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

Hi Ramya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’d spent most of my career behind the scenes developing products for beauty brands. As a cosmetic chemist, I was writing formula recipes for some well loved brands. It’s fascinating to be a part of innovation and to make products that people enjoy. Similar to the textile/fashion industry, the beauty industry generates a significant amount of waste due to frequent replenishment rates as well as the fact that most products are packaged in materials that aren’t readily recyclable. Often times, consumers are left with complicated disposal guidelines that discourage proper recycling. Brands recognize this and are making efforts to improve their footprint, yet the proposed solutions usually come with some type of experiential compromise.

In 2023, I was working on an international assignment where I wouldn’t be returning the United States often. I’d packed my life into one check-in bag and one carry on, and streamlined all of my essential items to simplify traveling. I also created a waterless, bar format of one of my favorite shampoos to have something that was longer lasting and easy to travel with. I had extra samples from the first batch that I’d shared with friends. The feedback I’d received was less about the sustainability benefits, and more about the improvements people were seeing in their hair. When everyone who’d tried samples asked me for more, I knew it was time.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Starting a business may be one of the most terrifying yet fulfilling risks I’ve ever taken. The eternal optimist in me is what keeps me going. I’ve always felt excited when there are opportunities to innovate and improve upon products that people are using every day. While we may not need new product categories, there are certain types of products that can be made more responsibly or have a better user experience.

It’s important to be open to learning along the way, especially as things may not always go as planned. There isn’t a checklist or a handbook to navigate the challenges business owners face, whether it’s pre-launch or post. One of the best things I’ve learned to embrace is remembering to slow down and taking time to breathe. When we practice staying centered, we’re in a better state of mind to face hurdles.

CMPRESSD Beauty was created out of passion, and is anchored in slow living. This is a far less aggressive approach than we often see with new consumer brands, yet it allows for steadiness and true sustainability. Every decision that went into product creation was intentional, and the goal was to go beyond surface level marketing. The products perform well, and also have a fully traceable and responsible supply chain. The brand demonstrates that these benefits don’t need to be mutually exclusive.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This would be a weekday, where we’d start our morning with a peaceful walk along the beach in Santa Monica. Watching the sunrise and sunset always feels magical. From there, we’d go to The Penthouse for a nourishing brunch with unbeatable views. I can’t have visitors here without taking them to Erewhon to try a freshly baked MadChip chocolate chip cookie. We stop for a late afternoon coffee at La La Land before making our way to The Washington to catch a live band playing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I met Aoxue Tang almost a decade ago when she was starting an innovative sunscreen brand, https://julyskyskincare.com/products/c-shells. Her brand changed the experience of a product category that at the time, people generally weren’t excited about. Solopreneurship isn’t easy, yet she’s demonstrated incredible leadership and vision along the way. Inspiring!

Website: https://cmpressdbeauty.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmpressdbeauty

Image Credits
CMPRESSD Beauty

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