Introduction

Today, I am going to introduce you to a couple from New York that very well might change the way you see the world. 

In a world that often lacks authenticity, Nadja and John Scavone are different.

Founders of Born To Be Free, a health conscious skincare brand, Nadja and John have clear, strong, and unwavering principles that guide their lives and new business.

“Basically, if you cannot read the ingredients on your products, you should not be putting it on your skin.”

“We are all born free. Freedom to us is having the ability to be a sovereign individual. To be as self-sufficient as possible.”

“Freedom is wealth. YOU are responsible for yourself, YOU are accountable for your actions, YOU are to blame for the mistakes, and YOU are praised for the successes. True happiness is found in being FREE. “

On top of that, they have chosen sustainable packaging for their products. We had a very interesting conversation on our Sustainable Packaging Show Podcast to learn more about why they chose sustainable packaging, as well as more about the why behind what they are doing. We even went down a few rabbit holes together!

You have to respect these entrepreneurs for the way their values match their behavior.

You can listen to the podcast with Nadja and John or if you enjoy articles, let’s begin.

The Story

While locked down during Covid, Nadja Scavone found herself throwing out the skincare products in her home, as she began to research all the harmful chemicals contained in many common household products. 

It inspired her to start experimenting with making skin care products in her kitchen that were free from the toxins she was researching. 

Her husband John, also very health conscious, fell in love with the products instantly. One thing led to another, the couple started sharing products with their family members and closest friends.

“Once we started discovering the truth, it was something we couldn’t shut up about,” remarked John.

Launched in December 2023, Born To Be Free sells non toxic all natural tallow based skincare products, ranging from soap to body butter, lip balms, to a suncare line.

The startup is more than just a product company. They want to build a brand for people who are committed to a healthier lifestyle and want to “opt out” of mainstream systems, with a starting point in skincare.

During the podcast episode, the couple commented about concerns with modern day food quality and talked about how they no longer shop in grocery stores. They have gone local, as an example, getting eggs delivered to their home every Thursday night. 

They even commented on concerns regarding the stability of the US dollar and the potential of Bitcoin as a solution. What may have sounded crazy years ago is now sounding more plausible with money printing (and resulting inflation) becoming common practice.

This is more than just a business for Nadja and John. It is a lifestyle they live every day and a movement they want you to join. They are on a mission to help you live a cleaner and healthier life.

“Actually research what you are putting on your body or in your body,” advises John.

What Packaging Do They Use

Ever receive coffee in a plastic cup, but a paper straw? This contradiction is something the Nadja and John wished to avoid.

“With making these really clean products has to come really clean packaging,” commented Nadja. “You kind of defeat the purpose of a clean product when you house it in plastic.” 

Born To Be Free sells several different products and they use two main sustainable packaging options.

Today, they use kraft paper tubes and glass jars for almost all their products. But it wasn’t always that way.

They started with plastic tubes for their chapstick.

“When I was making chapstick, I realized these oils go into the plastic tubes hot and they dry in there. So if you have plastic tubes, you are pouring hot oil into there and it’s going to leach, into the lip balm, into our mouth, and disrupt your whole endocrine system.”

So they began their search for a kraft tube supplier, which they commented was not easy, but they made it happen.

Check out Born To Be Free Sun Armor on Packaged Sustainably to learn more about their sustainable packaging! 

Sustainable Packaging & Health Conscious Consumers

I have long talked about the benefits of using sustainable packaging from the perspective of attracting and retaining environmentally conscious consumers.

But during this conversation, it was eye opening to think about how using sustainable packaging could open doors with health conscious consumers.

It made me think about all the consumers who might not object to plastic environmentally, but do from a health perspective due to concerns that plastic is an endocrine disruptor.

John breaks it down that there are two groups of people to consider. There is a “crowd who are in the gym, health conscious, and worried about what they put in their body and on their body” and another “cohort of people are more concerned about the environment and they will just try the product because they are one of the few companies out there with products that do not come in plastic.” 

The “entry point” for the customer -- whether due to health or environmental concerns -- is the packaging and then they fall in love with the products and become loyal. 

Is this a model that you can follow with your business?

Your Move

I hope this article has gotten you motivated to find a way to help Born To Be Free grow! Whether you are “all in” on Nadja and John’s view of the world or just appreciate the products they make, please consider taking one or more of the actions below:

1. Vote with your dollars. Visit Born To Be Free today! It’s our goal to celebrate brands that use sustainable packaging. If any products catch your eye, we ask that you give it a try! Voting with your dollars is the best way to create the world you want.
2. Share this article. Help Nadja and John get the word out about what they are doing. It’s powerful to hear the story behind what someone is doing. Please share now!
3. Take a deep breath, exhale, and be hopeful. If you do not buy or share, this is the most important thing you can do. Many very bright people are working to solve environmental issues. Keep a positive attitude and consider small ways you can help!

Thanks for reading and have an absolutely wonderful day!