I started Odelia, Marie, & Patrice during a particularly stressful time in my career as a professor. In my academic career, I was an advocate for DEI in the field of public relations and the silent backlash, microaggressions, and discrimination I felt as a result left me with intense anxiety–waking up with my chest tight at times. I found solace and refuge within myself by creating a self-care routine that consisted of prayer/meditation, yoga, and skincare. I started ordering handmade skincare from all over the U.S. and I couldn't seem to find the right textures and decadence I hoped to access in natural and non-toxic beauty.
So, in 2019, I began to formulate my own.
In the process, I created a company that pays homage to the lineage of women in my family who’ve all contributed to the self-care industry in some way. Odelia, being my grandmother's middle name, sold Avon and taught me all about soap types and how good soap should feel when I was an early teen. Marie is my mother’s middle name, who started a nail company when I was a child but closed the company after two years to focus on raising her children. Patrice is my middle name, given to me by my mom and approved by my grandmother.
The name also pays homage to those in my family not listed in the name, like my great-grandmother who also made soap. For many reasons my ancestors did not have the opportunity or economic advantage to pursue the beauty careers they dreamed of. Odelia, Marie, & Patrice (OMandP) is the manifestation of all of our dreams combined. Asè.
OMandP is an activism-forward eco-luxury self-care company that champions preservation of self and preservation of the environment through beauty & aromatherapy products. Roughly 120 Billion units of beauty/cosmetic packaging are produced every year and much of it becomes pollution within our environment. Considering that pollution accelerates climate deterioration and that Black and Brown people already suffer the most from climate change, OMandP is helping to change this crisis by providing an emotionally enhancing self-care experience that is plastic negative and fights against environmental erosion.
In that process, we promote the enhancement of our customer’s healing and self love journey so they have peace in knowing their self-care practices are contributing to a larger mission of environmental justice and equity in sustainable beauty.
Fun Watch: OMandP's 2022 Crowdfunding Pitch Video
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About the Author
Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice–a vegan and sustainable self-care brand in Elizabeth City, North Carolina–and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Relations at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington.
Contact Information
Email: Candace@OMandPatrice.com
]]>Have you had a moment with self lately?
These days, moments with self are so vital. These tender moments provide each of us a chance to be seen, heard, safe, and at peace.
Personally, my moments with self have evolved meditation, walks, rest, and skincare.
I created OMandP as a tool to promote deep healing and moments with self—sans environmental impact. So it’s a pleasure for me to share the creations I’ve made to help foster these tender moments with self:
Floral Escape
Earthy Escape
Should you try one of our decadent combos to foster moments with self, let me know how you like the products and your experience! 🤍
Wishing you joy, healing, and decadent moments with self!
XOXO
-Candace
Watch our Moments with Self Reel on Instagram: Moments w/ Self
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About the Author
Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice–a vegan and sustainable self-care brand in Elizabeth City, North Carolina–and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Relations at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington.
Contact Information
Email: Candace@OMandPatrice.com
]]>Yesterday, on MLK Day, I had the amazing opportunity to officially present the Edenton Farmer's Market board with a $400.00 donation as a result of our Christmas Charity Collaboration Candle sales.
I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Edenton Farmer's Market (EFM) as a vendor in May of 2023. It has literally been the most pleasant, welcoming, and financially supportive vendor experience I have ever had. From day one everyone was welcoming and supportive. Even better, EFM had regular markets on Saturdays (year around) and Wednesdays (during Spring and Summer). This means that vendors have an opportunity to sell goods, build a rapport with customers, and make weekly income. This type of frequent and long-term market experience is really unusual as most markets only run in Spring & Summer months.
One Wednesday evening, I stayed behind to speak with Mary and she graciously shared the history behind the market, how they came to be a non-profit, and how much it takes to run the operation year around. Mary, the board, and volunteers certainly deserve their flowers!!! They did so much work to get the market to a sustainable operating phase in which they can continue to afford hosting vendors and guests weekly throughout all seasons. Learning this, I immediately thought of ways I could give back. I recalled that in 2021, OMandP launched a candle collaboration with Marqus Profic to raise money for his attorney fees as he was wrongfully convicted and fighting for his freedom for over 18 years now. The Unique by Marqus Profic collaboration landed us a feature in Forbes--spreading Marqus' story far beyond our reach. Most impactful of all, we were able to raise just over $1,000.00 toward Marqus' attorney fees.
