Palette®️ Founder Kate Westad on the Challenges of Going Eco-friendly & Her Fave Palette®️ Hack

Have you ever been so overwhelmed by how many beauty products you’re trying to pack into your suitcase while at the same time wanting to do something to lessen your carbon footprint on the earth? That’s how Palette®️ Founder Kate Westad felt the moment she realized she needed to create this genius travel and beauty tool. As a former lawyer-turned-eco-friendly beauty entrepreneur, she took on the challenge of creating a product that currently has part of her product made from 30% recycled plastic with the intention of making it from 100% recycled plastic someday. Even the product packaging is comprised of a fully recyclable and compostable tube shipped to you in a 100% recyclable envelope. We sat down to chat with Kate on her career-changing journey, what’s in her High Fiver Pak, and advice on how to become your own entrepreneur.

Did you ever in a million years think you’d be creating a clever beauty tool after years of being a lawyer?
What a great question! Looking back now it all makes more sense but had you told me even 5 years ago that this is what I would be doing now, I would have sat there in my law office, clad in a black suit, sipping my coffee staring at you in disbelief while surrounded by files, yellow notepads, and stacks of papers. This journey with Palette®️ is a dream come true and I really try to focus on the fact that the journey itself is the reward.

I love how you’re minimizing your carbon footprint by creating a product that uses so many recyclable materials. Was it challenging to conceptualize and eventually create?
At Palette®️, we embody the reuse reduce recycle ethos in everything we do. We developed and launched my invention The Original High Fiver™️ as our first hero product and I was hell bent on doing it the way I envisioned. From the recycled plastic in our white base to the elimination of travel size plastics that do not get recycled due to their small size, to shipping in our papers tubes so we can skip the cardboard box and packing material down to not including packing slips. I was constantly told I was crazy and why bother with all this? It was challenging and expensive to develop and I do think that’s why large companies don’t do it. Some put profit first but as a sustainable beauty startup and social impact disruptor we get to put purpose and product over everything. We have shown that with design and innovative sustainable beauty is indeed possible. And I’ll tell you what I’m so glad I didn’t listen. Once I found aligned partners, vendors, and companies to help us, I knew I had found my people. And customers vote with their dollars which is the truest affirmation of what we are doing. My advice is to stay true to your vision and find your people as soon as you can!!

If we grabbed your High Fiver Pak, what products would we currently find in them?
Which one?? Ha! I always carry two or three and stash skincare, makeup, and hair products. I absolutely can’t live without my SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic and also really love Innisfree Cica Balm, Supergoop City Serum, Milk Hydro Grip Primer, and Pai Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil.

What are the oddest or most clever things you’ve heard being put in your palettes? (Because we always look a good palette hack!)
A seriously clever tip is to leave one well empty and stash your rings and earrings at the gym or on a flight. Also, coin-sized compressed bamboo towels (they also can be reused!) fit perfectly in the High Fiver and it is an easy way to stash an emergency towel on your trips for those unexpected mess moments!

As a busy entrepreneur and four children, what are some of the things you do to help you stay balanced?
I’m a big believer in spending time alone which has been really hard these last 18 months as an only parent of 4! Carving out those moments for myself is so important whether it is solo travel, a coffee or lunch date by myself, facials and massage, or even just time to meditate or go for a walk. Not only do I need this time to recharge but I am always dreaming and thinking of new inventions, products, and ideas and I really need to take time to just be silent and be fully present in this world.

What advice can you give to any up-and-coming beauty entrepreneur out there who has an idea?
I want them to know that they are so capable and that anything is possible for them. You only just need to start. Just start however you can and keep going. I find that the hardest part for people is just starting. It can start with something small like research, a list, a sketch, a phone call - but just start. And know other people are not smarter than you they’re just further down the same road. Use them as a source of inspiration for what’s possible for you versus putting people on pedestals and thinking it’s impossible. Much of the entrepreneurial journey is managing your mindset and learning to truly and fully believe in yourself.