Meet Andrea Pierce-Naymon | Founder of OY-L Natural Skincare and Orange Rose Apothecary

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea Pierce-Naymon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I believe it is passion. I truly believe we can live a sustainable life without the use of chemicals and the products that are destroying us and the world. We need to slow down and think about what we are doing and find a better solution. I want to teach people about what nature provides us with and it’s not too late to make changes.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started OY-L because my daughter who was 16 at the time, developed a strange illness that it took 2 years for doctors to figure out. And they only figured it out because I demanded a neurological consult. The cardiologists wanted to believe she had a heart problem and wanted to put a defibrillator permanently in her. As a result of the neuro consult, she was diagnosed with POTS(postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). During this time when she was being admitted and test after test, I was looking at labels wondering if it was something she was putting in or on her body. I was horrified by all the chemicals in the products we use everyday. I kept a journal, googled all these chemicals and thought there had to be a better way of personal care without chemicals. I researched natural products and the benefits of carrier and essential oils. I set up a lab in my kids old play room and OY-L was born. MY friends were all guinea pigs and told me I should consider selling my products. I gave my sisiter-in-law some body butter and she called me a week later to ask what was in that jar. I told her everything was natural oils and plant-based and asked her why? She told me that that jar had changed her life. She had a serious form of ezcema that when she scratched her legs they would bleed. My product had helped her with the itching and bleeding. She asked my brother to invest in my business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friend to see Lake Erie and all the great places to eat in Cleveland. We would go to Parallax for dinner, and show them how cool and hip Tremont is. I would also want to take them to our amazing park system in Cleveland and the renowned museums we have here.

I would also take them to see Hudson, 30 minutes south of Cleveland. It’s very Cape Cod-ish and where I decided to open my Orange Rose Apothecary.. It’s a general store, but a very specific store. I have all natural, sustainable,eco-friendly products and supports local artist.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate this to my brother, Dan, who took a leap of faith, because he was so impressed with my products, and invested in my company. I was able to get a real lab, website, rebranding and attended a few Independent Beauty Expos.

Website: www.oy-l.com

Instagram: @oylnatural

Linkedin: Andrea PIerce-Naymon

Twitter: @oylnatural

Facebook: @oylnatural