The idea of switching careers can be completely anxiety-inducing and stressful to think about especially when your first career was one that brought you loads of success.
Actress Alicia Silverstone became a household name to many women when she starred as Cher in the 1995 movie, Clueless. But as she became a Hollywood star she also started using her platform to express her views on her passions. Silverstone became a vegan in 1998 and soon after began speaking up about issues surrounding animal welfare and environmentalism.
While she's still acting in movies and TV shows today, she also recently decided to launch her own vitamin and herbal line in conjunction with the company Garden of Life called mykind Organics.
I spoke with Silverstone, on the heels of her second line, mykind Organics Herbals, launching this month, about her desire to disrupt an industry she's never worked in before, the failures she's faced along the way, and tips for other busy women who want to start something new.
Jen Glantz: You’ve had a long and continually successful career as an actress. What made you want to get involved with Garden of Life to co-create a line of herbal supplements?
Alicia Silverstone: Seven years ago, when I was pregnant with my son Bear, I wanted a prenatal that aligned with my diet. I wanted to take a vitamin made from the same type of clean, nutritious foods that I ate daily. Turns out this search was no simple task. I wanted something organic, vegan and with no chemicals, but everything I found either had lots of chemicals, it wasn’t vegan, or it was food based wrapped in chemicals. I realized that if I wanted a truly great vitamin option, I was going to have to make it myself. So, I went looking for a partner and the stars aligned with Garden of Life, a certified B Corp with standout sustainability initiatives. Together, we created an entirely new kind of vitamin and an herbal line called mykind Organics that is Certified USDA organic, non-GMO-verified and free of synthetic binders and fillers.
Glantz: How would you say that you are working to disrupt the supplement industry and why is this an industry you’re passionate about disrupting?
Silverstone: When diving into the world of vitamins I found time and time again, the vitamin market is just like the processed food racket: producers can market themselves as natural without meeting any major criteria. They can also pile a whole bunch of chemical isolates and synthetic fillers in there, put a pretty green leaf on the label, and call it a day. This really struck me, how was it that products meant to be the very essence of plants and their nutrients continually stray so far from that? I was determined to give pregnant women a real safety net for their nutrition during this crucial time, and then on second thought, I had another realization. Everyone deserves this, not just the preggos.
Glantz: What kinds of failure have you faced entering this new business venture? How did you push past it and what advice do you have for women who are charging forward in an industry that’s different than the one they’ve been in for years?
Silverstone: Developing my herbal line had a much longer timeline than I ever anticipated, which was frustrating. In fact, we had to push back our launch several times. It was a long process in which we had to plant, wait to harvest, and then test the extractions until we were able to create the most incredible, effective formulas, which are traceable from seed to shelf. We also innovated a groundbreaking extraction method without the use of conventional GMO corn alcohol or other harsh chemicals, which took time and was no small feat. I learned that staying focused on my vision, maintaining my values and product integrity, not compromising and patience helped get me through this very frustrating time. Stick to your gut and don’t lose sight of your goals.
Glantz: What made you want to become a health advocate and start a line of supplements?
Silverstone: I adopted a plant-based diet for the animals but the biggest surprise was how amazing I felt. I ditched by asthma inhaler, stopped my weekly allergy shots, lost weight, and had a new glow from my skin and hair. I felt incredible from having more energy and balanced out moods. This way of eating transformed me. Since then, over twenty years ago I don’t need to rely on caffeine, aspirin, or antibiotics. My body continues to heal itself by being plant-based. From this game-changing transformation, I couldn’t hold myself back from keeping this ‘secret’. My advocacy for this way is embedded in who I am. As a result, when I was pregnant and seeking a supplement that complimented my diet, it was apparent there was a big lack in quality on the market. My quest to push the envelope in the vitamin industry and create a product that is truly wholesome and transparent is what drove me to start a line of supplements.
Glantz: Did people try to stop you when you decided to get passionate about the health industry and create your own line of supplements?
Silverstone: No one tried to stop me from creating my own line of supplements. However, there was a time that people in my life thought my health advocacy was a distraction from my acting career. Around the age of 30, I met new people that encouraged me to celebrate what I am passionate about and I feel like there’s no stopping me.
Glantz: What’s your go-to health advice for busy women trying to find their own balance in life?
Silverstone: Educate yourself on the connection between food and wellness. Diet is key, prioritize plants! Nourishing yourself sets the foundation for your best life.
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