How This Maker Began Selling Skincare Products Online and in Boutiques

Interview with Meghan MacGregor of Cosmic Skincare

Meghan MacGregor believes that aging should be embraced, not feared. When shopping for beauty products, she noticed brands, even natural ones, rarely celebrated getting older. So, Meghan began making her own beauty balms, eventually launching Cosmic Skincare. Read how the creative entrepreneur began selling skincare products online and in boutiques.

Artisan Joy: Describe your craft in a few words.

Meghan MacGregor: Artisanal skin and bath care products to nourish skin and spirit.

AJ: How did you get started making and selling skincare products?

MM: I have always had an interest in natural wellness, yoga and a holistic lifestyle. I noticed, within the clean skincare industry, there was still a lack of conversation around aging that was not portrayed as a negative. I wanted to encourage women to recognize their own inherent beauty and use their skincare as a ritual to truly nourish themselves from the inside out. I wanted to subvert the notion of anti-aging and instead celebrate the vast privilege aging truly is. I started at home and local markets—then opened an Etsy Shop. Eventually, I created my own website and sold directly through there and in boutiques.

I wanted to encourage women to recognize their own inherent beauty and use their skincare as a ritual to truly nourish themselves from the inside out. I wanted to subvert the notion of anti-aging and instead celebrate the vast privilege aging truly is.

Meghan MacGregor, Cosmic Skincare

AJ: At what point did you realize that you could turn your handmade goods into a business?

MM: My journey was very organic and started with friends and family requesting products. It grew slowly into the world of craft markets and beyond.

AJ: Where do you find inspiration?

MM: I live by the ocean in Nova Scotia, surrounded by trees, fresh salty air and animals. Nature is my never-ending muse.

AJ: What’s something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

MM: I am obsessed with vintage shopping!

AJ: As creatives, we can be continuously creating and refining our art. How do you handle perfectionism?

MM: Putting yourself and your craft out there is such a vulnerable thing! I think mostly through just barreling through the agony is the only way. [Making sure] I am happy with my products and stand behind them really helps.

AJ: What advice would you give to someone who wants to begin selling their art or creative product?

MM: I think it might be helpful to remember most people are not spending time criticizing you! I think we all realize how hard it is and feel you are being brave. As a mother, I try to think [about] what I would tell my children and try to take the same advice as I would give my children or a dear friend. The more you do it, the easier it becomes too. Start small or jump in feet first, but just do it!   

AJ: What’s something that surprised you about running a creative business?

MM: The administrative side of things takes up so much time! 

AJ: Has someone ever criticized your work? How did you handle it?

MM: I have gotten poor feedback before, and I am not sure I do handle it perfectly. I try not to take it personally, but of course, I am human too. I try to listen and see if there is anything constructive to extract from it to improve. If they simply do not like my products, well, that is actually their right, and I try to let it go. It helps to have a few people around you that you trust to hold your hand through it.

AJ: What’s a cause you are passionate about and why?

MM: I love this question! I am passionate about supporting orphans in Ukraine. I work with an organization that is a grassroots boots-on-the-ground group of amazing people. They are heading there this month to visit with hundreds of displaced orphans and to give them a holiday from the trauma. People may be surprised to know that Ukraine is one of the last countries to still have orphanages—so these kids have been uprooted from the only homes some of them know and have even lost some of the care workers. Find out more at frontierhorizon.org.

AJ: And, of course, we have to ask you this: what brings you joy?

MM: My children and family, of course, my pug Ziggy and walking in nature.

Thanks, Meghan! You can follow Cosmic Skincare on Instagram and Facebook and shop at mycosmicskincare.com.

Editor’s Note: This interview was edited slightly for length and clarity.