Brian Phillips, WORLD HAIR and SKIN

Tell us about your company and what inspired you to start it?

WorldSALON began in 1989 and 5 years later I became ill from using heavily fragranced, toxic salon products for ten years.

I launched worldPRODUCTS in 2001, and rebranded as WORLD Hair and Skin in 2015, to bring awareness to toxic ingredients in personal care.

We offer healthy, effective, multipurpose, fragrance-free, biodegradable, vegan formulations that are made in the GTA.

How specifically does it relate to sustainable design, production and/or consumption?

worldSALON is the only salon in Canada that heats its water from the sun, is BULLFROG powered, has LED lighting, on-demand hot water and is a Green Circle Salons founding member.

WORLD HAIR and SKIN was created out of this desire to be as sustainable as possible. Salons and eco retailers are finding our brand a good fit with our focus on #luxurywithasmallfootprint.

What community or customer behaviors are you hoping to create or reinforce? 

A big focus for us since the beginning has been reuse. In the salon sector in 2001, this was unheard of.

We have turned many clients onto refilling over the years and I like to think we have and continue to keep thousands of plastic bottles out of the waste stream.

What is one of the most helpful or enlightening lessons you’ve learned along the way?

Surround yourself with people that inspire and push you to do better. Mind, body and spirit must be nurtured equally. Success comes when one is grounded in all three. With grounding comes an ability to listen to and trust in oneself.

What’s the biggest problem you’re currently trying to solve?

I have always thrived on having many projects on the go. At this point in my life, learning to say no is my challenge. I am committed to streamlining my life so that I can take WORLD HAIR and SKIN to the masses.

Follow Brian and WORLD HAIR and SKIN:

WORLD HAIR and SKIN website
WORLD HAIR and SKIN on Instagram
WORLD HAIR and SKIN on YouTube