Latest news with #OakEssentials
Elle
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The Career Advice That Took Jenni Kayne's Brand to the Next Level
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. In ELLE's series Office Hours, we ask people in powerful positions to take us through their first jobs, worst jobs, and everything in between. This month, we spoke with designer and entrepreneur Jenni Kayne. If you've ever seen someone wearing a cozy cashmere cardigan and wondered, 'Who makes that?' the tag would most likely tell you it's Jenni Kayne. The California-based designer has a 22-year-old fashion label that has grown into a lifestyle empire, complete with home and furniture; her beauty line, Oak Essentials; and a growing experiences arm (you can now stay at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse via Airbnb in Tivoli, New York). Below, Kayne talks about when her business really transformed, what she is manifesting for the future, and how she made her dream bath products. My first job I went to college very briefly, and was never a traditional learner. At 18 years old, I worked for a store that no longer exists. It was an incredible opportunity to be a buyer, and I got to assist [the store owner] on the small collection that she had. I went with her to Europe to buy all of the most amazing designer brands and to the John Galliano and Jean Paul Gaultier shows. It inspired me to start my own business shortly thereafter. My other job was working in retail as a salesperson in Los Angeles. It was a store on Melrose, and it was one of the coolest stores in the '90s. I loved styling people. The store owner was Diane Merritt, and she always takes credit for my career, and also that of the Juicy Couture girls because they met at her store. She's incredible and the most magical woman. My worst job I have never really had a horrible job. I've only had three jobs, the two I told you about and the one I do now. I feel very lucky. My best job Building Jenni Kayne and being a mom. The best career advice I've ever gotten Be patient, and stay true to yourself. It is advice that I got and advice that I give. It took years to build the brand to where it is now. I had to be persistent and trust that what I believed in would be a success. It's not about just doing what other people want you to do. How I come up with my visions for the brand It was [originally] all in my head. I'm very visual, and I knew exactly what I wanted to create. I wanted to have a lifestyle brand, and looked to other American designers like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan. They also had these incredible worlds. Now, before each season, I create mood boards for each launch. Why manifesting and meditating is essential I really believe in staying grounded and meditating. If you can do that in a good, neutral place, then you can invite exciting things in. Again, it's about really believing in what you do, and staying true to your vision. As I've gotten older and found more confidence, I also believe in myself more. When I was younger, I would run myself ragged and take on too much. At this point in my career, I believe in hiring people around me that are better at their jobs than I am. It's really allowed me to stay in my lane and do what I'm good at, because that's where I am the most value add. If you're doing too much, then it's really difficult to be inspired and create beauty. When I am surrounded by nature, quiet, and calm is when I am the most creative. For the future, I'm manifesting for Oak Essentials to be in everybody's bathroom, and getting it on as many beautiful faces and bodies as we can. We're having great success with Ulta. We're in 250 stores and going into more. I'd love to go into hospitality. What I look for when I'm hiring It's about hiring people who are better at their job than I would be, but it's also about energy. You have to really like working with everyone that you're hiring. I'm an empath. I'm very sensitive to energy. For the most part, we all know what our instincts are, and it's important to listen to them. My 'aha' moment I had this instinct to shift the direction of the business and focus more on a core assortment and less on newness all the time. [I always want to] not do the things that feel too 'of the moment' or too 'on trend.' I didn't want to play the game of showing in New York, that everyone always thought you had to do. Once we did that, my business really grew and took off. So again, it's more about listening to your instincts and really responding to what your customers want from you, rather than what you think you have to do because other people are doing it. My email inbox strategy I just met with a digital organizer, and she was trying to teach me how to be an inbox-zero person. I just don't think that's for me. I flag what I cannot answer right away or what I need to keep or circle back to. I delete what feels unnecessary and the rest just stays opened in my email. But the idea is that everything should be no more than two clicks away. Why I got into beauty When I was pregnant with my first child, there really weren't great options for clean beauty. I started researching all the chemicals that were in our daily life, whether it was in our cookware, food, or what you were putting on your skin. I've always taken my skin seriously, and it's a big part of my self care. People would always