An Interview with our very own Vic Wood

TELL US ABOUT WHY YOU STARTED GREENER BEAUTY

I was frustrated at having to buy products from lots of different websites and incurring multiple shipping costs. I also had friends buying products from other websites and when they arrived despite being advertised as vegan they contained animal ingredients. I knew there must be a better way! As a professional makeup artist and beautician I knew lots of good brands and decided to start Greener Beauty not only to help people find products in one place but also to start Greener Salons as everyone deserves a spa day!

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY RUNNING GREENER BEAUTY LOOK LIKE?

Everyday is different! There is certainly no such thing as average. Customer experience always comes first for us at Greener Beauty. So first job of the day is always responding to any queries. We are constantly reviewing what we offer and how we offer it and what we can do to improve it.

WHAT IS YOUR EVENING BEAUTY ROUTINE?

At the moment I am testing a new skincare range which is currently being kept under wraps. When I am not testing product ranges my evening beauty regime consists of makeup removal using my blue ditsy cloth. Cleansing using the  Eco By Sonya Lemongrass cleanser. And then the moisturising phase starts. In the summer I just use a good night cream, my current favourite is the Ethically Organic Radiance glow face soufflé. However in winter I like to add an oil as it really deeply moisturises my skin and protects it from the cold weather, my current favourite is the Eco by Sonya Glory Oil. I also use a face mask a couple of times a week, at the moment my favourites are the Natura Pumpkin or Coconut ones or the Eco by Sonya face mask. I am a big fan of Eco by Sonya. Since I was in my early 20s I have always treated myself with decent skincare products especially organic ranges and I can honestly say its one of my favourite brands on Greener Beauty. I like to think that my strict skincare routine is partly why people think i am in my late 20s/early 30s, when I am in fact 40, well that and a vegan diet.

ITEM OF MAKE UP YOU COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT

This is such a difficult one as I love my makeup! I could do without foundation and contouring if I had to but I could not do without my eye makeup. I would say liquid eyeliner or mascara would be my two most important products with Mascara probably just winning but it is a difficult choice, can I have two?

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I love being in nature. This could be a long walk in the woods, or a walk on the beach or a visit to my favourite animal sanctuary, Hugletts, which is about a 45 minute drive from me. I sponsor a cow called Judha and a sheep called Yogi there and they are both so affectionate in their own way. Its like bliss spending a day in the countryside away from it all with these beautiful souls. If I have more than a day to spend my ideal thing to do in my spare time is to go scuba diving where the waters are clear (and warm) and the marine life abundant. I had the pleasure of going on a diving trip called ‘Shark week’ in the summer in Egypt, we lived on a boat in the Red Sea and went up to 150 miles away from land to dive reefs in a protected marine zone that were abundant in marine life. I was very lucky on this trip to see Hammerhead sharks (which is an incredible shark I have been hoping to see for years!), Whale sharks, white tip sharks, grey tip reef sharks and black tips. Of course it wasn’t just sharks we saw, dolphins nearly every day, turtles and reefs abundantly full of marine life. Just stunning!

FAVOURITE FOOD?

If you know me you wont be surprised to know; Booja Booja Salted caramel truffles, I love broccoli too but definitely not at the same time!

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE THREE DREAM DINNER DATES WHO WOULD THEY BE?

This is a great question! I think Rob Stewart (who filmed Sharkwater and was a shark ambassador before his untimely death). He was so inspirational, and his love of sharks was just so beautiful to me. He was diving with sharks from such a young age I imagine he would have had some incredible stories to share.

Earthling Ed. He is such a lovely guy and so eloquent I am sure having him as a dinner date would lead to some really interesting and inspiring conversations!

Finally it would have to be Dave Grohl. I loved Nirvana as a teenager and now as an adult love Foo Fighters even more (I have seen them 4 times in the last 2 years). I would love to hear his stories about the early days and of course then he could play a few songs. He is pretty ok to look at too.

IF YOU WERE A SUPERHERO WHAT POWERS WOULD YOU HAVE?

I know this should be flying or invisibility or something like that but really the only superhero power I would like to have is to be able to save all the animals round the world from any persecution whether that is in the meat and dairy industry, animal testing or even a dog stuck with a family who aren’t kind and loving to him. I just want all the animals to be free.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT

I would say as cheesy as it sounds, starting Greener Beauty. I live my life by my strong Ethics and Greener Beauty allows me to not only help and serve the vegan community but also live by these Ethics during my working life!

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR GREENER BEAUTY?

I want to continue to grow Greener Beauty and Greener Salons. To find new ways to best serve the vegan, cruelty free and clean beauty communities in the best way we can. And to continue to bring onboard new product ranges that we love!

Another episode of The People of Greener Beauty coming soon!