By Daniel Skeen on August 21, 2024
Karey Casto-Chrin is the dynamic founder of Hopathekarey and the Hop Head Apothe-Karey brand, a unique brand that blends creativity with innovative healing and skincare solutions. Her journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and ingenuity, making her a standout local entrepreneur in Jackson, Michigan.
Karey’s adventure into the world of skincare began with an intriguing discovery. While working at a brewery, she developed a lip balm infused with craft beer flavors. This led her to research the properties of hops, uncovering their high terpene content—a natural compound similar to CBD but derived from hops. This revelation sparked the creation of her brand, Hopathekarey, which combines the traditional concept of an apothecary with the unique benefits of hops.
The brand’s name, Hopathekarey, is a clever play on the word “apothecary,” a traditional shop selling medicines and elixirs, combined with “hop,” highlighting the use of beer hops in her products. Karey’s son, Indigo, played a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s identity, coining the term “everything business” to describe the multifaceted nature of their venture.
One of the standout features of Hopathekarey’s product line is the use of hops in their formulations. Unlike traditional CBD products, Karey’s creations harness the power of terpenoids from hops, offering a unique alternative with healing properties. This innovation has earned her brand recognition for its originality and effectiveness.
Karey’s vast and diverse product range includes the Liberty collection launched in New York City and the Bullet Proof Mineral Cosmetics. Each product tells a part of her story, with names and designs often inspired by personal experiences and her children’s involvement.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Karey is deeply committed to her community. She supports local initiatives and has a solid customer base with a high return rate, indicating the quality and appeal of her products. Karey also emphasizes the importance of giving back; she plans to donate a portion of the profits from her Bullet Proof Mineral Cosmetics line to the Aware Shelter, a local organization aiding victims of domestic violence.
Karey’s vision for Hopathekarey continues to grow. She is preparing to scale her business, focusing on refining her product lines and enhancing her online presence. With upcoming appearances on entrepreneurial shows Pitch Your Way to the Top and the largest entrepreneurial reality shows online, Karey has a strong foundation in place. She is poised to take her brand to new heights.
Karey Casto-Chrin’s journey with Hopathekarey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and community engagement. Her innovative approach and commitment to quality have made her a beloved local business owner and a pioneer in her field.
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