About Us
OUR STORY
I'm Joanne Reilly, the owner and founder of Kinvara Skincare. An idealist at heart, my vision with Kinvara is clear - I want to deliver the best for our customers and hope our products genuinely make a difference in their lives.
I have a robust background in science. Holding a degree in natural sciences from Trinity College Dublin, a PhD from Manchester Metropolitan University, and a postgraduate diploma from the National University of Ireland in Community Development, I've always been passionate about understanding the world around me.
THE BEGINNING OF KINVARA SKINCARE
Kinvara was born out of my personal frustrations. The available skincare products were either ineffective, exceedingly expensive, or didn't align with my values—sometimes, they ticked all the wrong boxes.
My skin, once trouble-free, became reactive due to lifestyle changes, stress, and significant life events, such as returning from fieldwork in Sumatra and the birth of my first child.
I was fortunate enough to have the knowledge to seek remedies for my skin problems. My doctoral work in tropical ecology had me researching endangered species like elephants and rhinos. Fieldwork in places like Sumatra and earlier expeditions to Mauritius taught me how locals turned to nature's bounty for solutions. This insight reinforced my belief in the healing powers of plants.
With this philosophy, I began creating skincare products for myself. Now, years later, I'm not just crafting for me but also for thousands of satisfied customers worldwide.
OUR PICTURESQUE HOME: KINVARA
Nestled on the west coast of Ireland, Kinvara is a quaint village located in the county of Galway. This scenic spot is perfectly positioned along the captivating Wild Atlantic Way and is adjacent to the Burren landscape.
Kinvara boasts approximately 1,500 residents. This number sees a bump during the summer months, especially during our two festivals, which celebrate the Cockoo and the iconic Galway Hooker boats. These boats once facilitated trade between neighboring islands. Kinvara's community is a diverse mix of long-standing families and 'blow-ins' – newcomers from other counties or countries. Our village is rich in character and melodious with countless musicians.
Kinvara sits strategically, 40 minutes away from Galway City in one direction and an equal distance from the majestic Cliffs of Moher in the other.
THE INFLUENCE OF OUR LANDSCAPE
Living on the fringes of the country, which itself is on the periphery of Europe, molds our perspective in Kinvara. It instills in us an outward-looking demeanor, a curiosity for the world beyond, and an innate tendency to question everything. The stark beauty of our surroundings, coupled with the crisp, clean air, prompts introspection. It helps discern the essential from the trivial, whether in life or while crafting a product. This environment inspires us to develop clean, green formulations, designs, and practices.
Our location is more than just a backdrop—it's integral to our ethos and shapes everything we do in Kinvara.
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