We’re in an age of change — both collectively and individually. As we open our eyes (and minds) to the ways in which we can do better by ourselves, for the environment, and for society at large, we’re also faced with an increased pressure to be the change that we wish to see in the world. It’s all very overwhelming, right?
Shannon Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Izzy Zero Waste Beauty, has a solution for this feeling, in response to the global environmental crisis. The problem, she contests, isn’t necessarily on an individual level — it’s the responsibility of the businesses that supply the wasteful materials that should be setting the example. Whatever’s most convenient for the consumer is what is going to sell — Shannon believes that the biggest changes come through industry leaders taking charge.
Hence why Izzy Zero Waste Beauty’s vision for sustainable, environmentally-friendly future is so appropriate, and pertinent, to the challenges faced in the beauty industry today. For example: Did you know that the beauty industry is responsible for generating 120 billion units of non-recyclable plastic every year?! It’s an exorbitant amount — an amount Shannon seeks to drastically reduce. After all, every step forward is a step in the right direction.
Yet, it wasn’t always this way for her. For quite a large chunk of her younger years, Shannon worked hard at becoming a dancer. With dreams of living and working in New York City, she committed most of her time towards training and envisioning her life as a ballerina, or, a Rockette. Unfortunately, life forced her to re-evaluate her plans. Following a bad car accident at age 18, which rendered her unable to continue dancing at the same intensity, Shannon decided to apply to FIT as her plan b. It wasn’t the exact dream she’d had in mind at 10 years old, but she was flexible enough to let her goals adapt to her circumstances.
Thus began her love for all things fashion and beauty related. It was her first boss in the beauty industry — Peter Thomas Roth —who offered her a golden opportunity to create a holiday collection for Sephora. As a 20 year old intern, it was hard for her to wrap her head around why he decided to trust her with such gargantuan responsibility. She had doubts at first, but the experience proved to be extremely valuable. It equipped her with the confidence she needed to go after the things she wanted most. His trust taught her that she is capable of being successful, if only she is prepared to live up to her own potential.
How does Shannon manage the seduction that comes with success? The answer isn’t simple, but for her it lives in trying to prioritize your needs — making sure you have enough fuel in your tank. How well you take care of yourself affects everything you do, everyone you work with, and the quality of work you produce. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup…