Weekly Portrait of A Natural Beauty – Terri Bly

When I started my journey on learning about non-toxic skincare I was very fortunate to meet Terri Bly. She was lovely enough to basically sell me her entire inventory so I could start a new kit. Her knowledge and passion never ceases to amaze me on this topic. Not only does she have a great online store, she has a beautiful store and spa in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. A definite pioneer in the world of non-toxic beauty. GO Terri!!!!!

Terri Bly is a former licensed clinical psychologist who left her practice to more directly advocate for women’s health and a smarter approach to beauty. She created The Nature of Beauty to make it as easy as possible for women (and men) to find luxurious, high-performing beauty and personal care products, without having to worry about what is in them. A beauty store fanatic herself, she sought to create a modern, relaxing environment for both boutique and spa, because making healthier choices shouldn’t mean giving up the fun, attention, and pampering you have come to expect (and enjoy) when shopping for skin care, hair care and makeup. Bly also serves as The Nature of Beauty resident makeup artist, science geek, and host of The Nature of Beauty live radio show.

www.natureofbeauty.com/

www.natureofbeautyblog.com/

Name: Terri Bly

What do you do? I advocate for women’s health and a smarter approach to beauty. I also own The Nature of Beauty eco boutique, spa, and website.

Who are you? I am an opinionated, mouthy, avid consumer of information. I hold a doctorate in Clinical Psychology, have a resumé one would expect from an 80-year-old or someone with Multiple Personality Disorder, and save my soft side for my two daughters, ages 4 and 8.

Where are you? Minneapolis-St. Paul.

How we met? I had the ridiculous good fortune of meeting you hours after launching Natureofbeauty.com

Something that no one knows about you? I don’t hold much back, so I can’t imagine there’s anything that would fall into that category.

What is your most marked beauty secret? I’ve worn sunscreen since…um…ever, and now I would have to add the Clarisonic Mia. I get a little angry every time I think about what my skin might have looked like had this miracle gadget been around when I was a teenager.

What is your idea of earthly happiness? I will let you know when I experience it. I imagine it has to do with finding balance…between work and family, money and freedom, selflessness and selfishness, perfectionism and learning when to let things go.

I don’t leave home without? My iPhone.

Dream Job? Establishing and working with fair trade co-ops that give women in impoverished nations the opportunity to provide for themselves, their children and their communities by sharing art, skills, and culture with the rest of world.

Who are your beauty icons? Cate Blanchett.

What quality do you most admire in a woman? Genuine self-confidence because that is what I have always found most difficult to achieve for myself.

Morning glory or night owl? Night owl. Who married a morning glory.

Family beauty secret? “Don’t do what I did”?

Vegetarian or carnivore? I like to think I manage a healthy balance of all nature has to offer.

What is your signature style? Classic and comfortable, as boring as that sounds. I love clean lines, and sophisticated, timeless cuts. I’m trying really hard to work in a bit more flare, but I’m never sure where the line is between “edgy” and “ridiculous.” We Midwesterners, as a sweeping generalization, tend to go for practical over trendy, and I’m definitely practical when it comes to style.

What Country would you most like to live? La France, sans doute.

Favorite color? Purple.

Favorite flower? No idea I don’t have the patience for gardening.

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without? Water.

Mascara or lipstick? Lipstick. I have no natural color in my lips and it makes me crazy.

Shower or bath? Shower.

What is your favorite part of your Body? Eyes.

Vogue or New York Times? The latter.

Favorite blog? www.gofugyourself.com, www.AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com and www.DamnYouAutocorrect.com close behind. I need blogs I can access for instant comedic relief, and all of these deliver.

What is the best part about your beauty routine? Damn good results in very little time.

What is your beauty motto? Focus on highlighting the stuff you love.

One wish right now…… That I could have one day in which I felt “caught up.”