Podcast 195: The Birch Babe journey from midlife to beauty entrepreneur

In this episode of Green Beauty Conversations, we dive into the amazing and inspiring journey of Formula Botanica graduate Debbie Alger, who is the founder and lead skincare formulator of Canada-based skincare company Birch Babe. Her story is one of the most extraordinary we’ve come across of a hobbyist formulator turned professional beauty entrepreneur.

Debbie’s passion for clean beauty and sustainable practices led her to embark on a 6-month solo hike from Patagonia to Chile, ultimately inspiring the creation of Birch Babe. From humble beginnings as a DIY formulator, Debbie, with the help of her daughters, has transformed Birch Babe into a thriving natural skincare company offering over 50 products. Join us as we explore her entrepreneurial journey, which she embarked on in her 60s, and the key lessons she learned along the way.

Want to feel inspired? You will be. Settle in for today’s interview with Debbie from Birch Babe.

 

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Inspiring quote from our guest:

If you have a dream, and don’t do it, then it’s always a lost cause unless you go out and do it. I was 58 when I started making little lip tins. Now I’m almost 65, and I have a corporation – Debbie Alger

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In this episode with Birch Babe founder Debbie Alger, you will hear about:

• A passion born in Patagonia: Discover how Debbie’s solo hike from Patagonia to Chile ignited her passion for the environment and led to the creation of Birch Babe.
• The Birch Babe product range: Explore the extensive product line, from head-to-toe skincare, hair products, face serums, men’s grooming, and more, all rooted in nature and formulated with organic ingredients.
• Building Birch Babe as a family: Learn about the pivotal role Debbie’s daughters played in rebranding and expanding Birch Babe, transforming it into a family-run business.
• From DIY to big-box stores: Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of growing Birch Babe from craft shows to over 300 stores, and Debbie’s aspirations to enter major retail chains while maintaining eco-friendly practices.
• Certifications and sustainability: Understand the significance of certifications, such as USDA and Mora, and Birch Babe’s commitment to sustainability, using 99% plastic-free packaging and compostable seals.

Key takeouts include:

• Passion as a driving force: Debbie’s unwavering passion for the environment and clean beauty fuels her dedication to creating products that benefit both consumers and the planet.
• Family-centric business values: The success of Birch Babe is deeply rooted in family collaboration, with Debbie’s daughters contributing their talents to rebranding, marketing, and managing the business.
• Eco-friendly innovation: Birch Babe stands out by prioritising eco-friendly practices, including using recycled cardboard packaging and minimising plastic use, setting a benchmark for sustainability in the beauty industry.
• Balancing growth and values: As Birch Babe aims for expansion into big-box stores, the challenge lies in aligning with larger retailers while staying true to the brand’s ethos of providing trustworthy, environmentally-conscious products.
• The role of continuous learning and evolution: Debbie emphasises the constant pursuit of knowledge and adaptation, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to staying ahead of industry trends and maintaining high-quality formulations.

Meet our guest: Debbie Alger

Debbie Alger, Birch Babe’s founder and lead skincare formulator, is a seasoned entrepreneur, health advocate, and nature enthusiast. From interior decorator to fitness instructor and successful coffee shop franchise owner, Debbie’s diverse background reflects her passion for connecting people to health and the environment.

Inspired by a transformative solo hike from Patagonia to Chile, Debbie founded Birch Babe to create skincare products that prioritise both personal well-being and environmental health. With a Diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation and an Advanced Diploma in Organic Cosmetic Science from Formula Botanica, Debbie combines her extensive knowledge of ingredients and scientific expertise to craft Birch Babe’s globally-acclaimed products.

Together with her two daughters, Kelsey and Lindsay, who are as passionate about the environment as their mother, Debbie and Birch Babe are on a mission to help as many people as possible make easy lifestyle choices for the better health of their bodies and our planet.

Connect with Debbie Alger and explore Birch Babe:
Birch Babe and Birch Baby websites.
Instagram | Linkedin | YouTube |

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Thank you for joining us for this episode of the Formula Botanica Green Beauty Conversations podcast. If you enjoyed listening, please share, subscribe and review this episode on iTunes, Spotify or Youtube so that more people can enjoy the show. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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