Behind the Brand: Bunnie Gulick, Founder and CEO of ISUN

bunnie-gulick-isun[Images: Courtesy of ISUN]Wildcrafted, organic skincare line ISUN was launched in 2006 with the ultimate goal of supporting the skin, body, well-being and planet. Founder and CEO Bunnie Gulick, whose background was in clinical nutrition and antiaging supplements, was inspired to create her own brand after producing botanically based products for other parties and witnessing the green beauty movement’s monumental growth. Combining her botanical chemistry roots with her passion for helping others, she created ISUN—a line of handcrafted products formulated with nutrient- rich, pure plant ingredients, which are cold- processed and enhanced with positive energy and beneficial intentions. Here, Gulick discusses everything ISUN, from her personal journey to the company’s mission and outlook.

Inspiration Point

My career in the wellness industry began in the 1970s, when I was a practicing clinical nutritionist, educator and health supplement formulator. In the early 1980s, I was working as an educator and product developer in Italy, where I created a line of supplements based on antiaging and antioxidants. That company also wanted me to work on a skincare line that complemented the nutraceuticals. My research into skin rejuvenation led to my formulating one of the very first botanical skincare products based on antioxidants—ingredients not well known in the beauty industry at the time.

This exciting and rapidly growing field of natural skin care piqued my interest and enthusiasm to further my education in botanical cosmetic formulation. From that point, I developed and ultimately manufactured many wonderful lines for other companies. With the expanding studies of plants and their amazing benefits for skin becoming more available, and the eventual movement toward organic ingredients, each brand I created was better than the one before, and my excitement grew exponentially!

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Milestone Moment

Around age 58, after years of study, experience and success in the wellness and beauty industries, I felt something intense pulling at my heart, compelling me to meld all of this with my inner calling, which is to help uplift people in a deeper way. Inspiring and helping others, and teaching them about our connection to all living things— through the light that exists within us as well as the plants in our products—became my passion. I realized this could only manifest if I held true to my vision and created my own brand and unique outreach. So, I refinanced my home for starting capital, and ISUN was born.

It was clear that this brand could serve to not only give undeniable youthful radiance to skin, but with its alchemical formulation—which involves living plant life, advanced energy techniques and the power of intention— ISUN skincare products would also support the body, mind and spirit overall. (There’s more information about this concept at isunskincare.com.)

isun-massage-oilsISUN massage oils

Hero Product

This year, ISUN competed in the Beauty Shortlist Awards in the U.K. against more than 600 international companies, and we won Best Organic Brand as well as 10 additional category wins—needless to say, we have several top products! But the most popular is our award-winning Phyto-Infusion Facial Serum. It’s loaded with a powerhouse blend of vegan stem cells, peptides, antioxidants, age-defying polyphenols, nutrient-rich oils and aromatic essential oils. People love its antiaging performance; its smooth, soothing and moisturizing feel; the glow it gives their skin; and its lovely sandalwood, jasmine and lavender scent.

Powerful Purpose

I see ISUN as a living and ageless entity, brimming over with life-force energy and inspired by the light that exists within each of us and all of nature. Made of plant life, our products harmonize with the skin and whole being, and subtly demonstrate that we are all connected. In turn, this invokes feelings of love, gratitude and inner peace that ripple outward. So, if the simple act of using ISUN skin care sparks an uplifted sense of well-being, that awareness can expand in a gentle way to positively influence that person’s life. Even a small change within individuals can collectively cause a profound change in the world. This is the vision we hold for all who experience the dynamic life-force, subtle healing energy and intention in our products—the heart and soul of ISUN.

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Ingredient Integrity

The process of developing and formulating a product begins by determining its desired therapeutic benefits. Then, I research what plants or other specific nutrients successfully align with those benefits. I narrow the choices down to the most effective plants, as well as which ones best complement one another—because synergized harmony of powerful, living ingredients creates the highest performance products.

When sourcing ingredients, I first look for plants grown in their natural environments without any human intervention, and they must be sustainably harvested. Wildcrafted plants have the highest nutrient levels and hold the most light energy. We also source organic and some naturally derived ingredients from integrity suppliers.

On the Horizon

ISUN will continue to grow—we’re expanding our presence globally, uplifting more and more people with our deeper intentions, educational outreach and transformational products that inspire inner and outer radiance, an open heart and uplifted spirit.

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