In September of 2023, I met with the EFM board to propose a candle collaboration that would raise money for the 501-C3 in support of vendors like me. The EFM board graciously agreed and the collaboration journey began. Together, we picked the vessels, scents, and label designs. I must confess, it was a lot of fun running around the market with our two scent samples of choice in small bags, getting the input of various EFM board members on which scent we should choose. At first, we were going to choose one fragrance, but votes were split and Mary asked "why not sell them both?". She couldn't have been more right in her curious questioning! The two delightful winter scents were Fraser & Coconut and Christmas at the Market (Frosted Juniper). In addition, we also chose a beautiful green vessel which matched the aesthetic of the market.
We initially agreed to sell 24 candles--12 in each scent. However, we sold out of the first batch of candles and the demand was there for more. We decided to then to expand our sell of the candles from October to December and gave just over 30% of sales back to the market. During this time, we sold 44 candles and gave $400 dollars of this collaboration back to the EFM.
As a weekly vendor at the EFM, my heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude knowing that OMandP is continuing to make change as I first hoped when I created the company. Cheers to more and continued charity through sustainable and ingredient conscious self-care goods. 🖤
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About the Author
Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice–a vegan and sustainable self-care brand–and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Relations at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington.
Contact Information
Email: Candace@OMandPatrice.com
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In celebration of her today, I’d like to share an excerpt from the beginnings of a memoir I began writing a year or so back. The excerpt below is particularly special to me because it expands on my early life experiences with my mother’s entrepreneurial pursuits as a Nail Technician. Please enjoy:
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November 2021
Journal Excerpt from Candace Parrish, Ph.D.
Growing-up, I was immersed in the world of nail care. My mother was an aspiring nail technician and was even licensed--she actually keeps her license renewed until this day. I can remember my mother designed a set of ten artificial nails with different designs and glued them to a display board where they could be viewed by clients who would come over to get their nails done. I would watch my mom in the distance, doing nails for her clients, watching how committed she was to every detail. I would pretend to be playing nearby but I would be actually watching her process. When finished, the client was always thoroughly pleased and happy about their new set. I can also remember playing in my mother’s closet, loving her shoes, clothes and all--she was such a beautiful fly girl!
One day while playing in her closet, I found her box of business cards. This was so fascinating to me. I remember looking at one and thinking, “wow, that’s my mom’s name on there.” I guess I was impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail. There aren’t all happy memories related to my mother’s nail technician experience, however. Once, I glued all of her display nails to mine. I thought I would impress my mom by showing her I could do nails also. I can remember my mother being exhausted and disappointed when she got home, seeing all her hard work glued to her 7 year old’s hands. Still, she handled me with care. She gently cut each nail short with a nail clipper so as not to ruin my young nail beds. Lucky me, I went to school with all different nail colors on my hands and all the other students thought it was so cool. They had no idea that I had probably spawned the end of my mother’s entrepreneurial nail career. Or at least, that’s what I thought for my entire life after that.
I carried the weight of feeling like I was the straw that broke the camel’s back, because after that there were no more women that came to visit mother to get their nails done. In my head, this was because there were no more display nails to showcase to them and it would take so much to re-do all of them that it wasn’t worth it to try and recreate them. I felt like such a huge burden and disappointment to my mom. Although I felt the burden of what I thought was the ending of my mother’s nail tech career, I was still somehow connected to nail care and style. When I went to middle school, I began collecting nail polish. I had over a hundred different colors. In high school I made sure to always get my nails done with nice and unique designs. When I got to college, I linked up with a crew of girls (Courtney & Lanee) who also had favorite pastimes of keeping their nails painted and cute. We would literally hang out, listen to music, and paint our nails together.
In current times, I have managed to keep my nail appointments going, sometimes with breaks and gaps in between, but I always get back to it. My favorite thing to do is to get one design, a cow print design, on my ring finger and bedazzle it with rhinestones. Which I believe is an unconscious ode to my mother’s former nail tech career. It’s a lovely blend of her and me. Cows are my spirit animal, because of their beauty, how big they are, and how they gracefully take up space while eating a vegan diet. This is what I believe is a representation of my body and spirit. Paying tribute to them via a bedazzled nail is where the essence of me meets the connection to paying tribute to my mother’s nail tech career--the simple nail design somehow keeps it all connected in my mind.
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Thank you for reading this excerpt in celebration of Joyce Marie's birthday! Since initially writing this, she shared that I did not influence the re-routing of her career as a nail technician, rather life raising two children and working full-time--which I know was tough but was great for my inner child to hear. 🖤
Recently, I moved closer to my mom and family. As a result, my mom and I have been able to reconnect in nail care and make a bi-weekly routine of getting our nails done together. Watch the cutest reel of our first nail salon trip here: Mother-Daughter Nails.
