How Two Curious Scarlet Co-Founders Pushed Back On Taboo About Female Sexuality & Self-Care
For centuries, women have been associated with the role of ‘caregiver’.
It has only been in recent years that the concept of self-care has emerged, although especially in the context of women, the idea is still considered taboo. In fact, according to a 2022 survey conducted by Good Morning America, women spend double the amount of time that men do caregiving and managing the home.
Two female entrepreneurs, Linda Farha and Cindy Keizman decided it was time to push back against this widely accepted reality.
They commented,
“We’d begun to notice the effects of taking care of everyone but ourselves were starting to catch up with us and when we spoke to our friends, we realized many of them felt the same.”
Farha and Keizman put their heads together and eventually came up with the idea for Curious Scarlet, a brand that places an emphasis on self-care through a line of holistic wellness products designed specifically for women. From skincare to Gua Sha sculpting tools and female stimulation accessories, Curious Scarlet encourages playfulness, self-exploration, and above all else, self-care.
Learn about how co-founders Linda and Cindy built their holistic wellness brand along with self-care and mindfulness tips to take with you into your daily routine.
Where are you both from originally?
Linda: Montreal, QC
Cindy: Brooklyn, NY
What was one thing you did that exceeded your expectations when developing Curious Scarlet into the beauty and wellness market?
When launching Curious Scarlet, one thing that exceeded our expectations was the incredible support and positive feedback we received from our community. We initially anticipated some resistance to our unconventional approach to female self-care, but instead, we found a passionate and engaged audience who resonated with our mission. This reinforced that there was a real need for a holistic wellness brand like ours, and it motivated us to continue pushing boundaries in the industry.
What are a few ways you both continue to distinguish and stand apart from other wellness brands?
So many wellness and beauty brands that sell to women are owned and run by men. We are a holistic wellness company for women, by women. We’re not afraid to be a little edgy and unconventional when it comes to our product offerings and the way in which we approach female self-care. It goes beyond bubble baths and face masks (which are great, of course) and embraces a more holistic approach to women’s interests and needs, like female self-pleasure tools and smoking accessories to help break the stigma around these often taboo topics.
Can you share why self-care and self-exploration should be a priority for working women and women everywhere?
As women in the world of business, we have had to work extremely hard to prove that we deserve our seat at the table and as a result, we both experienced the very real effects of burnout on a regular basis.
We know many women are in similar positions whether they are in the workforce, are full-time caregivers, or a combination of the two. It’s easy for women to get caught up in the demands of work, family, and societal expectations, while often neglecting their own well-being.
Prioritizing self-care not only benefits our mental and physical health but also empowers us to show up as our best selves in every aspect of our lives.
It’s a powerful form of self-love and a necessary component of a balanced and fulfilling life.
Share a few holistic wellness tips and tools for those beginning to prioritize their self-care and don’t know where to start.
- Mindful breathing. Take a few minutes each day for deep, intentional breathing. It helps calm the nervous system and promotes mental clarity.
- Nature connection. Spend time outdoors, whether it’s a walk in the park or simply sitting in a garden. Nature has a grounding effect and can bring a sense of peace.
- Journaling. Set aside time to journal your thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. It’s a powerful way to gain clarity and process emotions.
- Holistic practices. Explore practices like yoga, meditation, or aromatherapy. These can help align your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Wellness accessories. Incorporating wellness accessories from female pleasure stimulators to facial steamers and Gua Sha tools can really elevate one’s self-care routine. When we invest in self-care tools, we are more motivated to actually take the time to use them. Building habits for self-care are crucial.
What are each of your personal Curious Scarlet tool favorites?
Linda: I’ve always loved the Gua Sha tool! It really does work to sculpt the face and leaves my jaw and cheekbones looking more defined.
Cindy: From testing almost all the items prior to launch, my current favorite is the ice roller. I don’t know how I started my mornings without depuffing, plus the sense of the calm it brings.
What wellness trends are you most excited about for 2023 and beyond?
We’re particularly excited about the growing emphasis on mental health and holistic well-being in 2023 and beyond. There’s a shift towards integrating mental and emotional wellness into overall health practices, which aligns perfectly with our mission at Curious Scarlet. Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainable and eco-conscious products is a positive trend for both the well-being of individuals and the planet.
The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what or who inspires you the most?
We have inspiration all around us in our community of women and our close circles that are made up of such an international and diverse group; when we stand back, we are amazed. We act as coaches and sounding boards for one another and support each other endlessly.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
We both have leadership roles in our careers. Sometimes it is hard to keep the balance but you just have to remember what you can accomplish when you surround yourself with like-minded individuals and teammates. We are accomplished in our fields, but we are also forever students being mentored by the next generation of leaders and thinkers.
What is your favorite or original innovation-related motto, quote, or words to live by?
“When you know better, you do better” – Maya Angelou
The circle of ‘better’ transforms how we participate in our daily lives, this mindful approach represents what Curious Scarlet is today and can be for a better tomorrow.
Connect with Linda & Cindy at Curious Scarlet!
