We had the good fortune of connecting with Stas Chirkov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stas, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting Blunt Skincare in a new industry wasn’t an easy task. I had 10+ years of beauty industry experience working as a chemist, product designer, and engineer. Still, no one taught us about cosmetic ingredients derived from cannabis, so my thought process was simple — stick to what I know the best: chemistry and product development. I set out to research different compounds found in the cannabis plant, and the brand idea was born. I wanted to create a transparent, radically honest beauty brand that will educate consumers on the benefits of cannabinoids for skin health. There is more and more research coming out, we’re very excited to be part of a new movement in skincare.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my beauty industry career as a chemist working for the biggest beauty company, L’Oreal. Once I learned about chemicals, I was curious about the rest of the industry — how do you market, sell and operate as a business? I worked for different size companies within the industry, taking roles within marketing, R&D, and supply chain. It was challenging to switch careers often, but it was also rewarding to see the industry as a whole. It inspired me to have a vision for my beauty company — I’m here to create better, safer, and more effective products.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since I moved to Los Angeles, I have so many friends visiting! We usually have at least one or two beach days, either at Will Rogers or we drive further into Malibu. I love the food or drinks at Paradise Cove and Gladstones. Everyone wants to see the Hollywood sign, so I plan a hike at Runyon Canyon or Griffith Observatory, followed by lunch somewhere in Thai town or Hollywood. Then we go out to bars in WeHo or Silverlake is always fun! Some light shopping on Melrose is a must!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout to my friends that have been too kind and so supportive — Wendy Ma helping me with the deisgns, my R&D friends Anna and Katiuska, RIcky Louprasong for making the best vidoes and my friend Kristen for support and mentorship!

Website: https://bluntskincare.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blunt.skincare/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stas-chirkov/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bluntskincare

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blunt.skincare/

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