Women In Wellness: Kamille Cox of Melkit On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing

An Interview With Wanda Malhotra

The Value of Self-Compassion: Running a business and balancing multiple roles can be overwhelming at times. I wish someone had reminded me to be kind to myself and practice self-compassion, especially during challenging moments.

Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kamille Cox.

Kamille Cox began her journey roughly 11 years ago to understand the oral and topical health effects of harsh chemicals circulating throughout the skincare industry. With extensive knowledge of the reality behind the current market, she took matters into her own hands to redefine clean beauty. Using keen attention to hydrating, healing, and all-natural ingredients, Kamille created MELK.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?

I am Kamille Cox, a partner in life’s journey and a nurturing mother to six beautiful souls. As a licensed esthetician and cosmetologist, I blend the realms of beauty and wellness with an intricate understanding. My skills extend into graphic design and coding, areas where creativity meets logic. My life has been a tapestry woven with threads of modeling and a commitment to physical fitness, underscoring my belief in the holistic development of the self. Always, I champion the cause of personal growth, self-improvement, and the pursuit of well-being, advocating for a life lived with intention and purpose.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?

One of the most enlightening chapters in my career journey was mastering the art of indifference to external opinions. In the initial stages of developing my brand, I encountered numerous detractors who neither appreciated nor grasped the concept. However, about a year later, when the brand fully blossomed, those same critics became some of its most ardent admirers. This experience crystallized a valuable lesson for me: “Don’t look around; look up.” It underscored the importance of honing in on what distinguishes you and pursuing your passions relentlessly. Often, it’s challenging for others to envision what you can see so clearly, and seeking validation from them is unnecessary. Your unique vision and steadfast commitment to your passion are what truly matter.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

When I first started, I thought hiring certain services or vendors would fix everything. But I soon learned that most of the time, I needed to dive in and understand those processes myself. This experience taught me an important lesson: being hands-on and learning by doing is often the best way to solve problems and move forward.

Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?

In the realm of health and wellness, the work I’m engaged in seeks to redefine the relationship individuals have with their skincare routines, emphasizing a return to natural, clean, and sustainably sourced products. At the core of our philosophy is the belief that skincare should harmonize with the body’s natural processes, not work against them. Our products, enriched with essential oils, stand as a testament to this belief, offering not just superficial benefits but also promoting overall well-being.

The therapeutic properties of essential oils are well-documented, ranging from anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to their ability to soothe, heal, and regenerate the skin. By incorporating these potent botanical extracts into our skincare line, we’re not just addressing skin issues on the surface; we’re also tapping into the holistic healing traditions that have been part of human wellness practices for centuries. This approach not only respects the body’s natural balance but also encourages a more mindful interaction with the skincare products we use daily.

Moreover, our commitment to clean, natural ingredients reflects a broader environmental consciousness. By choosing sustainably sourced and biodegradable components, we’re taking a stand against the chemical-laden and often environmentally harmful products that dominate the market. This not only benefits the individual user but also contributes to a larger movement towards ecological sustainability and ethical consumerism.

In essence, our work is not just about creating effective skincare products; it’s about inspiring a shift towards more conscious, health-focused, and environmentally responsible choices. Through this endeavor, we hope to make a significant impact on the world, encouraging individuals to embrace practices that nurture their health, the well-being of their communities, and the planet at large.

Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?