Fresh Manicured Hands of Candace Patrice and Joyce Marie
Odelia, Marie, & Patrice would not be possible without her love & support on this journey! Not only was she our first sale ( ☺️ ) but she also lent her kitchen to me during the early stages of soap and body butter formation for OMandP. My mom's essence and drive are a huge inspiration to me and a large part of how far OMandP has progressed today!
🎊Happy Birthday Joyce Marie! 🎊
About the Author
Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice–a vegan and sustainable self-care brand–and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Relations at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington.
Contact Information
Email: Candace@OMandPatrice.com
At the start of the new year, we often immediately declare resolutions and goals. In this haste, we miss the time marvel over the true beauty in a new day, week, month, and year.
Perhaps one vehicle that can lead us down the road of seeing the beauty in a new year is self-care. With the new year comes more opportunity to indulge in self. In this process, there can be much accomplished in the areas of loving yourself deeper, having more time to heal, and having the chance to paint on a fresh canvas of the new year. If you will join me on this textual journey, i'd like to share a few ways that I feel we can find beauty in a new year.
The Chance to Love Yourself Deeper
POV: The clock strikes midnight of a new year and before the year even gets into a full minute you have already outlined the resolutions and the goals that you would like to implement.
Rarely during this minute by minute exchange into the new year is there time spent exploring deeper love for yourself. The beauty of a new year is that we have a chance to love ourselves deeper than ever. A new opportunity for beyond surface level, true, and deep love. Now, this may not look like a #SelfCare or #SelfCareSunday ad on TV or social media. However, actual self love may encompass healing, building self trust/worthiness, and overall comfort in being who you are. It is not to say that resolutions and goals are not important. They certainly are. However, what fuel do you use to reach those goals and resolutions? I believe that deeper self-love is one of the most beautiful ways and forms of fuel you can use to propel the vehicle of self-care towards your goals and resolutions.
Examples of Ways to Love Yourself Deeper: Romanticize your life, make more space to treat yourself to experiences you love, take baths and expand your decadent self-care routines, spend more time with people you love, create a schedule for a work-life balance that brings more joy, and/or decorate your living space to reflect an environment that nourishes your soul.
More Time to Heal
POV: You have a clear idea of how you'd like to achieve your goals in 2024 but no clear understanding of how unhealed wounds may impede your success.
The process of healing may not always look or feel beautiful, but the beauty is in the journey itself. In a new year there are possibilities for you to ignite healing in ways that you have not in the previous year. Life is a continually evolving journey, and although socially, we are more accepting of healing, self work, shadow work and self-care--there’s always opportunities to take it one step further. Even further, you might not consciously understand how a lack of healing serves as a road block for reaching those resolutions and goals. The beauty of a new year is such that it’s another opportunity to really go within and allow yourself healing for things that have happened throughout your life that perhaps you diverted healing or self-medicated to survive. It’s not about bashing yourself on missed opportunities to heal, it is about allowing grace and using this new opportunity for going deeper in your soul and life to heal those wounds as best you can. Although healing shouldn’t be initiated just for the sake of achieving goals and resolutions, the process of healing might help you achieve them sooner than later. It should be noted that healing is not a race--it doesn’t have to happen in January or within 2024. In fact, the process and impact of healing may span over the course of the next few years. Trust me, your inner self will have much gratitude for you taking steps in the present toward the future of healing.
Examples of Ways to Initiate Healing: Initiate or continue with therapy, make space to feel your emotions and/or cry about past experiences, provide yourself a safe space within to examine your coping methods and how you'd like to evolve, write your thoughts on paper so that you can clear space in your mind, and/or spend time resting and in nature to allow for truly processing your emotions in a gentle environment.
A Fresh Canvas to Paint
POV: You're delighted about the new year but approaching this new space with old mindsets and visions that don't serve you.
Our minds have been trained to look at a new year as a fresh start. As a visual artist, it always helps me to visualize this new time as a blank canvas that is waiting for me to paint and structure. In this period of renewal, there’s a chance for you to reset some of your mind frames and thought processes. In doing so, you can truly paint the new picture of life that you want on the fresh canvas of the new year. Mindset is very critical to how you see yourself and your future. I do believe that loving yourself deeper and allowing deeper healing are two ways that flow right into your mindset and how you go about conquering or achieving your goals and resolutions. I want to reiterate that I don’t suggest rushing to make growth and development happen immediately at the start of a new year. However, allow time for these methodologies to unfold in your life in such a way that the energy is deep, refreshing, and impactful. This way you can carefully choose and decide how to paint your new year and life.