ask me about what I was using, and so I created products for where I thought there were holes, and it's grown from there. I also really like the idea of creating a spa-like experience at home, whether it be through the feeling of using the products, the texture, or the application. My multi-step bathing ritual I shower in the morning and after I exercise, but I've always been a bath person. It is what inspired the Oak Essentials bath salts. I think wind-down rituals are super important, especially for people who don't sleep very well. I've been trying to teach my 14-year-old daughter about them. At the end of the day, I love drawing a bath, whether it's with my littlest or on my own, and mixing in delicious bath salts and our Foaming Bath Oil too. I dim the lights, look outside, do a face mask, and either listen to a meditation or catch up with my kids. How I created my new bath products [For the bath oil], the scent profile had to be something that you could enjoy, take in, and relax with. It has lavender and chamomile, which really calms your nervous system and helps improve sleep quality. I love a floral, but I also like something that is very grounding, so there is geranium and balsam. [For the soak], I really wanted a salt that was going to help relax your muscles and get you ready for sleep, help de-stress, and soften your skin at the same time. There's European sea salt in there, as well as magnesium fluoride. I also wanted it to dissolve really well, because I don't want sediment at the bottom of my bath. I really want to feel like I'm getting all the benefits and that it is being absorbed into the water and my skin. I want all the Oak products to feel like you're at a spa, whether you're in your own bathroom or not. My ultimate beauty essentials I couldn't live without the Oak Essentials Ritual Face Oil or the Moisture Rich Facial Balm. I love the Rich Body Balm, and have been using our new Firming Plant Peptide Serum daily and see a huge difference in my skin. I also love the Retrouvé Eye Cream for night and my May Lindstrom Honey Mud mask. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Jenni Kayne Farmhouse Review
Those with an appreciation for California-based fashion designer Jenni Kayne's eponymous clothing, design and lifestyle brand can now get a deeper glimpse into its laid-back vibe. After a year of invite-only stays, the brand's Farmhouse is now available for public booking on Airbnb starting in May. Nestled on a cozy plot of land in Tivoli, New York, the Farmhouse is a beautiful four-bedroom, three-bathroom gem featuring a chef's kitchen, a pool and an on-site spa, the Oak Wellness Club. The aesthetic embodies Jenni's signature style, featuring items from the designer's own line of furniture, mixed with more than 70 vintage and antique pieces—some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 'There's something so lovely about spring and early summer in the Hudson Valley,' Kayne says. 'It's not too hot yet, the landscape is bright and ever-changing, and everyone seems to be coming alive after winter. I also love the fall upstate. You get to see all of the changing leaves, which isn't something we get here in L.A.' Here's everything you need to know before checking in. divider An aerial view of the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. Michael Clifford Photography divider Start your day with a farmhouse-inspired breakfast, then grab a spot by the pool, where you can lounge all day while listening to the sounds of nature. Wellness abounds at this property, from the on-site sauna, to the cold plunge and hot tub, to the Oak Wellness Club, a beautiful greenhouse that offers massages and facials featuring Kayne's Oak Essentials line of natural, nontoxic skincare, body care, bath products and spa-inspired fragrances. The barrel sauna and cold plunge at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. Courtesy of Airbnb divider The Farmhouse features four serene bedrooms decked out in rich hues, plus three spa-like bathrooms stocked with Oak Essentials products, making it a perfect escape for a girls' trip or a romantic weekend getaway with a significant other. 'I've always had a natural instinct and interest in creating whole environments that reflect a certain feeling: grounded, beautiful, effortless,' Kayne says. 'And I've always loved sharing these environments with friends and family. So extending into interiors as the next lifestyle touchpoint was just a natural extension of both my creative inspiration and the brand as a whole.' divider Tivoli is worth a visit any time of the year—I've visited in both the middle of summer and late fall. But one of the most lively and memorable times to visit is in summer, when the weather is ideal and guests can enjoy all the outdoor amenities the property has to offer. Those looking for adventure in the area can also book hiking or wine tasting trips. For a more leisurely experience nearby, the boutiques in downtown Hudson are definitely worth a visit. 'Stissing House is my absolute favorite,' Kaye says. 'Every meal there is incredible and the ambience is just perfect.' divider Jenni Kayne's Farmhouse is located 100 miles from New York City, about a two-hour drive. It's also accessible by train, a ride of about two hours and 40 minutes (Amtrak to Hudson, followed by a 20-minute Uber ride). The closest airport is Albany International Airport, about a one-hour drive.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Inside Look: Jenni Kayne's Farmhouse In Upstate New York
