We’ve got news. Some of the top clean beauty brands are based right here in our backyard. Under parent company Astral Health & Beauty and the tutelage of CEO Robert Cohen, Aloette (the original), Cosmedix, Pür and Butter London (the new kid, acquired in 2018) have made Atlanta home. Here, the man behind it all talks building an empire, product innovation and a life well-lived.
On clean beauty: Our commitment runs deep. It starts with innovative ideas and unique manufacturing solutions and continues with the harvesting of the purest yet most potent ingredients and finishes—all with a commitment to sustainability.
On Atlanta as Astral’s home base: As the hub of the South, Atlanta offers our employees the best of many worlds, including a good cost of living, a mild climate and wonderful Southern hospitality.
On living a balanced life: There’s no question balancing a business keeps you on your toes. As much as I love it, I make time for myself and my family. If you visit the office, you know I frequently bring my 14-year-old pug, Guido, with me, who keeps everybody smiling. Outside the office, regular workouts are key for my physical and mental health.
On product innovation: It’s our mantra to create products that will help transform people’s lives and not just add another step to their routine. Each of our brands focus on the ‘why’ and not only the ‘what’ when developing newness.
On building a beauty empire: Candidly, I don’t ever think about our business that way. We don’t produce products to satisfy market trends or simply to make money. Our teams create products they truly believe can make a difference in people’s lives. If you do that successfully, the benefits will follow. We work hard because we love what we do—not to envision an empire.
Photography by: Todd Hull