Examples of Ways to Embrace Your Fresh Canvas: Dream of the life or type of work you'd like to do, use the those feelings and dreams to outline steps toward that life/work, allow freedom to imagine your life's painting beyond the constraints of society, create affirmations that help you achieve your dreams, and/or cultivate an environment that nourishes the dreams you have for you fresh canvas (including people, environments, and experiences).
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There are many ways in which you can use all of these examples, both in outward and inward expression. Outwardly, for instance, you can hire a therapist or continue therapy, exercise, go on hikes, and/or spend more time with friends and family. Inward expression could be practiced moments of solitude, meditation, journaling, and of course, self-care. At OMandP self-care includes the use of decadent products that promote healing for your skin and also ignite vibrations of healing in your moments of cleansing and solitude.
Remember 2024 has not been experienced by any of us before, this year, time, and space is completely new to all of us. We are all on a journey of growth and self expiration at many levels and varying degrees together. Allow yourself grace and room to evolve without judgment, so that you can witness the beauty in a new year. We hope that you achieve deeper self love, true healing, and a brilliant mindset so that you can paint your life as we move into this new time territory in the way that you best see it.
Cheers to the beauty in a New Year! Cheers to 2024! 🎊
About the Author
Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice–a vegan and sustainable self-care brand–and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Relations at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington.
Contact Information
Email: Candace@OMandPatrice.com
]]>Believe it or not – gift exchange, giving/receiving, and the holiday season in general are not meant to be stressful! We’ve got you covered so you can kiss the days of last-minute holiday shopping goodbye.
Sometimes it is not the gift itself we are unsure of – it may just be the needs (and/or wants) of the person we are purchasing or creating the gift for. Helping you organize this will get you over that initial stage of being overwhelmed. Follow our tips "for the loved one that..." likes something unique, tailored, and special below.
Has the most elaborate skin care and hair care routine you have ever seen. This person is typically who you get your beauty tips from and you’re probably thinking they should model for some of our branding shoots (you never know, right?) because they have completely mastered their self-care lifestyle to the point where how could it not be a part of their personality?!
For setting their vibe and reminding them of you every time they light this soothing and light scent that transports you to a cozy luxurious cabin in the Himalayan mountains. Bonus points for lighting this during your bath/shower. You can grab a Himalayan Bamboo Candle here: Himalayan Bamboo Wooden Wick Candle.
One of those soaps where you instantly feel like you are in a movie during a glow up, self-love, about-to-finally-live-for-you part of the movie. Spoil your loved ones (yes, that includes you!) with this creamy, fabulous bar featuring rose and white kaolin clay: Rose Clay Artisan Soap.
Seems to be the workaholic we thought we wanted to be in our early adulthood. They’re likely on their computer often and you typically catch them checking or responding to work emails during your dinner dates. If someone popped into your head (yourself included!), do them the favor of getting the quality body care essentials you know they will not be purchasing themselves in order to treat themselves a bit.
Whipped body butter is a spectacular gift that your loved one will cherish after their shower routine. Smelling good is one thing but smelling good and having moisturized skin is unmatched. Think about this as the gift that keeps on giving. This investment is beyond worth it and this may be another one of those times where you get one for yourself too as a reward! Add a Whipped Body Butter to cart for your loved one today!
Reminds you of home. A notification from this person can turn around and brighten your day in an instant. Show your appreciation with a santal and coconut wooden wick candle. Give the gift of cozy and homecoming that fill us up the most during this time of year! Get your hands one of these special candles here: Santal & Coconut Wooden Wick Candle .
We hope this guide helped point you in the right direction to spread some love and eco-luxury cheer on both you and your loved ones this holiday season.
#BONUS: Stock up now so you are starting off your new year prepared with back ups and your luxury line-up is ready to go! Until next time, be well & decadent!
Sending our best wishes to you and yours this holiday season,
Nachel & the OMandP Fam! <3
]]>It’s difficult to continue to read the same words recycled time and time again as we “navigate” and “cope” during uncertainty. It is necessary to prioritize intentional time with yourself and taking time to fully unplug and relax, however that looks for you.
Did You Know Self-Care Can be a Form of Activism?
Typically, we see activism as an outward action often in service for others or for a specific cause. However, taking time to connect with your soul and care for your mental and physical wellbeing can also be a form of personal activism amid intense capitalist time-structures and social angst. It is vital we prioritize self-care during times of heightened stress and tension, especially in a digital world where there is so much information coming to us at once. Here are some ideas for keeping yourself and self-care time a priority in order to help you achieve and maintain balance.
