As part of our Powered By Women series in honor of Women's History Month, we sit down with KAHINA's Head of Operations (and daughter of KAHINA's Founder), Grace L'Heureux, aged 28.
Where do you live?
I grew up in NYC and now I live in Brooklyn with my boyfriend and our miniature dachshund, Arnold.
What are your hobbies?
I love to cook and to grow flowers and vegetables.
What does your morning routine look like?
Arnold wakes me up in the morning and I try to do my face routine while he eats. Then we go for a walk before starting work.
Who are your style icons? How would you describe your personal style?
I really try not to shop, so I don’t pay too much attention to trends. I focus on purchasing from sustainable brands when I do and get most of my inspiration from people I see on the subway. I love to read Aja Barber’s Patreon as well as her Instagram for inspiration on playing with silhouettes with what's already in your closet.
Who are some people you admire?
My mother, of course! I admire what she has created in the green beauty space, and it has been an inspiration to watch her build the company as I have been growing up.
What are some rituals/habits that you incorporate into your own daily life?
Exercise, cooking, my skincare routine, and walking with Arnold are the things that keep me grounded.
What do you like about working with your mother?
I know the products and understand the brand so well, since I was raised with them. I believe in them and what they stand for so I find meaning in the work. It has been wonderful to get to know my mother as a peer and not just as a parent.
What do you want people to take away from Kahina - other than products. What is the one message/feeling you want them to have when they think of the brand?
Effective skincare that feels good to use, and you can feel good about using.
Kahina is a brand that gives back in a meaningful way. Why is this mission important to you?
I hate when brands greenwash by being organic or natural without care for the people who are physically harvesting or making the products. It’s important to me that Kahina supports the cooperative of women who harvest our raw ingredients through their own initiatives.
Who is the Kahina customer? What does she wear, where does she shop, etc.
All of my friends love and use our products and they are women in their 20s and 30s but most of our customers are in the 35 and up age range, so I guess Kahina is for everyone.
What is one (or more) surprising thing/things that no one would guess about you?
I am passionate about cooking. I am gluten-intolerant so that can make it difficult sometimes, but I enjoy the challenge.
Can you share a favorite recipe?
Right now I’m loving Julia Turshen’s recipes and writing. I also love Aran Goyoaga’s books for gluten free bread recipes.
Finally, please tell us what your nighttime routine looks like.
Step 1: Thoroughly clean my face with a double cleanse, starting with the Oil Cleanser and then the Facial Cleanser. I don’t wear a lot of makeup other than lipstick and sometimes mascara but I don't want to go to sleep with sunscreen residue.
Step 2: toning with our Toning Mist to hydrate my skin. The scent also puts me in the bedtime mindset.
Step 3: I use the Eye Serum around my eyes to depuff and strengthen the area. I am starting to be concerned about crow’s feet and am working now to keep them at bay.
Step 3: Brightening Serum. Probably my favorite product. I love the texture and it really helps with redness and to even out my skin. It’s not so much that I notice a difference every time I use it but I really notice when I stop for a little.
Step 4: Oil! This changes depending on the time of year. My favorite is the Prickly Pear Seed Oil but I love the Restorative Serum this time of year when my skin gets really dry.
Step 5: Seal it all in with the Moisture Mask!