Let’s think back to a time, not so very long ago, (the 1980s) when “organic” beauty products were largely absent from your local grocer’s shelves. Imagine yourself a merchant in such an era: how likely is it that you would have purchased drab green soap — sans wrapper (and before minimalist or twine-tied packaging was hip) — from two guys peddling the stuff from the back of a VW Rabbit? You might have thought twice about it. But, as it turns out, the olive oil soap was a huge hit amongst retailers and shoppers alike. And hence was born the Kiss My Face (KISS) enterprise; now an established leader in the environmentally-friendly health and beauty space.

Steve Byckiewicz and Bob MacLeod, the masterminds behind KISS, got their start selling homegrown vegetables to markets in New York City. Recognizing — from their own vegetarian frustrations — a market need for responsible, yet accessible, personal care products, the duo set out to provide new alternatives. KISS has since experienced such success that its products are verging on mainstream; orders are regularly shipped to 19 countries. Perhaps one reason for the company’s “organic” growth” (despite such clever product names as “Under Age” moisturizer) is that Byckiewicz and MacLeod endeavor to manage it in the same manner as they conduct their lives: with “honesty, humor, and style.” The work environment is very collaborative — and even an accountant can lend valuable input into product decisions.

Maybe all this talk has you wanting to give these pure and whimsical products (or even the charmingly unattractive soap) a try, if you haven’t already. There’s always the “Cheap Kisses” sampler, which provides a nice medley of trial-size items. Or the “Miss Treated” shampoo if you locks have been feeling undervalued. For added fun, you can submit your favorite “kissing pictures” online for a chance to have them prominently displayed on the KISS website.

For Byckiewicz and MacLeod…well, they retired the Rabbit but have held strong to their core values. And, in personal news, Byckiewicz — a native Canadian — attained U.S. citizenship just a few years ago. So now, it seems, the entire venture is as American as, well…Peaches and Cream Moisturizer. And now you can even buy KISS products at your favorite Old Navy outlet.

For more information: www.kissmyface.com