Living Beautifully with Connie & Laura, Founders of Three Ships
By Laura R., Embiria Contributor
Welcome to our first Interview of 2021 for our Living Beautifully Series featuring two powerhouse women — Connie Lo and Laura Burget, Founders of Three Ships. Three Ships is a natural skin care company formulating products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and use the highest quality natural ingredients, at affordable prices. Now that’s something we can get on board with, so we worked with them to create the exclusive Embiria x Three Ships ‘Me-Time’ Bundle, available in our Shop. We know you’ll love Three Ships as much as we do, so we’ve also included them as one of the Brands We Love, which gives you 20% OFF of any other Three Ships products on their site with the code EMBIRIA20.
Having appeared on Dragon’s Den recently, and signing Target and Whole Foods as retail partners means these Co-Founders have a lot happening! We asked Connie and Laura to share how they live beautifully, every day.
Here’s what they had to say…
Names: Connie Lo & Laura Burget
Company: Three Ships
Industry: Beauty/wellness
Social media handles: Instagram | Tik Tok | Twitter
Tell us a little bit about you:
C: I’m a natural beauty and wellness junkie (have been ever since middle school!), which is why running our skincare company really is a dream come true. Outside of work, I enjoy working out, traveling, cooking, and playing with dogs.
L: I’m an engineer by training but an entrepreneur at heart. I did my undergrad degree in Chemical engineering but ran two of my own businesses while I was in school (a retail bookstore on campus and a house painting business). This is when I got fully hooked on entrepreneurship! On the Three Ships team, I run our backend (product development, logistics/supply chain, website and financials). Outside of work, I enjoy spending as much time outside as possible, enjoy camping, badminton, needlepoint and playing the guitar.
Your mission / purpose (for your company or passion project):
C+L: Our mission is to be the most transparent natural beauty brand in the world. We focus on transparency in three ways:
Formulation transparency - we follow the EU guidelines for formulating personal care, meaning we avoid over 1,400 potential toxins (the US only bans 30 in comparison!). We are also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free and vegan.
Pricing transparency - we wholeheartedly believe that natural beauty doesn’t have to be expensive, which is why our products will forever be under $40 USD.
Efficacy transparency - our products really work! We have an average review rating of 4.8/5 stars, across over 50,000 online reviews between our site and our retail partners’ sites.
“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.”
Is there a new project or something exciting you are currently working on?
C: We have four incredible new products launching this year, which have all been highly-requested by our customers! Also, we’re launching into over 500 Target stores in two weeks, as well as Whole Foods in California, Holt Renfrew, and Urban Outfitters. 2021 really is our year of growth, and we could not be more excited!
What does living beautifully mean to you?
C: I think of taking the time to notice the little things in life. Even something as simple and ‘mundane’ as washing dishes can be done beautifully, if you are fully present. I try to live each day mindfully and with intention, so I can stop and appreciate small beautiful things every single day.
“I try my best to do my skincare routine mindfully, and really enjoy the entire experience. ”
What do you do when you feel you need to slow down from the pace of everyday life?
L: I’m a big believer in taking life slow when needed and listening to our bodies. I can tell that I need to slow down because my heart rate will be elevated, I’ll feel mentally scrambled and will have a hard time concentrating. My favourite way to slow down is to go for a walk. Spending time outdoors is SO therapeutic and really helps me to focus on the moment. Another strategy that I use when I need to slow down is to do something with my hands - for me that would be learning a new song on the guitar or starting up a new craft. Focusing on making something forces you to be very present and re-balances your attention.
How do you connect meaningfully with the people in your life?
L: This is a very timely question as maintaining connections with people in my life is my goal for 2021! During COVID maintaining connection has become harder for all of us. For me, FaceTime is SUPER important. I love that I’m able to see my family and friends virtually face to face. Also, doing small things for people who I care about has been really important. I just try to do thoughtful acts of kindness that show that I care (like grabbing someone a special treat and dropping it off at their door, or hosting a virtual party).
“Focusing on making something forces you to be very present and re-balances your attention.”
Can you tell us about a beautiful place you have visited?
C: Last year I went to Vietnam, and during part of the trip we went on a two-day caving expedition in the Phong Nha region. It was absolutely breathtaking - we explored 400 million-year old caves, trekked through lush jungles, and slept under the stars. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve had the fortune of visiting, and I would go back in a heartbeat.
When you think of a beautiful meal you’ve had, what comes to mind?
C: For Mother’s Day one year, I created an at-home high tea experience for my mom. I picked up all of her favourite foods from restaurants and cafes across Toronto, and laid it out as a surprise for her for lunch. Seeing her so happy, surrounded by loved ones, was definitely one of my fondest memories.
What are some wellness essentials that help you live fully?
C: I know it sounds cliché, but skincare honestly helps me live beautifully by allowing me to slow down for a few minutes every morning and evening. I try my best to do my skincare routine mindfully, and really enjoy the entire experience. Currently, I’ve been loving our Detox Green Tea Antioxidant Clay Mask, because it forces me to stay still for at least 8 minutes as the mask is drying!
Do you have any daily “rituals” that you love?
C: I start every morning with a warm mug of lemon and apple cider vinegar water. It’s a great way to rehydrate after 8+ hours of sleep. While I sip my beverage, I write in my Five Minute Journal. Taking just a few minutes to slow down and express gratitude is the perfect way to start my day.
Do you have a favourite quote that inspires you to live beautifully or makes you feel alive?
C: “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion.” - Simon Sinek
Love this brand as much as we do? Enjoy 20% OFF of any Three Ships products by using the code EMBIRIA20 when you shop their site.
Thanks for reading our Interview Series on Living Beautifully. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let us know if there’s someone you’d like us to interview for an upcoming edition.