The Aha! moment
How matchmaking led to redefining the beauty industry
It was on one of those days when 24-hours are simply not enough that I received a phone call from an unfamiliar number. The caller left a voicemail but it was vague. So, amidst the competing priorities I was juggling that day I simply did not respond. A few days later another call came from that same number and, soon after, it was followed by an email. I finally responded and, to my surprise, I learned that that call was from the owner of a Matchmaking Agency!
As it turns out, the proprietor of the agency was recently having a meeting at a hotel lounge in Los Angeles. She was discussing the idea of offering a nutrition lecture to her female clients when she was overhead by a fellow patron seated at a neighboring table. This patron politely interrupted admitting that she overheard their conversation and then enthusiastically proclaimed “ you must contact Dr. Gena Kadar - she’s a nutrition guru!” As the story goes, this patron continued to sing my praises urging the proprietor to contact me. And so, she did.
Over the next couple of weeks we chatted back and forth – she was delightful! I suggested that a lecture on “Beauty and Nutrition” would be perfect for this group. Well, the lecture still has not happened (schedules and other factors did not align) but the Aha! moment was triggered.
As I always do in preparation for lectures and other appearances, (and in response to all topics that pique my curiosity) I immediately delved into the science. (Pubmed is always one of the first websites you’ll find on my web search history list!) But this time my academic dive led me to a different outcome – it was not a presentation or a study that emerged. It was Beautifully Nutritious.
I discovered scientifically what I suspected deep down: the conventional approach to beauty is wrong.
I consider myself among the most informed consumers who always does due diligence. And yet, I spent a fortune on make-up, lotions, and creams that in most cases lacked true scientific evidence to back their marketing promises. Most products boast unsubstantiated claims, few provide supporting scientific literature, and many include unnecessary and potentially harmful fillers.
The beauty counters were approaching beauty from only the outside when really, true beauty – both literally and figuratively - comes from within.
I began an intensive review of the “beauty” literature. I spoke to scientists, researchers, and beauty and dietary supplement industry leaders worldwide. I learned about manufacturing processes, regulatory standards, storage requirements, product fillers, and much more. Then, I brought in the big guns… I engaged my partner who helps me good to great all I do; Dr. Garrett Thompson.
He joined me in the research and we evaluated countless publications, products, and formulations. We discovered large gaps in the industry, and countless bold claims lacking evidence. We uncovered products – both topical and supplements – using ineffective doses, and unnecessary, unproven, and sometimes even harmful ingredients. And we found fancy marketing – including celebrity endorsements – obscuring ineffective formulations. The fact is, despite what is being promoted to consumers, more ingredients do not necessarily make a product better; higher doses do not always equate to improved effectiveness, and just because something claims to be “natural” does not necessarily make it safe, and just because a celebrity says it works, certainly does not mean it does.
I was determined to redefine the common approach to skin care; to create products that safely deliver on their claims.
So, I did.
Beautifully Nutritious was born.
Today, after countless hours of research and development, my work has culminated in the production of two transformative nutritional skin care products:
SOLEIL by Beautifully Nutritious and RADIANCE by Beautifully Nutritious
I am proud to say that not only am I the founder of Beautifully Nutritious, I am also the first customer! From the moment we received our very first finished products, I have been taking both SOLEIL and RADIANCE every day. And I can’t wait to share them with you.
As to the fate of all my research, notes, and musings that evolved as I was developing these new products, they made their way into the pages of my new book entitled (you guessed it!) Beautifully Nutritious. If you are like me and want to learn how to cultivate beauty from within through a healthy manner of living and evidence-based nutrition then I suspect you will find the book to be an indispensable resource.