Francisco CostaCosta Brazil
Fashion designer Francisco Costa spent more than a decade as the creative director of womenswear at Calvin Klein Collection before a 2016 trip to the Amazon rainforest inspired him to change course and become a beauty entrepreneur. The result is Costa Brazil, a sustainable beauty line with a mission to create products that benefit the body, spirit and the earth.
What drove you to start your own brand? Costa Brazil was born to reestablish a connection between nature and the consumer, where both would be in perfect harmony. It also came at a time when I felt that I personally needed to reestablish a connection and relationship with the natural world. Before diving in to building the business, I took a six-month hiatus, during which I went to the Amazon rainforest for the first time. It really woke me to something tremendous. Being in the Acre region with the Yawanawá tribe, a six-hour canoe ride from civilization, left me with a sense of wonder and this amazing ingredient called Breu.
What’s your favorite product in the line? Our Sal De Banho | Bath Salt because it’s rich in CBA, a new ingredient we brought to the market. CBA is an alternative source of cannabinoids that’s not derived from hemp or cannabis. It’s an incredible natural compound created from a complex of copaiba and passionfruit seed oils that nourishes the skin with antioxidants and has soothing properties which help ready you for a good night's rest. Bringing a new ingredient to the market is challenging, but it’s very exciting. I’m hearing phenomenal feedback!
What’s your morning routine?
My ritual is very simple. I brush my teeth, splash iced water on my face and follow with Costa Brazil face oil.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I haven’t given up on fashion. But when I come back, I will be doing things differently.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting their own business?
Be passionate, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Make sure you are well-advised and surround yourself with people that add to your vision, rather than subtract from it.
The Founders Series
Learn how some of the beauty industry’s most dynamic entrepreneurs find inspiration and develop must-have products as they share their advice for aspiring business moguls and much more