Today we’d like to introduce you to Karey Casto-Chrin
Hi Karey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Hopathekarey is a brand born out of tragedy and transformed into a beacon of hope and beauty. In 2017, Karey’s life was forever changed by a devastating event that sparked a journey of self-discovery and healing. From the ashes of adversity, Hopathekarey emerged as a testament to the power of resilience and determination.
Prior to making skincare, Karey spent 7 years traveling and working in prestige gated communities, honing her skills and expertise in hospitality and luxury. She was part of the elite opening staff for The Cloister at Sea Island, one of only 13 mixologists chosen for this exclusive opportunity.
After years of perfecting her craft, Karey turned her attention to skincare, driven by a desire to create products that would help people feel confident, beautiful, and empowered. With a focus on natural ingredients, handcrafted techniques, and a passion for artistry, Hopathekarey was built to last, just like the foundations Karey was trained on.
In our Brick & Mortar stores and online, every piece you see is a handcrafted or small-batch work of art. From our skincare products to our paintings, each item is carefully crafted with love and intention. We believe that beauty and art should be tangible, tactile, and made with human touch.
Our crowning achievement: The Liberty Collection, launched on Broadway in 2023. This milestone marked a triumph of spirit and creativity, as we brought our artistry to the global stage. The Manhattan launch was made even more special with the introduction of our Bulletproof Mineral Spray Cosmetics, a game-changing addition to our beauty collection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? Ha! Not even close! As a single mom navigating a contentious custody battle, I faced countless challenges. There were times when I had to juggle court hearings with product launches, or worry about legal documents instead of ingredient formulations. The stress was overwhelming, and self-doubt crept in often.
But here’s the thing: you gotta get up, get dressed, put your skincare on, and just keep on hustlin’! I learned to prioritize my well-being, even when it felt like the world was against me. I showed up for myself, my children, and my business, no matter what and managed to work a full time job as an Event Coordinator at a local Brewery.
Building a business from scratch requires immense hard work, dedication, and resilience. I encountered setbacks like failed product batches, website crashes, and marketing mishaps. There were moments when I felt like giving up, but my passion for my craft and my children’s well-being kept me going.
The journey has been a rollercoaster ride, with steep learning curves and unexpected twists. However, each struggle has taught me valuable lessons, and I’ve emerged stronger, wiser, and more determined. Today, I’m proud to say that The Hopathekarey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following your dreams, no matter what life throws your way
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a cosmetic chemist, I specialize in formulating clean, all-natural skincare and cosmetics that are not only effective but also fun and relatable. My brand is known for its humorous, incident-inspired product names and branding, which sets me apart from the more serious, clinical approach of traditional skincare companies.
But my passion for beauty and self-care goes beyond just products. I’ve always believed that feeling good is about more than just what you put on your skin – it’s about the experiences you have, the things you surround yourself with, and the community you build. That’s why I’ve taken my love for beauty and blended it with all the other things that bring joy and wellness, from ready-to-wear fashion to locally crafted giant hula hoops, paintings, jewelry, and more.
This vision has come to life in the form of HOPATHEKAREY, the ultimate destination shopping experience in WestWood Mall, Jackson, Michigan. It’s a space where customers can indulge in my all-natural skincare and cosmetics, while also discovering unique, locally-sourced treasures and experiences that nourish their mind, body, and spirit. My goal is to expand HOPATHEKAREY into a global brand, with multiple locations that bring people together and inspire a sense of community and self-love.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to beauty and wellness, and my commitment to creating immersive experiences that go beyond just a product or a store. I’m proud to be a part of the clean beauty movement, and I’m excited to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of what self-care can be
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding a mentor, I’ve taken a slightly unconventional approach – I’ve learned to be my own mentor. As a self-taught cosmetic chemist and entrepreneur, I’ve had to rely on my own instincts, research, and experimentation to drive my growth and learning.
However, I do believe in the power of community and networking. Over the years, I’ve built a strong online presence through platforms like Poshmark, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where I’ve cultivated a loyal network of organic followers and supporters. This community has been invaluable in providing feedback, support, and encouragement, and has helped me stay connected to the needs and preferences of my customers.
My advice would be to focus on building your own expertise and confidence, and to seek out mentors and role models who inspire and motivate you. But also, don’t underestimate the power of your own intuition and inner guidance – sometimes the best mentor is the one within. And, of course, don’t be afraid to build your own network and community – it can be a powerful source of support and growth
Pricing:
- Skincare from $5 to $30
- BulletProofMineral Makeup from $10 to $30
- Body Indulgences from $5 to $20
- Masks & Problematic Skin Solutions $10 to $30
- Personal Styling let’s chat
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hopathekarey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopathekarey/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hopathekarey
