yuen). The five stages of alchemical transformation can be observed as we begin our journey of spiritual development. These phases of cultivation as well as the five elements are reflected in Golden Path Alchemy’s five skin care lines. DO

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY ON EATING AND DIET, IN TERMS OF CREATING A GLOWING COMPLEXION?

We definitely believe that what you put in your body has a direction reflection on the skin. Your skin is your largest organ and it processes many environmental toxins that it is exposed to. in Chinese medicine it has a direct link to our lungs, liver and large intestine. All of these organs filter out and have to detox chemicals that we ingest, apply to the skin or breathe in. We advocate organic, whole foods, locally grown if possible. Depending on your skin type there are other considerations as well. Super foods (such as wild blue green algae, chlorella, goji berries, camu camu, maca) antioxidant-rich foods, leafy greens, healthy oils and fats, whole grains and an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables will all encourage a glowing complexion. We advocate juicing (fruit and veggie) and regular cleansing as well.

Using fresh food for your skin makes as much of a positive difference as eating fresh food does in your diet. When we change our diet to include more fresh, organic and healthy food our body responds by detoxifying so that we can live with greater vitality. Most of us have been unable to avoid putting loads of chemicals and toxic substances, found in almost all personal care products, on our skin. When we change our lifestyle and choose more organic, truly fresh and natural products instead of the toxic conventional products, our body rejoices! When you wash your face with our rich cleansers your skin will feel more supple immediately. We know it can feel strange at first to have this soft protective layer on the skin, and it may even feel oily at first, but trust us your skin will thank you. You may even find that you need to use less moisturizers or creams because your skin’s natural moisture is being maintained instead of stripped away. You may also find that you like to use a different cleanser in the morning and in the evening. If you use the Renew coconut cream cleanser in the evening, for example, you might not need to apply moisturizer at night. Just let your skin soak in this luxuriant treatment while it relaxes, renews and breathes throughout the night.

IF YOU COULD ADVISE WOMEN TO AVOID JUST 3 CHEMICALS IN REGULAR SKIN CARE – WHAT WOULD THEY BE?

Fragrance, phthalates, and parabens.

HOW HARD WAS IT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

The fact that Minka and I started the company together and were supporting each other makes a huge difference. It can be difficult to follow a dream or idea and take all the steps it takes to form a company, make products, start selling them and then run a business. I think the main thing that keeps us motivated is our passion for providing safe, non-toxic skincare for our customers. We are obsessed with the healing properties of essential oils, herbs and flower essences and equally with keeping toxins and damaging chemicals out of our lives as much as possible. Most people use a multitude of personal care products and this is a great way to introduce people to a healthy alternative. I attribute most of our energy and dedication to the passion we have. If you are not truly passionate and dedicated to your business then it will seem much more like work than living your dream.

DO YOU THINK WOMEN ACROSS AMERICA ARE WAKING UP THE HAZARDS THAT ARE LURKING IN OUR PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS – OR DO YOU THINK WE’VE STILL GOT A LONG WAY TO GO?

I think that the information is out there and getting to mainstream america, but we still have a long way to go. People need to take their education into their own hands. Learn to read labels and then use your purchasing power for good. Tell people what you learn and spread the word. The Story of Cosmetics has done a great job. Support companies that are providing safe products and look at their other practices – are they green, sustainable, local?

You can find GPA products in the GG Store, where we have a fantastic introductory offer starting on Monday the 18th,  for a limited amount of time.