Dec 26, 2018

Customer Spotlight: Arin Lofgren

How did you hear about Green Theory?

Good ol’ Instagram! I am the owner of Oregon's Essentials, handcrafted all natural skincare products. I’m always keeping my eye out for others like myself, creators of amazing Oregon made products, trying to make our mark.

What was your first impression when you tried it?

I've tried my hand at natural deodorant but was never able to come up with a product I liked. Other natural brands left me wanting something more. In came Green Theory for the win! Smells good✅Made in Oregon✅ And it WORKS✅✅✅ It REALLY REALLY WORKS!! I smelled good at the end of the day, smelled good after working out, NO B.O.! Seriously….IT WORKS!

Favorite Green Theory Scent?

Radiant, lavender & evergreen, neptune

Why is using natural products important to you?

What we put on our skin is just as important as what we put in our bodies. I spent a ton of money on big name anti-aging products loaded with questionable ingredients. They left me with irritated and damaged skin. Which is why I started making my own products, ones that I could pronounce the name of each ingredient as well as identify its purpose and benefits. Since I've made the switch to all natural products my skin issues have nearly disappeared. The products we put on our pits is just as important. I used traditional antiperspirant for years, I decided to eliminate it and switch to natural deodorant. The product I purchased didn’t work well so I went back to the regular antiperspirant. Within an hour of putting it on I was dripping sweat down my arms. It wasn't a warm day, I wasn't overdressed, it was just the product and whatever poison its made with! Our bodies need to sweat to naturally eliminate built up toxins and I realized putting chemicals on my skin to stop that process was a terrible idea. Green Theory has hands down been the best smelling and most effective natural deodorant I've tried…..and I've tried a lot! One little tip for those of you who shave your armpits. For me, regardless of what deodorant or antiperspirant I'm using, application after shaving always leads to irritation. I've been able to nearly eliminate any irritation whatsoever by applying a small amount of Oregon's Essentials body butter to my pits immediately after shaving, wait about 10-15 minutes and apply my Green Theory deodorant. Fresh all day and no itchy pits!!!

Let's get to know you. What's your home state and what do you do for a living?

I’m originally from North Dakota where I earned a Bachelors degree in Developmental Disabilities and Special Education. I’ve spent the last 20ish years working for agencies supporting adults with Developmental Disabilities in residential and vocational settings. A few years ago my man got sick and ended up hospitalized for 6-months. During that time he nearly died more than once, had more surgeries than I can count, and was only able to communicate by blinking. When he was finally able to leave the hospital, he did so with many physical limitations. I have become his caregiver as he continues recovering. Additionally I have my little side gig, Oregon's Essentials, where I make a few bucks here and there.

What else do you do to keep yourself busy?

Well I have a 2+ year old boy who is super busy so he pretty much keeps ME busy! I have no shortage of things on my “to-do” list so I'm always busy.

Most amazing life experience?

There are so many, all for different reasons. Of course having a child is one of the most amazing things ever, this kid is just so much fun and has the best little personality. So everyday with him is a new and amazing experience. But, I can't ignore those awesome things that came before. And the big life events that really stick out to me are moving to Portland all by myself, meeting my guy, and the very special friendships I have with people who are all so amazing in their own ways. I am absolutely the luckiest lady to have had all of these experiences, and continue to create memories everyday.

Favorite animal?

Dogs, specifically a 10-year old overweight pound puppy named Buddy.

What are your hobbies?

Keeping a toddler busy! When I have extra time I love going to the beach and hiking around the cliffside trails. Seeing, hearing, and feeling the ocean is my favorite. And eating…..I love to eat.

Do you have any hidden talents or weird facts about yourself you can share?

I can eat a whole pizza no problem.

Here's a chance for some shameless self-promotion; what do you want the internet to know about?

Check out oregonsessentials.com!!! This little hobby/passion of mine is what my dreams are made of! I truly love each and every product I make, and use them ALL! Since switching to an all natural skincare routine, any skin issues I dealt with regularly are gone! Dry itchy winter skin, breakouts, irritations, no longer problems! With ingredients like raw Oregon honey, organic butters and oils, and essential oils, you can't go wrong! Each product is handmade to order, all natural ingredients sourced from Oregon businesses, and a full ingredient list on the website with purpose and benefits of each. So no confusion on what something is or why it is in your product! I believe in this stuff so much and I hope you take some time to check everything out! Im happy to answer any questions you may have and assist you in choosing the right product for your needs.

Oregons Essentials Sugar Scrub