Self-care will look different for everyone, especially when outside pressures are influencing the amount of time and energy we are pouring into ourselves. Remember to give yourself the credit for taking both the initiative and time to take care of yourself. Finding what works for you is the beauty and best way to create deeply nourishing self-care routines or rituals. Check out our 5 of our favorite ways to check-in with self amid social angst:
It is vital for us to be mindful of the content, and the amount, we are consuming. Allotting time for rest and relaxation away from social media is equally important as time spent learning and educating ourselves and those around us on what is going on in the world. You will not be an efficient learner or ally if you are not allowing yourself the necessary breaks.
A plus about creating a self-care routine is that you get to personalize your experience and space exactly how you want. Set the mood and scene with your favorite scents- (we love the calming and clean linen-esque scent of Himalayan Bamboo), favorite incense, and essential oils. Treat yourself to a hair mask, like Beas Bayou Scalp Mask–or a sugar scrub, like our Soothing Sugar Scrub, while you listen to your favorite music, show, podcast, or movie. Allow yourself to slow down and enjoy your own company. If you’re in need of a playlist, we got you! Check out our specially curated Founder’s Playlist on SoundCloud.
Get your feelings off your heart and onto paper. Sometimes, when we are overwhelmed we may not know exactly what it is that will help us feel better and rejuvenated. Taking a pen and paper sometimes helps to guide us in identifying issues that may be on our minds or helping bring to our attention some emotions that need more exploring. A huge part of self-care is taking the time to truly explore those emotional needs to make helpful plans of action. Some of our favorite journals and/or planners are from Manifest Your Purpose.
Whether this is stretching, dancing around your kitchen, or going on nature walks it is in your best interest for your physical, mental, and spiritual health to keep yourself in movement and flow. Dedicate to giving yourself at least an hour a day of some form of exercise. Once you have incorporated these practices into your daily routine, you will notice the difference if you were to discontinue. Both your body and mind will thank you for this opportunity to connect, strengthen, and grow.
Simultaneously to social unrest and conflict, many individuals additionally have to battle their own personal battles. Community will be more important than ever during these times, and being able to take care of yourself will be that vital step to be able to contribute on a larger scale to promote community building. In short, the collective effort is imperative, yes, but it still begins with you. Take care of you, do what you must, and look out for one another.
Considering these 5 actions, taking time for self-care is not as daunting as it may seem. In current and seemingly extended times of global oppression, it is even more vital that you allow yourself space and time for all of your sensory functions to be relaxed and nourished. If you try any of the steps, products, or links from this article, let us know how they worked out for your self-care experience. Until next time, be well & decadent!
About the Author
Nachelle Profic is a Contributing Writer for Odelia, Marie, & Patrice and a recent college graduate with an interest in self-care, social media management, and marketing. Nachelle can be reached at: Nachelle@OMandPatrice.com.
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Every year, the beauty industry generates 120 Billion units of plastic beauty/cosmetic packaging. Unfortunately, plastic waste is a large contributor to current climate deterioration and negative environmental impacts. Although adverse impacts from plastic pollution–like ocean pollution and climate change–are often communicated in environmental and sustainability discourse, the impacts on minority communities are rarely at the forefront of these discussions. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) are most impacted by these negative environmental outcomes due to social determinants of health, like education, occupation, income, and location–all hinged on the possibility of being nearest to circumstances related to environmental crisis. Thus it is important that the beauty industry take necessary measures to generate more plastic-free packaging options to help prevent contributions to ongoing racial disparities in climate change.
According to the NAACP, “climate justice is a civil rights issue” because human living experiences are correlated to the health of the environment. Backing this up, the Princeton Student Climate Initiative stated that “people of color are at the forefront of the climate crisis.” In terms of racial disparities in climate change, the probability of a person of color in the U.S. having a greater chance at living near a toxic chemical emitting power plant or the fact that BIPOC are more likely to have less access to healthier food and produce are most highlighted in the media. However, less commonly spoken about are the connections between waste generated from the beauty industry and how that is impacting current and future circumstances related to the climate crisis for minority communities, like African-Americans, in the U.S.
