Insightful Interview with Megan Houde | IKONIK Magazine

Would you kindly introduce yourself?
My name is Megan Houde, and I am the Founder and formulator of Chinook Skincare. My brand was inspired by personal health challenges I faced a few years ago.

After experiencing significant health issues, I was shocked at how my skin aged, which affected my confidence and made me hesitant to have my photo taken. My body is sensitive to pharmaceuticals, so after spinal surgery, I turned to medical cannabis for pain management.

While on long-term disability, I struggled with anxiety and sought purpose in my life again. My studies in medical cannabis and my work in the industry revealed the plant's benefits, which reignited my passion for nature.

I enrolled in the International Organic Skincare Entrepreneur Program with Formula Botanica, where I developed a simple two-step skincare routine that yielded transformative results.

Within a month, I noticed tighter, firmer skin, and my husband, who had been treating pre-cancerous spots with cryotherapy for six years, was cleared of his dermatologist's mandatory treatment after using my system for two months.

This experience inspired me to empower others to achieve healthy, radiant skin and regain their confidence.

What problem does your brand solve for customers?
Chinook Beauty empowers individuals to regain their confidence, especially those experiencing premature signs of aging or recovering from health issues.

We focus on pro-aging skincare, using clinically tested botanical extracts in therapeutic doses to effectively target multiple signs of premature skin aging.

Our two-step system is designed for simplicity: the Super Fruit Gel-to-Milk Cleanser and the Elderberry Serum Cream.

Both products are suitable for sensitive skin, free from essential oils, and 100% clean, scoring 100 out of 100 on the UK’s safety app.

What challenges did you face when launching your business, and how did you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges was managing my health—both mental and physical—after two car accidents and spinal surgery.

I went from running my own award-winning restaurant to struggling with mobility and brain fog. I sought alternative medicines due to my sensitivities to pharmaceuticals, which helped me regain my health.

Another challenge was formulating my original skincare line with CBD. Despite Canada being one of the first countries to legalize CBD, legal restrictions made it difficult to include in my products. This led me to explore other botanicals, which ultimately shaped my current line.

What makes your brand unique compared to others in the industry?
My background and brand story set me apart. With a strong foundation in international business and experience in the cannabis industry, I bring a global perspective to my brand. My history in the restaurant industry also informs my approach to customer service and product development.

I aim to create products that appeal to all the senses, ensuring they look, smell, and feel great. Additionally, I prioritize health and happiness in my business, focusing on wellness and self-care.

What role does sustainability and ethical practices play in your business model?
Sustainability is a core value for me. I prioritize eco-friendly processes and ingredients, using Cosmos or eco-certified natural and organic components. My products incorporate upcycled ingredients, such as cranberry peptides and banana leaf extract, which not only reduce waste but also enhance the product's benefits.

I also focus on using cold-pressed oils and emulsifiers to maintain nutrients and minimize energy consumption. While my current packaging is made from 100% recyclable mono-material plastic, I am researching ways to reduce our carbon footprint by 70% in future batches.

What challenges are you currently facing with your brand?
Transitioning from running a restaurant to an online business has been a significant challenge. While I studied international business, the digital landscape has changed dramatically over the past 20 years.

I’m currently working on improving my online sales, social media presence, and SEO. Additionally, I aim to remain self-funded to maintain control over my business decisions, which requires creative financial strategies.

How has your experience been with the beauty program you’re currently enrolled in?
The program has been fantastic! The content is rich and practical, allowing me to implement changes immediately. I’m currently auditing my website to enhance its sales potential and learning how to drive traffic effectively.

The opportunity to connect with other founders and share experiences has been invaluable.

What has been your most rewarding moment since starting your business?
Empowering others has been incredibly rewarding. I struggled with my confidence due to my skin issues, and creating a product that not only helped me but also cleared my husband’s pre-cancerous skin spots has brought me immense joy.

Knowing that my products can help others feel beautiful in their own skin is truly fulfilling.