Christine Esposito, Managing Editor09.03.20
Gourmet Body Pastries
Melanie Mitchell, Founder
Headquarters: Akron, OH
Founded: 2012
Firstly, what are Gourmet Body Pastries? They sound delicious!
Gourmet Body Pastries Skincare is a refreshing alternative to traditional personal care products. Our beauty recipes contain luscious vegetable butters and silky carrier oils infused with aloe vera juice, beeswax, glycerin and fragrance oils, along with a unique blend of sugars which are the base for most of the skincare masterpieces we create.

How did you come up with the concept?
The concept came from a close friend being diagnosed with stage 3 estrogen receptive breast cancer and me wanting to offer a healthier skin care alternative. My goal was to introduce a more natural skin care line blended with amazing fragrances.
Is it difficult to formulate using “food-based” ingredients?
It is not. It just takes time for experimenting and testing various ingredients.
What is your hero product and why?
My hero product is Gourmet Body Pastries Whipped Body Butter. It is created with only 13 ingredients and it glides on smooth with a creamy, velvety texture. It offers a great non-greasy finish.
What’s next for Gourmet Body Pastries? Do you want to get into new categories, distribution, etc.?
What’s next is to position the brand as a leader in the natural skin care industry and become the skin care alternative for the entire family and to include a children’s and infant category.
INDIE TO INDIE
Selam Kelati, founder of I+I Botanicals, asks:
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your brand and getting new customers?
“The most effective ways of raising awareness for Gourmet Body Pastries Skincare has been to do the following: Vending at various crafts and food shows (prior to COVID-19); building relationships with local full-service beauty salons; word of mouth; and being consistent on social media.”— Melanie Mitchell
Melanie Mitchell, Founder
Headquarters: Akron, OH
Founded: 2012
Firstly, what are Gourmet Body Pastries? They sound delicious!
Gourmet Body Pastries Skincare is a refreshing alternative to traditional personal care products. Our beauty recipes contain luscious vegetable butters and silky carrier oils infused with aloe vera juice, beeswax, glycerin and fragrance oils, along with a unique blend of sugars which are the base for most of the skincare masterpieces we create.

The concept came from a close friend being diagnosed with stage 3 estrogen receptive breast cancer and me wanting to offer a healthier skin care alternative. My goal was to introduce a more natural skin care line blended with amazing fragrances.
Is it difficult to formulate using “food-based” ingredients?
It is not. It just takes time for experimenting and testing various ingredients.
What is your hero product and why?
My hero product is Gourmet Body Pastries Whipped Body Butter. It is created with only 13 ingredients and it glides on smooth with a creamy, velvety texture. It offers a great non-greasy finish.
What’s next for Gourmet Body Pastries? Do you want to get into new categories, distribution, etc.?
What’s next is to position the brand as a leader in the natural skin care industry and become the skin care alternative for the entire family and to include a children’s and infant category.
INDIE TO INDIE
Selam Kelati, founder of I+I Botanicals, asks:
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your brand and getting new customers?
“The most effective ways of raising awareness for Gourmet Body Pastries Skincare has been to do the following: Vending at various crafts and food shows (prior to COVID-19); building relationships with local full-service beauty salons; word of mouth; and being consistent on social media.”— Melanie Mitchell