The worlds of skin care, hair care and cosmetics aren’t as glamorous as you think. Considering that new brands emerge everyday, the unglamorous truth is that the beauty industry is creating a great amount of plastic waste that helps to erode our planet–one plastic concealer bottle at a time. In 2020, the beauty industry (along with other U.S. industries) decided to uplift Black and minority-owned businesses after the violent attacks on members of the African-American community (Ahmad Arbery, Briana Taylor, George Floyd, and others). After these socially traumatizing events, a surge of information, support, and empathy for racial disparities in BIPOC communities ensued. Suddenly, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous-owned brands were thrusted into the spotlight and given tremendous social and financial support. Although emerging from the grounds of tragedy and injustice, this recognition was long overdue and deserving. BIPOC have contributed heavily to the beauty industry without the acknowledgement or wealth to show. This degree of support allowed many minority-owned brands to emerge–like mine, Odelia, Marie, & Patrice, a vegan, sustainability aggressive self-care brand that meets at the intersection of decadence and social justice.
However, the double edged-sword is that creating a truly sustainable beauty business takes capital and customers willing and/or able to pay for a more luxury experience. Further, Black and minority-owned businesses experience financial disparities that can limit start-up capital or the financial leisure it takes to pursue a plastic reduced or negative beauty venture. According to McKinsey and Company, a global management consulting firm, “Black-founded or Black-owned—makeup only 2.5 percent of revenue in the beauty industry.” Further, BIPOC-owned beauty brands are less likely to have access to opportunities that can help change the environment via sustainable packaging but more likely to experience the negative effects of a deteriorating climate–a true mind game and harsh reality.
Oftentimes, the cost of a plastic cosmetic bottle can be significantly cheaper to buy in bulk than plastic alternatives like glass and aluminum. There are other paper-based cosmetic alternatives but many times the structure of cardboard packaging cannot sustain many oil and/or water-based products–unless you increase the layers of cardboard used for more thickness which, like the process of shipping out materials like glass, can also increase carbon footprint. The recycling discussion can go around and around with whether or not plastic is more recyclable than paper, aluminum, and glass. Nonetheless, small brands must do what they can to meet at the intersection of feasibility and efficiency. At OMandP, were re-branding our products and packaging to offer a range of paper, tin, and glass by matching the product type with the most effective recyclable packaging. For instance, our lip balms are going in paper tubes because they are smaller and people may be less likely to recycle lip balm containers.
An emerging area of interest to the beauty industry is plastic-reduced packaging. In Summer 2022, while attending a large beauty conference, I scoured through the vending booths looking for plastic alternative options for beauty packaging and discovered extreme limitations beyond glass and aluminum (which don’t solve every cosmetic packaging function). Even when glass and aluminum options were present, they usually are accompanied by plastic tops and caps. I stopped to speak in-depth to one vendor with a large booth of options. She took me to her sustainable packaging area and explained to me that most of the packaging that claims to be made from sugar cane or coconut rind is most-likely a blend of that material and plastic–hence the name plastic-reduction. These plastic reduced alternatives are a great start. However, an industry that is expected to generate $73 Billion in sales by 2025 ought to be able to afford looking into creating truly sustainable cosmetic packaging.
This is a matter that also should not fall upon minority entrepreneurs, like myself, who must spend the bulk of their time, capital, and energy on creating a business that can properly function and sustain growth. The highest initiatives should be taken by the largest beauty companies and retailers, who benefit from the 11.1 percent beauty industry purchasing. Interest and care in African-American and minority communities should not only be shown in the diversity of models or shades of make-up a company can exemplify, yet, also by the energy, intent, and actions put forth to protect our environment and communities of color who are most at risk of experiencing the negative impacts of climate change.
The future of the beauty industry depends on socially conscious and active organizations from conglomerates to entrepreneurs. Our collective efforts toward creating truly sustainable cosmetic packaging could have tremendous effects on our planet. Plus, current and future consumers like Millennials and Gen Z place a great deal of interest in knowing the brands they support are active in social issues. As technology is more advanced than ever, possibilities are limitless for revolutionizing the beauty industries approach to product packaging. Racial environmental justice is not a far off occurrence for the beauty industry, rather an incredible oversight happening right under our noses that could increase racial disparities (on multiple fronts) if action to create sustainable packaging is not immediately taken.
About the Author
Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice–a vegan and sustainable self-care brand–and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Public Relations at the University of North Carolina–Wilmington.
Contact Information
Email: Candace@OMandPatrice.com
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Perhaps one of my favorite events of the year (outside of Juneteenth) is Odelia Day! You may wonder, ‘what is Odelia Day?’. It’s a day (well, actually a weekend) of celebration for our beloved Gladys Odelia, who is ⅓ of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice (OMandP). At OMandP, we honor and commemorate her earthly contributions and decadent essence by showing appreciation for our customers via a yearly blowout sale–our biggest sale annually. Beyond the celebration and beyond the sale, OMandP would not be what it is today without Gladys Odelia Brown. Thus, i’d like to share what makes this day, memory, and weekend so special.
