There is an old adage, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow,” that tells us great things grow out of small beginnings. As gardeners, we prepare the soil and plant the seeds, then anxiously await the initial sprouting. That gives us hope, telling us the seed has taken root and a plant will grow to its full glory – producing the anticipated fruit or blossom.
That is the same path our dreams take. We begin small, with an idea, and, then, with proper nurturing, our idea grows into something special.
That is the path Lanae Rhoads took when she began Mix Cosmetiques. For her it all began in solving a dilemma she faced.
Rhoads talked about how the different body products she was using didn’t work for her. She would have reactions; she didn’t like the ingredients many of them were using. Try as she might to find something that would work, she only experienced failure after failure.
That was when the thought came to her: If she cannot find something that would work, maybe she could create her own – and that is exactly what she did. Through her research and experimentation, she created a product that worked well for her skin.
When her friends learned about what she had done, they, too, wanted to try some. Needless to say, the products worked for them, too. They asked if she had other products. Rhoads again began experimenting and was able to formulate a variety of products that both her friends and she could use.
The acorn had been planted; the tree was growing.
When she moved to our area, in 2017 she decided to begin a retail business which highlighted the different personal options that she created. As the business grew, so did the need to find the proper site. She discovered what Superior has to offer, and decided to open a new business at 1317 Tower Avenue.
That site, however, is only temporary. They are waiting to open their permanent store where the former Elbo Room was located, just down the block from where they are presently.
Rhoads has a variety of options for her customers. She offers more than 20 workshops wherein customers can create their own body care products: lotions, sugar rubs, soap and bath bombs.
Workshops are perfect for bachelorette parties, showers, birthdays or just a group of friends wanting to try something new. Each workshop lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, except for the lip gloss workshop, which takes around 45 minutes.
Customers can drop in to set up a date and time or they can call the store at 206.694.9170. If you are interested in having a full make-up workup, it is suggested that you set up a specific time for your consultation. Walk-ins can sit down at the Lip Gloss Bar and create their own unique color and variation. You can also create your own eyeshadow that perfectly matches something special you want to wear.
Being in control of what goes on your skin is something that Rhoads values. Every product she offers is natural, organic, sustainable and plant based. She wants her customers to know what they are
placing on their skin so they can trust that it will provide the results they want to achieve. Mixed Cosmetics offers products for aging skin that provides necessary moisturizing. They offer products for young skin that fights acne and protects against damage from the sun. She also carries a line of products for guys: body and facial care, hair and beard care.
“Mix Cosmetiques is an excellent addition to the Superior Business Improvement District,” executive director Kelly Peterson commented. “They provide high-quality products that are good for us to use. Not only that, Lanae takes time with her customers to help them design their best color match.”
Walking into Mix Cosmetiques is a trip for the senses. After our interview, I couldn’t help but buy some of the soap I had been smelling, a gift for my wife because she wasn’t with me. I have a good suspicion that she will be making her own trip.
Make sure you take time to stop into Mix Cosmetiques when you are downtown where you can plant the seed for how you want to look!
Gary Banker is a member of the Superior Business Improvement District board of directors.
