"The world needs your ideas and perspectives! Know, if you’re thinking of starting a business, that nothing is perfect, failure is a great teacher, and that no one can create something quite like you can." 

Tell us a little about you!

Hi! My name is Carolyn. I’m a California native, grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and now live in San Diego with my husband and new rescue pup. I’m a lover of the outdoors and of super colorful and fun plant-based cooking. I’m happiest when I’m moving my body in nature and love hiking, biking, and going on long morning walks. 

What do you do for work? Tell us about your professional journey.

I’m the founder and CEO of Copina Co! We make drinkable collagen boost blends that are plant-based alternatives to typical animal-based collagen peptides and are changing the beauty industry by shifting the conversation around global beauty standards. We fundamentally believe that you’re at your most beautiful when you feel good, treat your body well, and are happy in your own skin. Our products use the best of plant botanicals to help you do just that.

Copina Co. was born out of my experience healing my cystic acne and gut health issues through holistic medicine. I discovered that true beauty comes when we choose something good for ourselves and treat our bodies well. This experience made me a believer in the power of plants to heal us from the inside out. All our products are herbalist-approved, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free and help support increased collagen levels vibrant hair, skin, and nails.

I started Copina Co. as a wellness blog and used a few thousand dollars I earned from the site to help me create and launch our first products and build the business from the ground, up. We launched in February of 2020 and our business has grown from there!

How do you stay motivated?

You can’t show up for others if you don’t fill your own cup! I know that I can’t be at my best if I’m not taking care of myself. I also just know that I want to enjoy the ride of building a business and that burnout is a real thing. I work hard because I believe in our mission of re-shaping the beauty industry, I love sharing the best of plant botanicals with the world, and because I love challenging myself. What enables me to keep going is the way I take care of myself physically, emotionally, spiritually. 

Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in starting a business?

Be sure you know your “why”! Starting a business is hard work. You’ve got to be sure that your business is something you are truly passionate about and believe in. Our culture today tends to fetishize entrepreneurship and gloss over the hard parts. What I think that does is make people believe they’re not legitimate or that their voice doesn’t deserve to be heard before they ever get a product off the ground. The world needs your ideas and perspectives! Know, if you’re thinking of starting a business, that nothing is perfect, failure is a great teacher, and that no one can create something quite like you can. 

What are your favorite ways to #spreadgood in your community?

I try to take time each month to mentor other current and aspiring female founders. I was lucky enough to have known amazing mentors and coaches in my life and try to pay it forward. 

Who is one person who inspires you and why?

My mom. She’s been an entrepreneur for pretty much my entire life, but I don’t think I fully appreciated all the amazing things she’s done and what a superwoman she is until I started my own company. 

How do you work to stay centered and practice self-care in your busy day-to-day reality?

I try to take a few hours at the beginning of each day for myself before I check email, do any calls, or generally get the gears of life turning. I make myself a cup of Matcha Beauty, do a meditation, and then get some movement. That’s lately been a long walk with my husband Alex and our new rescue puppy Stella. 

What do you like to do for fun, when you aren't working?

Move! I think the clearest and am generally at my best when I’m moving. I’m lucky enough to live near the ocean, so long walks and bike rides are my favorite things in the world right now. 

What are some of your favorite recipes with Ground Up?

Medjool dates stuffed with the Snickerdoodle nut butter and some flaky sea salt to top. They’re divine!