THE WELLEST. is a responsibly curated one-stop shop for sustainable lifestyle brands, providing a reliable marketplace solely dedicated to ethical products while helping consumers save time and resources to shop more responsibly on everyday purchases.
On a Mission
Created by actress-turn lifestyle journalist-turn creative producer Brandi Andres, The Wellest. started as a popup shop in 2020 (alongside the launch of The Wellest Life Podcast) to connect a small Southern California community with ethical, eco-friendly and wellness-forward products, at a time when connection and health were most needed.
Within a few short months, The Wellest. had partnerships with more than 20 brands, offering over 120 products to local residents of Long Beach, California, with a small selection of products offered at the ethically aligned retail collective, Fair Trade Long Beach.
Logistically, The Wellest. story began in 2015, when Brandi participated in a 6-month course on the conservation and taxonomy of animal and plant species. Through this course, she studied the backstory of palm oil production and its devastating effects on orangutans living in the wild, their Endangered status, and the destruction of their natural environments.
This insight led our founder on a deeper dive into the food (peanut butter, bread, potato chips), skincare (shampoo, soaps, toothpaste) and household cleaning products containing palm oil. This research revealed alarming studies on other product ingredients added to personal care and beauty formulations for ages, and all while keeping consumers in the dark about the potentially harmful effects of these ingredients.
Some have been linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and reduced immune system function, in addition to many more health concerns.
Building the Foundation
With a professional background in entertainment and nearly 20 years working in front of the camera in film and television ("Beverly Hills 90210," "Tomcats," and "Kiss the Girls"), alongside Hollywood's most talented makeup and hair artists, Brandi had already built a wealth of knowledge on the best beauty and skincare practices.
In addition to years of testing a plethora of organic and natural beauty and personal care products, Brandi has also explored the holistic healing rituals and remedies of her Native Hawaiian ancestors, including the use of herbs and plants for the care of general ailments and daily skin and hair treatments.
Our founder's ongoing research on the potentially harmful ingredients found in everyday products (especially with cases of breast cancer on both sides of her family) and the irresponsible manufacturing practices of the most recognizable brands, which put profits before people, has set her on a mission to change the way and "the why" people around the world shop.
Hence, THE WELLEST. was born.
The Vision
Prioritizing the wellbeing of people, animals and our planet by providing a values-driven shopping experience with brands that are vetted for authenticity, transparency and quality.