There's a line of natural anti-aging beauty products that's gaining popularity with movie stars and everyday women alike, and it got its start in 1889 right here in Cleveland. Frownies began when Clevelander Margaret Krosen developed a product to help her daughter Alice minimize a deep wrinkle in her brow, and the product soon took off.
We had the opportunity to chat with the CEO of Frownies, Kat Wright ND CNC, the fourth generation woman to run the family-owned business. She shared her thoughts about Frownie's Cleveland roots, the importance of personal wellness and the future of her company.
Can you tell us a little about the history of Frownies? How did being founded in Cleveland helped shape the company?
Cleveland, Ohio was a hub of fashion and the arts as early as the late 1800 and early 1900s. The connection between Cleveland, Ohio and New York City was very strong for music, the stage and the arts. Margaret Krosen (from Cleveland), was a pioneer in women's business, and created a product for her daughter, Alice, who was an actress and concert pianist. Alice had a deep crease in her brow, probably from hours of piano practice and concentration. Margaret, being an innovative and caring mother, created a way to reverse the wrinkle and smooth the brow. Because of the close connection to NYC and the stage at that time, Margaret's “Wrinkle Eradicators” (as Frownies were called in 1889), became known in the theater circles.
The product name was changed to “Wrinkies” and “Frownies” in the early 1900s because of FDA regulations. In 1998, the brand Frownies took the product forward. You can still purchase the pink retro packaging from Vermont Country Store. They have carried Frownies Facial Patches for over 60 years and want to keep the same box (the Facial Patches inside the box are also the same).
The Facial Patches for the forehead and between the eyes and the Facial Patches for the corners of the eyes and corners of the mouth are the same as the original created by Margaret Krosen in 1889. We have created a Lip Line Patch and an Under Eye Gel Patch along with cleansers, moisturizers and serums for the face that are all natural and use only vegan, and women's health safe ingredients. Frownies latest additions are the Aroma Therapy Body Lotion and Aroma Therapy Cellulite Cream.
You have shown a dedication to helping people improve their personal wellness. What makes this an important issue for you?
I love to see women improve themselves. To help others achieve the best in their life is my reason for giving and you could say, my reason for living. I believe that when a woman makes a change that benefits her, she sets in motion for healing, which gives her the courage to do what she needs next. If she has a mentor or coach to help her, that one small change can transform her whole life.
I teach yoga to women involved in the Montgomery County Women's Therapeutic Court, a program for female offenders with a felony conviction of a drug-related offense. Giving those women tools to change their behaviors and life is of major importance to me.
What does the future hold for the Frownies line?
Frownies is a small family business. We hand make every product and inspect everything. Nothing is mass produced, allowing us to control quality.
We are adding essential oils to our natural products to enhance their uplifting benefits and will continue to keep the products simple and natural as we continue to create additional products to benefit a woman's beauty and health.
For more information about the Frownies line of products, visit www.frownies.com
