Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Benedetto.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Gina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve co-run a graphic design studio for the past 14 years—and still do! During that time, I’ve always been interested in and practiced holistic wellness. About four years ago, I got an itch to create a product for myself. I have a history of synthetic fragrance intolerance—perfume had not been an option for me for as long as I can remember as it caused headaches.
I began researching fragrance, not only in perfume but in all body and home products. I was alarmed by all the concerning research and reports I kept discovering. At the end of my rabbit hole journey, I landed on the very romantic art form of natural perfumery. It was love at first read.
I had a burning desire to create both a perfume my body wouldn’t reject, and to assist in bringing back this complex and ancient method of perfumery. I proceeded to read every book I could on the subject. And ultimately spent the next three years studying with one of the two women responsible for the resurgence of natural perfumery in the 1970s – Anya McCoy. And I’ve never looked back.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not! 🙂 I’m a one women operation. Everything is done by hand—from the blending of the botanicals to the bottling, marketing, packaging, and shipping. In each of these areas, I’ve experienced MANY lessons!
From my first batch of wood caps coming out all wrong, (thank you DAD for stepping up and making them now!) to struggling to create high-quality, relevant Instagram content. There’s always something testing my patience and resolve. What helps is that I’ve come to discover that these hurdles don’t mean I’ve chosen the wrong career path—it’s just part of the process of building something from nothing.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Veyali is a line of luxurious 100% plant-based perfumes and room sprays. As the awareness of the dangers of synthetic fragrance grows, I’m proud to offer a beautiful solution. I founded Veyali with the intent to reimagine the complex art of using only plants to scent our bodies and home.
All my products are certified vegan and cruelty-free. Having these certifications is an important step in building trust with my customers. The green beauty market is growing so quickly, and many brands are using these terms to appeal to conscientious consumers. But without verification, it’s often difficult to determine the validity of such claims.
I also source only organic and wildcrafted essential oils—never choosing oils or extracts that come from at-risk or threatened species. This very mindful selection process ensures you’ll not only smell good but can feel good knowing you are using a clean and ethically responsible product.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
San Diego is a fabulous city to start a business in—though the taxes are killer. Our community is filled with such generous and warm-hearted makers. The energy is very much to help one another, instead of feeling threatened by what each of us is doing.
It’s also a plus that the community is already well versed in living a cleaner, greener life. This reduces how much education I need to provide them as to why they should consider a 100% natural perfume or home spray. They are already excited and eager to use such products!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.veyali.com
- Email: hi@veyali.com
- Instagram: @shopveyali
Image Credit:
Studio Luniste
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