1. 1 . Prioritizing Self-Care: I believe that self-care is essential for overall well-being. Encouraging people to carve out time for themselves, whether it’s through skincare rituals, meditation, or simply taking a walk in nature, can greatly improve their mental and emotional health. For example, I often share my own self-care routine on social media and encourage my followers to find moments of tranquility amidst their busy lives. I often think of the emergency protocols on airplanes, we have to put on our mask first before we can help anyone else.
2. Mindful Eating: I advocate for mindful eating as a cornerstone of wellness. By paying attention to what we put into our bodies and choosing whole, nourishing foods, we can fuel ourselves in a way that supports optimal health. I often share nutritious recipes and meal ideas that my family enjoys, emphasizing the importance of incorporating fresh, plant-based ingredients into our diets.
3. Active Living: Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining both physical and mental health. I encourage people to find activities they enjoy, whether it’s yoga, dancing, or hiking, and incorporate movement into their daily lives. Sharing my own fitness journey and the positive impact it has had on my overall wellbeing inspires others to prioritize movement as well.
4. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporating mindfulness practices into daily life can greatly improve mental health and wellbeing. Whether it’s practicing gratitude, journaling, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply, mindfulness helps us stay present and cultivate inner peace. I often share mindfulness techniques and tools that have been beneficial for me, encouraging others to explore these practices for themselves.
5. Connection and Community: Building meaningful connections and fostering a supportive community is essential for overall wellbeing. I advocate for creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported in their journey towards wellness. Whether it’s through online communities, support groups, or in-person gatherings, connecting with others who share similar values and goals can provide invaluable support and encouragement.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

If I could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, it would focus on holistic self-care. This movement would encompass practices that nurture the mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of health and wellbeing. By promoting holistic self-care, we can empower individuals to prioritize their own well-being and create a ripple effect of positive change in their lives and communities.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

1. The Importance of Work-Life Balance: Balancing my professional responsibilities with my role as a wife, mother, and advocate for mental health is crucial for my overall well-being. I wish someone had emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care from the beginning.
2. Embracing Imperfection: As a CEO, I’ve learned that it’s okay to be vulnerable and imperfect. I wish someone had told me it was a sure thing I would make many mistakes and to not worry about other people’s opinions about me and business.
3. The Power of Collaboration: Building a successful skincare company requires collaboration and support from others. I wish someone had emphasized the importance of networking and forming strategic partnerships early on in my entrepreneurial journey.
4. The Value of Self-Compassion: Running a business and balancing multiple roles can be overwhelming at times. I wish someone had reminded me to be kind to myself and practice self-compassion, especially during challenging moments.
5. The Impact of Purpose: Finding purpose and meaning in my work has been transformative for my overall wellbeing. I wish someone had encouraged me to align my professional endeavors with my values and passions from the outset, as this has been a driving force behind my success and fulfillment.

Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?

Of the causes mentioned, mental health is dearest to me. As an advocate for mental health and wellbeing, I’m deeply passionate about raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting access to resources and support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, and prioritizing mental wellbeing is essential for creating a healthier, more compassionate world.

What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?

Natural and clean skincare practices and healthy emotional/mental wellbeing practices can complement each other in several ways:

Ingredients and Formulations: Natural and clean skincare products often contain ingredients derived from plants and botanicals, which can have calming and soothing effects on the skin. Certain essential oils, such as lavender, are known for their stress-relieving properties, which can contribute to a sense of emotional wellbeing during skincare routines.

Rituals and Self-Care: Skincare routines provide an opportunity for self-care and mindfulness. Taking the time to cleanse, moisturize, and pamper the skin can be a meditative practice that promotes relaxation and stress reduction. Incorporating calming rituals into skincare routines, such as gentle massage techniques or deep breathing exercises, can further enhance the emotional benefits of skincare.

Connection with Nature: Many natural skincare products emphasize the connection with nature, using ingredients sourced from the earth in their formulations. Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature has been shown to have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and improving mood. Using skincare products that harness the power of natural ingredients can evoke a similar sense of connection with the natural world, promoting emotional well-being.

Holistic Approach: Both skincare and emotional/mental well-being practices benefit from a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. By prioritizing natural and clean skincare practices alongside healthy emotional practices such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress management, individuals can cultivate a holistic approach to self-care that supports overall well-being.

Toxic-Free Environment: Using natural and clean skincare products helps reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and toxins, which can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health. Creating a toxic-free environment for the skin supports its natural balance and resilience, contributing to a sense of well-being and vitality.

Overall, integrating natural and clean skincare practices with healthy emotional/mental wellbeing practices can create a synergistic approach to self-care that nurtures both the skin and the soul, promoting a sense of balance, vitality, and inner peace.

Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.

About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com .