Kecia Hielscher spent much of her working career as a corporate retail executive. As a buyer for many large corporations like Disney, Nordstrom, Cooking.com and Williams & Sonoma, she learned that she really loved the overall retail and product experience.
“Retail is in the Detail is the driving philosophy behind building a good brand that people will love,” Hielscher says.
Later in her career, Hielscher worked for a company called Luminex Home Décor and Fragrance, where she learned a lot about fragrance and using clean, all-natural ingredients.
“As a cancer survivor, I appreciate all-natural, non-toxic ingredients,” she says. “I want to feel good about what I am putting in and on my body.”
When the opportunity to purchase Formulary 55 presented itself about a year and half ago, Hielscher decided to bet on herself and bought the company. She had a working knowledge of fragrance, natural ingredients, and loved the Formulary 55 brand. She looked forward to the challenge of growing the business, the team, and the product line while remaining true to the customers and quality, clean ingredients.
Colorado Based
Formulary 55 is based in Pueblo, and it was important for Hielscher to maintain its current location despite living in Cincinnati, Ohio.
“I am willing to travel back and forth because the community of Pueblo is just amazing,” she says. “They are hard-working and invested in the company. I honor the city and state of Colorado by giving back whenever possible.”
Product Lineup
The are seven main categories under the Formulary 55 brand:
- Shea Butter – Includes soaps & hand crème, handcrafted in small batches and in a variety of all-natural scents.
- Bath Tablets – Formulated with natural botanicals and essential oils to provide an aromatherapy experience.
- Bath Salts – Epsom salts, magnesium, and pink Himalayan salt work together to soothe, soften and calm.
- Body Oil – Voted “Best for Dry Skin” by the New York Post. Fast absorbing, naturally scented body oil, available in a variety of scents.
- Balms & Salves – Designed to heal, moisturize and restore dry, chapped skin.
- Fragrance Mist – An herbal tonic perfect for refreshing and hydrating skin throughout the day.
- Candles – Beautiful one- or two-wick candles available in a variety of scents.
The backbone of the Formulary 55 product lineup is their 31 proprietary fragrances. Developed with natural botanicals and essential oils, the fragrances are true-to-life and sophisticated. They are divided into six olfactory zones in order to help customers find their perfect scent: Fresh, Gourmand, Earthy & Woody, Amber, Citrus & Fruit, and Floral.
Attention to Detail
If the beautifully scented, indulgent products weren’t enough, Formulary 55 also goes above and beyond with their attention to detail. The products are hand-made and carefully packaged in gorgeous vintage botanical art. Each scent is paired with a print inspired by the fragrance.
“When I order product for myself, I jokingly tell them not to wrap my soaps,” she says. “They are too pretty and I can’t bring myself to unwrap them!”
Environmentally Conscious
Formulary 55 is committed to cruelty-free testing and takes pride in being a zero-waste company. In addition to using natural and clean ingredients, Formulary 55 products are free from phthalates, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate and dyes.
“Formulary 55 is grounded in purpose, and we are committed to creating high-quality products that our customers can feel good about buying,” Hielscher says.
Retail Options
As well as being a web-based company, Formulary 55 products are in more than 1,000 retail locations across 25 countries.
Here in Colorado Springs, Sweetwater Flower Market carries Formulary55. If you are in the Denver area, stop by The Perfect Petal.
Website: https://www.formulary55.com/
Instagram + Facebook @Formulary55