Chances are that JoAnn Fowler has played a part in a face that you’ve seen on TV. Her 20 years in the film and TV industry as a makeup artist includes six years on the set of The L Word. Cliff note to Twilight fans: She recently headed the action units for New Moon and Eclipse. It would be easy to color Fowler’s career complete with an Emmy award nomination and two CINOMA nominations for Best Makeup, but Fowler hasn’t stopped there. She also has a free downloadable makeup course and her own line of organic and ecoLuxurious beauty products (the definition of which she later explains), offered through her company, Sappho Cosmetics.
1-800-RECYCLING talked with Fowler about starting Sappho Cosmetics, her research regarding synthetic chemicals in cosmetics and personal care items and, of course, her time in the entertainment industry.
1-800-RECYCLING: If you had to fill in the blank, Sappho Cosmetics was started because ____, what would you say? Did making environmentally friendly products play a big part in your desire to start your own company?
Fowler: The idea for Sappho Cosmetics Inc. was started because one day an actress on The L Word, Mia Kirshner, came to me and said, “JoAnn, I no longer want to wear any cosmetics that contain parabens.” I said, “OK,” and then asked what a paraben was. Mia explained, and I then started my own research. Before long, I knew that I could not, with all consciousness, continue to be a makeup artist if I could not offer safer cosmetic alternatives to those I work with.
1-800-RECYCLING: Did making environmentally friendly products play a big part in your desire to start your own company?
Fowler: Yes. Making products free of all synthetic chemicals that could stand up under the scrutiny of HD and film became an obsession, and making those products as environmentally responsibly [as possible] went hand in hand. Our boxes are recyclable, our pressed eye shadows are sold in biodegradable bags, and we promise to keep reducing our footprint and to remain a positive presence in this world.
Sappho Cosmetics CEO JoAnn Fowler’s Sustainable Philosophies
Fowler has worked hard to make her line of cosmetics toxin-free, using sustainable shipping practices and recyclable and biodegradable packaging.