About Gladys ‘Odelia’ Brown
My grandmother Gladys “Odelia” Brown was born on July 09,1934. She grew up to be an outstanding woman, wife and mother. She was married to David C. Brown and had three children–David Brown Jr., Gregory Brown, and Joyce “Marie” Parrish, and two grandchildren–Dwight Parrish and Candace “Patrice” Parrish (myself). I became very close to my grandmother in the foundation of my life where my brother and I spent each summer until my late teens in Fayetteville, NC.
Young Gladys Odelia Brown in Baltimore in the 1950's.
These summer-long visits are where I learned about the true personality, character, and history of my grandmother. She taught me the ins and outs of self-care and maintenance. One of fondest memories is of her sharing her interest in soap and which brands are good for different areas of the body. For instance, she used Dove soap for the full body experience, but used Oil of Olay on her face because of its high moisture level. She knew quite a deal about skincare products and solutions as she also sold Avon and even won a sellers award. I also learned about fashion and cooking from my grandmother. I would watch her make recipes–seemingly simple but hard to recreate. Of course, there is so much more that I learned and experienced with Gladys Odelia. Perhaps most important, throughout my time with my grandmother I learned how to create with love and decadence, no matter the creation or journey.
Decadence and love are BIG keys to the success of the look and feel of the products that I create for OMandP. Without my time with the most decadent and loving woman in the world, I would have no foundation creating carefully sourced, rich, clean, and decadent products. Thus, I celebrate Gladys Odelia Brown for the woman she was and encouraged me to be.
When she passed away in August of 2006, I was 18. Her passing rattled my young world. For years I could not understand how someone who was so important to my life could no longer be here. Now, almost 17 years later, I realize that my grandmother is with me every day and in every step of the journey in creating OMandP. It feels so wonderful to know that she would be so proud of the mission from OMandP and our decadent line of products inspired by her essence.
In sharing this impact, three years ago I decided to create a day and weekend of celebration in her honor. When you purchase during this weekend, I invite you to step into our celebration of Gladys Odelia and really use this time to nurture and care for yourself in celebration–she would want you to! <3
Our 40% off sale will continue until Monday, July 10th, 2023. I hope you all enjoy the gift of OMandP. Thank you to all our lovely customers and tribe members who keep us inspired to continue onward!
Cheers to Gladys Odelia Brown!
Best,
Candace Patrice
This year, in addition to our special edition Juneteenth 2023 collection (pictured below), I am sharing an extra special message about the importance of artistry in the history of freedom for African-Americans.
Odelia, Marie, & Patrice 2023 Juneteenth Collection - Wooden Wick Candle and Artisan Soap Bar
Juneteenth will always be an extra special holiday for Odelia, Marie, & Patrice. It marks the history and remembrance of freedom and joy for African-Americans in the United States–on many levels. The main ingredients in this historical recipe is that on June 19th, 1865 (and years to come) freedom for Black people in the United States (U.S.) was nationally recognized. One special outcome of this historical recipe for greatness that we don’t often speak about is the seasoning that Black artisans added to the taste of the U.S. economy in the coming years after freedom.
As you can gather from the above analogy, recipes are big for Odelia, Marie, & Patrice (OMandP). If you’ve tried our products or heard me speak of them then you know I care a great deal about decadence. I fully recognize this decadence did not start with me, it’s a feeling and knowledge of artistry that has been passed down from generation to generation with no real celebration or recognition. This Juneteenth I'd like to recognize that essence and give praise to the era of artisans that came from the opportunity for freedom in the late 1800s.
Did you know that the first “middle class” for African Americans in the U.S. were artisans by profession?
Neither did I until I read this vital and informative article written by James E. Newton when I was in search of the history of soap-making in the U.S. In the academic article, titled Slave Artisans and Craftsmen: The Roots of Afro-American Art, the different types of jobs that Black artisans worked were mentioned, like ship builders, jewelers, blacksmiths, and so many more. According to this detail of history these skills were a part of daily tasks of some skilled slaves in plantation life. These skilled workers were said to have lived with a slight advantage on the plantation because they had an artisan skill that allowed them to take jobs off of the plantation and to earn extra money (which was split with the plantation owner at their discretion).
You might wonder, why would it be important to know or have these skills as a slave?