Those with an appreciation for California-based fashion designer Jenni Kayne's eponymous clothing, design and lifestyle brand can now get a deeper glimpse into its laid-back vibe. After a year of invite-only stays, the brand's Farmhouse is now available for public booking on Airbnb starting in May. Nestled on a cozy plot of land in Tivoli, New York, the Farmhouse is a beautiful four-bedroom, three-bathroom gem featuring a chef's kitchen, a pool and an on-site spa, the Oak Wellness Club. The aesthetic embodies Jenni's signature style, featuring items from the designer's own line of furniture, mixed with more than 70 vintage and antique pieces—some dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 'There's something so lovely about spring and early summer in the Hudson Valley,' Kayne says. 'It's not too hot yet, the landscape is bright and ever-changing, and everyone seems to be coming alive after winter. I also love the fall upstate. You get to see all of the changing leaves, which isn't something we get here in L.A.' Here's everything you need to know before checking in. An aerial view of the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. Start your day with a farmhouse-inspired breakfast, then grab a spot by the pool, where you can lounge all day while listening to the sounds of nature. Wellness abounds at this property, from the on-site sauna, to the cold plunge and hot tub, to the Oak Wellness Club, a beautiful greenhouse that offers massages and facials featuring Kayne's Oak Essentials line of natural, nontoxic skincare, body care, bath products and spa-inspired fragrances. The barrel sauna and cold plunge at the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse. The Farmhouse features four serene bedrooms decked out in rich hues, plus three spa-like bathrooms stocked with Oak Essentials products, making it a perfect escape for a girls' trip or a romantic weekend getaway with a significant other. 'I've always had a natural instinct and interest in creating whole environments that reflect a certain feeling: grounded, beautiful, effortless,' Kayne says. 'And I've always loved sharing these environments with friends and family. So extending into interiors as the next lifestyle touchpoint was just a natural extension of both my creative inspiration and the brand as a whole.' Tivoli is worth a visit any time of the year—I've visited in both the middle of summer and late fall. But one of the most lively and memorable times to visit is in summer, when the weather is ideal and guests can enjoy all the outdoor amenities the property has to offer. Those looking for adventure in the area can also book hiking or wine tasting trips. For a more leisurely experience nearby, the boutiques in downtown Hudson are definitely worth a visit. 'Stissing House is my absolute favorite,' Kaye says. 'Every meal there is incredible and the ambience is just perfect.' Jenni Kayne's Farmhouse is located 100 miles from New York City, about a two-hour drive. It's also accessible by train, a ride of about two hours and 40 minutes (Amtrak to Hudson, followed by a 20-minute Uber ride). The closest airport is Albany International Airport, about a one-hour drive.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oak Essentials Announces National Retail Partnership with Ulta Beauty
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Oak Essentials, the California-based clean luxury beauty brand, announces its expansion into Ulta Beauty stores nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the brand's retail growth strategy. Following its successful online presence at the brand will debut through the retailer's emerging brand platform, Sparked, across custom displays in over 250+ Ulta Beauty locations, starting February 2nd, 2025. "We couldn't be more thrilled to be partnering with Ulta Beauty on significantly expanding our in-store retail footprint. From our first meeting, it was clear that the Ulta Beauty team really understood the world of Oak Essentials as an extension of the Jenni Kayne lifestyle, and we are so excited to be representing all our categories (skin, body, fragrance, and bath) in stores," says Lauren Harris, CEO of Oak Essentials. "Ulta Beauty's unique position as a destination that seamlessly blends prestige and mainstream beauty, combined with their nationwide presence, and deeply engaged community, makes them the perfect partner for Oak Essentials. We can't wait to meet their customers in-person and give them the premium, spa-like experience that defines our brand." "We're thrilled to bring Oak Essentials into select Ulta Beauty stores, expanding on the incredible response from guests across our in just a few short months," says Lisa Tamburello, Vice President of Merchandising at Ulta Beauty. "Their consciously-made yet luxurious approach to self-care connects deeply to our guests who crave both efficacy and a touch of everyday indulgence. We're excited to bring their elevated, spa-like experience to life in our stores, inspiring beauty rituals that align with our mission to spread joy and elevate every beauty journey." In just three years, Oak Essentials has quickly established itself as a premium beauty brand with remarkable growth and innovation in the skincare and body care industries. The brand's