Founders Of Everist, Jayme Jenkins & Jessica Stevenson
Was the developmental process (creating your shampoos, conditioners, etc) difficult?
Yes. There is no other answer! First, we had to convince both a chemist and a manufacturer to help us create something that didn't exist - a 3x concentrated shampoo and conditioner paste that could be activated by water when you shower- and, afterward, we experimented with hundreds of formulas to get the recipe right. It has been worth it, though. The beauty market is full of beautiful brands, so we knew that our product had to be something new and different, filling the need for eco-innovative, high-performance products.
What is the proudest accomplishment of your career so far, and why?
Even bringing Everist to market was something that often felt impossible before it happened. We have both spent many years coming up with great ideas, but to actually jump into the world of entrepreneurship and push through all the challenges of actually launching our dream product (during a pandemic, nonetheless) is something that we are both proud of.
What is one of your products you think everyone should have?
Everyone should try our shampoo concentrate. It is a totally unique and sensorial experience; instead of a watery, synthetic-smelling shampoo, the concentrate builds up this decadent lather using a rich cream that is basically the same as the base used in gentle skin cleansers (aloe vera and glycerin). People often tell us it is the best shampoo that they've ever used and that their hair looks and feels voluminous, silky soft, and shiny after using it.
Was there a specific moment that led you to come up with the idea behind your business?
We were both working in the beauty industry at some of the world's largest beauty companies. Over time, I think we started to become aware of the waste that the industry generates (77 billion units of plastic packaging annually). We also started hearing about the impending plastic waste crisis, and it became part of all of our collective consciousness. That was the start of Everist. Our problem - how do you do beauty without single-use plastic - took a while to answer.
We spent about a year cycling through different business ideas before we hit on the concept of waterless beauty. It made perfect sense to us. The traditional shampoo is 70% water and packed in single-use plastic bottles. Why ship these heavy bottles of (mostly) water around the world when you're using them in the shower?! Getting our patent-pending formula right, of course, took even longer.
What makes the two of you such an effective team?
We are very different in our strengths and styles, but we are united by our shared mission for Everist - to make eco-friendly easier. We have mutual trust, respect, and commitment to our business. And - just like in our personal relationships - we want to make it work. We know that this business is stronger with both of us at the table.
Where did you get the name “Everist”?
Our business is named after our customers - they are the Everist. An Everist is someone who thinks about the long-term; they think about the forever impact of the choices they make. They are not perfect by any means, but they are eco-optimists and they understand that small choices can add up to a big impact. □