The answer is that the diversification of skill sets allowed for varied amounts of work and income when eventually freed. After being freed, Black artisans (of all trades) were able leverage their skills and abilities to gain more income due to their knowledge and craftsmanship. Thus, according to Newton they earned more and became the first middle class population in the U.S.
Dope right?! Literally artistry and creativity has been an outlet for economic growth in the Black community in the U.S. since the 1800s and beyond.
The reason this Black artisan history is so important to acknowledge on this Juneteenth is because we’ve seen artistry/creativity continue to allow for economic freedom of Black people ‘til this day. During the pandemic a record number of Black people started businesses to create financial freedom for themselves. A great amount of these businesses were artisans offering a skill, product, and/or trade.
On this Juneteenth 2023, we must recognize artisans of the past and present and how creativity and decadence that has been passed down continues to allow opportunity for freedom to Black people in the U.S.. After all, Odelia, Marie, & Patrice (3 generations of artisans in various ways) is a direct example of this type of unspoken generational transfer of artisan skill sets. Gladys “Odelia”, my grandmother, was an amazing cook and also was an award-winning Avon saleswoman. My mother, Joyce “Marie” who is a math genius, also was a board certified nail technician and had many clients in the 90’s who would come to our apartment to get their gorgeous full sets. I, Candace “Patrice”, have carried on the tradition of artistry in pursuing an advanced degree influenced by visual communication and also creating OMandP–an activism-forward and eco-luxury self-care company.
During this celebration, I would love to encourage BIPOC to research their family histories and identify how artistry and creativity may have been involved in the family working lineage. Let’s continue to uncover, highlight, and communicate our (hidden) histories!
Cheers to the first artisan populations in the U.S. which have allowed me to rise up on that foundation and create success for Odelia, Marie, & Patrice today! 🤎
Best,
Candace Patrice
Founder of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice
]]>During this Black History Month (2021) i'd like to pay tribute to African-American soapmakers during the era of slavery (1619 - 1865) in the United States. Although there are many artisans and soapmakers of color that have thrived from slavery until now, there is limited spotlight on the history and contributions of slaves in the field of soap making.
In the era of slavery in the United States, it was largely the task of slaves (mainly women) to create soap and complete the laundry processes for their assigned plantation. To initiate the soapmaking process, women usually started with making the lye substance, which we know today is a key ingredient in the process of saponification--the process of transforming an oil, fat, and/or liquid mixture into soap. In an interview shared by the Encyclopedia of Virginia, Mrs. Georgia Giwbs (a former slave) said that the process of making the lye to create the soap included slowly mixing water with oak wood ashes to create an oak ash lye to begin the task of laundry. In some other instances, women made their lye soap via animal skin as opposed to ashes.
The methods African-American women used to make soap in the slavery era aren't very well documented, however, we know that their experiences in making soap on plantations are plentiful because the methods were handed down through generations. It was very common for African-American women to make soap for their family's in the early 1900's. In my personal lineage, I have learned that my great grandmother made her own "lye soap"--I will be sharing more about this in an upcoming blog post.
Another interesting perspective regarding the history of soapmaking among African-Americans in slavery is the unique opportunity that becoming an "artisan" or craftworker provided slaves. For many slaves, becoming skillful in a craft, such as soapmaking, wood working, or even making candles, served as a way to provide opportunities to make extra money and sometimes even be hired for projects outside of the plantation. Of course, slaves had to make special agreements with their plantation owners and would usually have to pay a portion of their commissioned earnings back to the plantation. However, becoming an artisan allowed slaves an opportunity to experience more freedom than usual.
These very important moments in time are the history we cannot forget! Especially with the current racial/societal climate today. Black artisans and craftworkers, like myself, must learn the history of our ancestors and their contributions to fields, like soapmaking, so that we can (1) uplift their work and experiences and (2) understand the importance of our presence in the current field of soapmaking, which at times can seem to be dominated by white artisans and soapmakers. This can be seen in many articles that are written about the history of soap and soapmaking leave out the history and contributions of African-Americans during slavery (prime example: "The Dirty History of Soap").
The history of our ancestors experiences and the experiences that we face today as Black artisans are not unrelated. We have even more of an opportunity to share our stories and heritage today via social media (and I suggest we do just that). The presence and contributions of BIPOC soapmakers and artisans should be continually recognized, not just during Black History Month.
About the Author: Candace Parrish, Ph.D. is the Founder and Chief Creator of Odelia, Marie, & Patrice--the "Patrice" in the generational name. As a vegan, her mission is to create vegan, ethical, and sustainable beauty, design, and home good products through #OMandP.
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