mission to simplify self-care aligns with the Ulta customer that values efficacy and craves a sensorial, aesthetic beauty experience at home. Ulta Beauty will feature Oak Essentials' complete collection of skincare, body care, bath, and fragrance products, including the brand's best-selling Moisture Rich Balm, Ritual Oil, and Dew Body Oil. Moisture Rich Balm has been a standout product for the brand, growing from $400K in 2021 to $2.3M in revenue in 2023, garnering over 886 five-star reviews, and achieving "hero" status in the line. Each Oak Essentials' product exemplifies the brand's simple promise: Moisture-rich essentials that inspire intentional daily rituals for healthy, youthful skin. "At Oak Essentials, we create intentional products that bring spa-like rituals to the comfort of your home. The Ulta Beauty guest's savvy approach to beauty, desire for aesthetic packaging, and expectation for clean ingredients make our partnership a perfect match. Ulta is the authority in prestige clean beauty, made accessible and Oak Essentials' clean, no-fuss, high-performance products align with the ethos that Ulta's customer base is built on. We can't wait to meet the Ulta clientele face-to-face this year. Through our in-store presence, experiential spa activations, and in-person events, we'll be able to showcase the full potential of our brand and create meaningful connections with new customers," says Joanne Godard, VP of Sales. To celebrate the launch, Oak Essentials will host pop-up experiences and events at select Ulta Beauty locations throughout 2025, where customers can experience the brand's signature treatments and learn about their intentional approach to skincare. The partnership will also bring new Oak Essentials product launches exclusively to Ulta Beauty shoppers first—all throughout the year. The expansion comes at a time of significant growth for Oak Essentials, which was founded by lifestyle tastemaker Jenni Kayne. "When I created Oak Essentials, I envisioned bringing the transformative power of spa-inspired skincare into people's daily lives," says Jenni. "This partnership with Ulta Beauty represents a pivotal moment in realizing that vision on a national scale, making our botanical-based, results-driven formulas accessible to conscious consumers across the country." In 2024, Oak Essentials achieved 30% sales growth and strategic expansion into the bath category through its innovative launch, Cloud Foaming Bath Oil. The brand secured pivotal first-round funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures, enabling accelerated product development, enhanced marketing initiatives, and broader distribution channels. Oak Essentials champions a dual commitment to efficacy and sustainability. Its meticulously crafted formulations support skin health through clean, hydrating ingredients that meet rigorous Sephora Clean, Credo Clean, and EU/UK standards. With 60% water-free products, 100% recyclable packaging, and the brand's pursuit of B Corp certification, Oak Essentials demonstrates leadership in both premium skincare and environmental stewardship. THE DESIGN Oak Essentials will take over aisle endcaps, displaying a design inspired by nature. The shopping experience is both grounding and immersive, emphasizing natural and sustainable design elements throughout. Products are thoughtfully displayed on cork risers, while the shelves feature light woodgrain veneers that reflect the brand's connection to nature. Clear category labels are silkscreened onto the shelf fronts, making it simple for customers to find specific products. Testers are prominently positioned on custom acrylic risers, encouraging shoppers to experience the products firsthand. An innovative and interactive design component allows shoppers to lift any bottle or jar to reveal hidden details underneath—including the formula's texture, aromatherapy benefits, and scent notes. "For our in-store presence, we knew from the start that we wanted to build a custom display that's intuitive to shop, educates the customer on our products, and brings them into the world of Oak Essentials," says Oak Essentials VP of Brand & Art Direction, Johanna Ketterle, "Retail environments are often busy and overstimulating, so we wanted to impart a moment of spa-like calmness. It was important to our team to incorporate natural and sustainable materials with real wood veneer shelf covers and natural cork product risers. And the large landscape painting by artist Hannah Winters felt like the perfect embodiment of our brand—serving as a serene backdrop for our neutral, aesthetic packaging." OAK ESSENTIALS AT ULTA BEAUTY ENDCAP LOCATIONS: Alabama Birmingham, Daphne, Madison, Mobile, Pell City Alaska Anchorage Arizona Casa Grande, Mesa Arkansas Fayetteville, Jonesboro California Carlsbad, Costa Mesa, Laguna Niguel, Livermore, Palm Desert, Porter Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, Rolling Hills Estates, San Clemente, San Diego, Canoga Park Colorado Castle Rock Connecticut Guilford, Lisbon, Old Saybrook, Southbury Florida Altamonte Springs, Aventura, Boynton Beach, Crestview, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Miami / S. Florida, Naples, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines Georgia Brunswick, Dalton, Johns Creek, Marietta, Monroe, Peachtree Corners, Woodstock Hawaii Kahului Idaho Coeur D'Alene, Lewiston Illinois Algonquin, Arlington Heights, