Show Notes:
In this episode of the Beyond Beauty Podcast, the host interviews Jana Blankenship, CEO and founder of Captain Blankenship, a clean hair care brand. Jana shares her journey from contemporary art curator to beauty entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of plant-based, seaweed-powered products. The discussion covers the evolution of clean beauty, the significance of transparency and certifications, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Jana also highlights the environmental impact of beauty packaging and the industry's shift towards sustainability. The episode underscores the power of storytelling, mentorship, and the growing consumer demand for non-toxic, sustainable beauty products.

About Jana:

Jana Blankenship is the CEO and founder of Captain Blankenship Seaweed Powered Hair Care and a passionate educator about the power of plants for beauty and wellbeing. Founded in 2012, Captain Blankenship is a clean hair care company that makes plant-based hair care and styling products with regenerative seaweed, organic ingredients and sustainable packaging. Social and environmental responsibility are at the heart of the company, which is a B Corp, MadeSafe approved, Leaping Bunny Certified and part of 1% for the Planet. Captain Blankenship was born out of Jana Blankenship’s desire to create organic beauty products that create a direct link with nature. From its birth in Jana’s kitchen, the company is now sold at retailers including Grove Collaborative, Credo Beauty, The Detox Market and Anthropologie.

Jana received a BA and BFA from Cornell University and an MA from the California College of the Arts. She was a contemporary art curator before she left the art world to focus on Captain Blankenship. In addition to being the founder, CEO and formulator at Captain Blankenship, she is an herbalist and passionate educator about the power of plants and the importance of connecting with the natural world. She is the author of Wild Beauty: Wisdom & Recipes for Natural Self Care (2019) and co-author of Seasonal Family Almanac: Recipes, Rituals & Crafts to Embrace the Magic of the Year (2023).

Timestamps:
Jana Blankenship's Background (00:00:59 )
Overview of Jana's career, her education, and her transition into the beauty industry.
Origin of Captain Blankenship (00:01:08 )
Discussion on Jana's founding of Captain Blankenship and its focus on clean, plant-based hair care.
Journey to Clean Beauty (00:03:15 )
Jana describes her pivot from art curation to clean beauty after discovering natural perfumes.
Development of Captain Blankenship Products (00:05:26 )
Jana discusses the initial product formulations and the growth of her brand through word of mouth.
Evolution of Clean Beauty (00:07:32 )
Challenges of Greenwashing (00:09:41 )
Jana highlights the issue of greenwashing and the importance of transparency in clean beauty.
Certifications and Standards (00:10:47 )
Discussion on the significance of certifications like B Corp and Made Safe for consumer trust.
The Name "Captain Blankenship" (00:11:15 )
Jana explains the origin of the brand's name and its playful connection to her life.
Marketing Strategies (00:15:09 )
Jana discusses Captain Blankenship's marketing approach and the importance of storytelling.
Advice for Entrepreneurs (00:19:36 )
Jana shares valuable advice on resilience and maintaining curiosity in business.
Mentorship Journey (21:06 )
Jana shares her experience with mentorship and her desire to help others in the industry.
Sustainable Packaging Practices (25:53 )
Discussion on the importance of sustainable packaging and Captain Blankenship's commitment to eco-friendly solutions.
Innovations in Clean Beauty (29:00 )
Jana talks about the growing demand for clean ingredients and innovative packaging solutions.
Personal Motivation and Goals (30:22 )
Yanna reflects on her motivation to make a positive impact and her excitement for future innovations.