Ojai with Beautycounter: The Recap!

I came home from my 3-day trip to the Ojai Valley Inn with Beautycounter on Wednesday. The trip was incredible – one of the best events I have ever been to. A friend asked me what my favorite part of Ojai was and my answer was “the ambiance.” Everything from the mountain setting and lush grounds to the string lights and lanterns and blue grass band who played multiple times for us to the fresh California food was simply stunning. It felt like three nights of beautiful weddings in a row! But of course my favorite part of the trip was conversing with the smart, hard working women I met. Going into this I only knew Teri and this extravert was a little nervous! But of course I got to know so many of the women and loved swapping ideas and stories.

We were 120 out of nearly 45,000 consultants in the company. This trip was earned by sharing, growing, and mentoring over the summer, and I got really lucky to earn a spot. Most of the women there had been building businesses for years, and some were even the founding members of the company. (Spoiler alert: most consultants are not bloggers.) I learned a lot from my conversations. My favorite takeaway was this quote: “The only people who fail in this business are those who quit.” It’s not hard work, but it’s a long-game business plan, and you must remain consistent to be successful. Gregg Renfrew said during her talk: “You can’t have it all in one day. But you can have it all.” I love that.

I also loved hearing about some of the advocacy efforts Beautycounter has been involved in, and I would love to be able to join in on that in the future (especially since I live so close to the capital!) If you’re curious about Beautycounter as a company, check out the 2019 Social Mission Report at the bottom of this page. You’ll find information on advocacy efforts, sustainability, community, and giving. Any time you shop with a consultant (whether that is me or someone else) you’re supporting a woman-owned small business while “voting with your dollars” towards a larger B corporation at the same time.

And if you’d like to vote with your dollars today, there’s actually a flash sale going on through midnight tonight. Get 10% off anything site wide with the promo code YFT. All my favorites are on this page. 

Sunday

Beautycounter spoiled us rotten for three full days. I had my own room, which was luxurious and beautiful! After unpacking and a much needed post-travel-sweating-in-95-degrees-by-the-pool shower, we headed down to the welcome reception.

Welcome Reception

It was SO great to catch up with Teri in person. We had met once at the Foodbuzz Conference back in 2009 or so but we hadn’t seen each other since! It’s crazy how similar we are.

These chairs – so pretty!!

We had a taco bar and drinks and really great Mexican chocolate cookie for dessert! There was a wide variety of food for all different kinds of dietary needs at each meal, including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian. And I don’t just mean you could request a gluten-free dish or a vegan entree – they had a vegan chili on the last night that tons of non-vegans ate too.

Monday

I was up and at ’em at 4am on Monday. I was so hyped up I couldn’t sleep (or nap!) the whole weekend. Oh the irony of being away from my children and not being able to sleep. Needless to say I was happy when the sun came up and morning got started.

Training

Monday morning we had a half day of training in the beautiful Farmhouse conference hall. It was exciting to meet Gregg in person as well as the leadership team from Santa Monica where Beautycounter is headquartered.

Gregg’s Welcome

Gregg is incredibly smart and gave us an inspiring address to start the day off. She is frequently interviewed and featured in the media – like this recent Fast Company article. When one person asked her which industries and companies she is inspired by she said rather than comparing Beautycounter to other beauty brands, she looks for companies that lead with integrity and innovation. Patagonia, Allbirds, Peloton, Stitch Fix, and Air B&B to name a few. (She laughed that Stitch Fix had convinced billions of people to buy a product they had never seen – that’s me!!)

Color Code

Next we studied personalities through a tool called the Color Code. I came out a strong red, valuing power and productivity. (I am an enneagram 3 so I’m not surprised!)

Sustainability

We were briefed on recent sustainability efforts, including a shift to glass bottles, and learned that Beautycounter is on track to be the first beauty brand to have a 100% traceable supply chain fo mica. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. (See the social mission report I referenced in the opening for more.)

Makeup Artistry

And finally – a lesson in makeup! We all came to the meeting bare faced so we could learn from the best.

Before:

After:

(All I see are my brows!! I am just so not used to them!)

New to me shades – Nectar blush (the most natural “glow” look I’ve ever used), Rosewood gloss (perfect for fall), and the Starlight Shadow Palette (lovely shimmer for holidays.)

Lunch on the Lawn

We had some amazing salad bars that made me want to stay in summer forever!!

I did a little work in my room after lunch with an unsuccessful nap!

The Pink Moment & Silent Disco

Monday evening we had a party with a theme of the famous Ojai Pink Moment, when the surrounding mountains turn pink at sunset. It’s also breast cancer awareness month, so our pink had a double meaning to honor that cause as well. After dinner we had a silent disco which was SO FUN! Check my Instagram for videos from that part of the night!

Even the goat cheese was on point!

My Toms Majorca sandals get a 10/10 for comfort!

The tables were simply stunning!!

crab stacks –

seabass with polenta –

Tuesday

Breakfast

We had an omelet station, pastries, and loads of fruit – the works!

Goat Yoga with Lavenderwood Farm

I loved all the new things we got try! Tuesday was all about relaxing, and we had multiple choices for an active morning. I chose goat yoga, which was so fun! Look at that little smile : )

After yoga I went on a little power walk. I would have loved to run, but my suitcase was packed to.the.brim. and I opted out of bringing running shoes/clothes/gear. But walking was just fine!! Also did I mention it was 95 degrees everyday!?

Lunch + Pool Time

Yet another fabulous salad bar – this time with a greek twist!

I spent the afternoon by the pool

Western Night

For our final hurrah we dressed in our western chic and danced to the fiddle of The Cameroons!

I figured the setting was right for a beer : )

Another FAB meal!

With ice cream cones for dessert!

After dancing to Johnny Cash and “Country Roads,” we said our farewells before our travels began early on Wednesday morning. I hope there’s a next time in my future!!