This week I’m excited to highlight Pepelyn Beauty, a favorite local Chicago clean beauty and skincare business owned and founded by the talented Joselyn Pepelyn.
I first met Pepelyn about two years ago as she loves to be called on Instagram. She was reaching out during Christmas time and sending samples of her products in holiday gift boxes. I remember opening the box and being delighted by the mini soaps, candles, and creams that Pepelyn sent my way. Everything smelled heavenly and everything was made by Pepelyn herself. My favorite were these mini macaron soaps!
Last year I realized that Pepelyn sets up shop at a local farmer’s market in Chicago’s Daly Plaza near where I work. One day I gathered up the courage to meet her in person! She was as warm and kind as she came across online and I was glad to meet a fellow Chicago maker and creator.
In the years since I have met her, Pepelyn’s business has grown and thrived. Her focus is on clean, natural beauty with a focus on ingredients from her Peruvian heritage. Ingredients from the Amazon and Andes like Camu, Maca, Quinoa, Amazonian Copaiba are the core of her products and what set her apart.
When she learned I was pregnant Pepelyn sent me this beautiful box with soap, Sasha Inchi Body Oil, and my utter favorite her famous Moringa Mango & Shea Body Butter. I have been using these during my pregnancy and find everything so hydrating and fresh. The body butter is especially amazing its so thick and elegantly scented!
I wanted to shine a light on Pepelyn and her business! These last months have been hard for us all but espeically small business so below are a few words from Peplyn herself for you to get to know and support her work even beter!
Why did you start your business?
Ive been always into skincare and natural beauty since a little girl… as an adult, I remember going to stores to check the products like soaps and lotions, saying to myself that I’d make my own someday. That day came right after I became a mother when my son got eczema . I had to take care of his sensitive skin. I remember having to toss all the branded products I’d bought and the ones I received as gifts because they were affecting his skin severely. So I started researching and applying what I learned from my grandma and began making products with the intention to heal, protect and improve his skin and then I felt that I had to share the knowledge and goodness with the world. So that’s how Pepelyn started !
What is a favorite part of your work?
The best part Is always reading and hearing the testimonies of people who have tried the products, it makes me smile… truly. Its very rewarding knowing that my products have impacted people in a better way. And of course I love the research I enjoy doing some digging on new recipes and ingredients and creating new products.
How has covid impacted your business?
Growth, growth, growth…!! It has impacted us in many ways. Both with pros and cons. It’s about adaptability to this new context ; before, it used to be both a one on one contact with customers and potential customers through farmers markets, events or pop-ups; and through social media, meaning an online market. Now it’s mostly online… unless you know my address and come by for some goodies.
Thank you to Pepelyn for taking the time to answer my questions and partner with me on this post!
Below you can find Pepelyn’s shop as well as her site and social links. She is an amazing woman owned, local business to support and I’m proud to know her!
