If you have ever scrolled through the #greenbeauty posts on Instagram, there is a good chance you have come across the beautiful page of Mari, founder of The Goofy Mermaid. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS in 2014, she made the decision to start living a more clean and organic lifestyle. She wanted to share her experiences in hopes that she could help others who were dealing with similar health issues, so she created The Goofy Mermaid as a space to document her journey.

Her feed is brimming with green living inspiration. From the stunning photography to her informational product posts, you will easily pick up several tips from her page. If you are looking to discover small niche brands, but are also interested in the green beauty heavy hitters, The Goofy Mermaid has you covered. Mari has been a leader in the green beauty community and many have connected with her—she has always been willing to answer questions, lend suggestions and be there to listen to and support her followers. She has even been known to give out her personal cell phone number, which is pretty incredible! What I really love about The Goofy Mermaid is that their motto is “We don’t believe in perfect choices, just better ones—and we’re here to encourage and support those choices”. So wherever you are in your transition to a healthier lifestyle, there will be recommendations for you!

The Goofy Mermaid has become a place for people to connect and to learn how to make better choices, and Mari’s sweet and genuine spirit has been behind these connections. She has befriended so many in the green community, it was quite a surprise when she announced that she would be taking a step back from social media and The Goofy Mermaid. With so much on her plate, and a desire to find her passion elsewhere, Mari is no longer running the day to day posts on The Goofy Mermaid. She will be working behind the scenes, so if you would like to reach out to her, she can still be contacted through The Goofy Mermaid page.

“We don’t believe in perfect choices, just better ones—and we’re here to encourage and support those choices”. – Mari of The Goofy Mermaid

I was so excited to have a chance to chat with Mari around the time of her social media departure to get some of her thoughts on her green beauty journey, what the future of The Goofy Mermaid holds and what advice she has for those just starting down a healthier path.

The Greenly Guide: When did you start your “Going Green” journey & why did you decide to create The Goofy Mermaid?

Mari: It was my 2014 diagnoses of endometriosis and PCOS (now Metabolic Reproduction Syndrome) that prompted me to take a closer look at the choices I was making and to transition to a more organic way of life. I created The Goofy Mermaid in order to share my journey in hopes to inspire others to join me in making better choices.

The Greenly Guide: With your recent departure from social media, can you briefly explain the future of the Goofy Mermaid, as I’m sure a lot of people will be interested to hear what is next for you!

Mari: It’s been a crazy ride — and to be honest, I never really had a clear strategy for The Goofy Mermaid. I just kind of hopped on and began sharing with hopes that someone would listen and feel understood, because living with any kind of invisible illness can not only be discouraging, but also lonely. It actually wasn’t until I decided to step away from social media that I realized just how much of an impact the brand was making… I received tons of emails, private messages, text messages (yes, I give my phone number out!) from people sharing how The Goofy Mermaid has inspired them and asking me to stay in the space. I had to leave social media, though. The solution? To bring on a new mermaid! I introduced her right before my exit and decided that I will continue to work behind-the-scenes with her to develop the brand. What that will look like? Who knows, but we do have some high hopes!

Although I’ll be BTS, The Goofy Mermaid will not be my only focus. I’ll actually be taking lots of time to sit in stillness to figure out what’s next for me. Despite the odds that are against me, I’m determined to get pregnant — naturally — and to find my life’s purpose. So I’ll be using my newfound free time to focus more on my health and listen to what Life is asking of me.

The Greenly Guide: I have heard you speak about your health reasons as to why you turned to natural products and green beauty – for people who may be going through similar things, can you share what you think have been your most important & effective changes that you have made?

Mari: It’s tough to spotlight just one change when really I believe that they all work together. If I’m eating correctly, but not using cleaner products on my skin, I’m still not feeling my best — I have to be eating a certain way, exercising (be careful, though: Endometriosis and/or PCOS sufferers should not be doing heavy cardio!), taking vitamins, and using all of the right beauty + home products to feel 100%. Nurturing my emotions + soul also plays an important role in my feeling good.

The Greenly Guide: What was the first natural beauty or skincare product that you purchased?

Mari: I was fortunate enough to be provided the opportunity to try A LOT of products without having to purchase first however my first purchase was from Leahlani.

The Greenly Guide: What has been the hardest product to find a natural alternative for, if any?

Mari: Deodorant was a difficult hunt. Mascara and perfume are another. I actually just went back to my Yves Saint Laurent mascara since even the most impressive natural mascaras still don’t cut it [for me].

The Greenly Guide: What was your most recent green beauty purchase?
Mari: Does a tube of David’s Natural Toothpaste count?

The Greenly Guide: I’m sure you are constantly receiving emails from brands who are interested in working with you to promote their products – What do you look for in a new brand that you are thinking about trying? What are your tips on avoiding greenwashing and finding truly natural products?

Mari: It’s all about intention. My standard for brands is that they truly aim to provide better, safer, cleaner alternatives to conventional products while also serving the needs of the consumer. Purity is a bonus, but really I think that focusing too much on purity, might actually lead to exclusivity. Not everyone can afford to spend $160 on a bottle of serum, so that’s a huge consideration of mine when selecting brands. Also, just because a product contains 100% natural ingredients doesn’t mean that it’s effective. The goal of The Goofy Mermaid is to welcome everyone to make better choices — regardless of their budget or beliefs — without passing judgement on what better means to them

The Greenly Guide: Over the years, you have had the opportunity to try products from many different brands – what are the ones that you keep coming back to and have become a staple in your household or beauty routine? Can you narrow down your top 10 brands?

Mari: Just 10 brands? That’s rough, haha! Honestly, I have so many products that I use regularly depending on my skin’s/body’s needs, but if I must choose below are some of my must-haves (in no specific order):

Bella Aura: Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Twelve Beauty: Hyaluroil Lip Treatments
David’s Natural Toothpaste
Lotus Wei: Peony Elixir or Infinite Love Anointing Oil
Innersense Organic Beauty: Inner Peace Whipped Creme Texturizer
Plume Science: Lash & Brown Serum
Leahlani Skincare: Mermaid Mask
Native Atlas: Clarifying Face Oil
Tabitha James Kraan: Scented Organic Hair Oil
Siam Seas: Shampoo + Treatment

The Greenly Guide: What is the greatest tip that you could give to someone who is just starting down the road of living a more natural and organic lifestyle?
Mari: If you want success: go slow. You don’t have to go crazy trying to get rid of every single “toxic” thing in your life, instead start with the things that most concern you and work your way from there. Also, follow some influencers within the community and connect with them! Ask them for advice, their fave resources, product recommendations for specific needs, etc.

Make sure to follow Kirstie, the new mermaid over at The Goofy Mermaid on Instagram.  Kirstie will be working with Mari to continue to bring you wonderful content and introduce you to ‘better for you’ beauty and wellness products. Make sure to stop by and say hello!

Thank you so much to Mari for taking the time to speak with us and share her knowledge – I’m sure you will all join me in wishing her so much happiness and success in all that she will pursue in the future!

The post Greenly Connections: A chat with Mari Draughon of The Goofy Mermaid appeared first on The Greenly Guide.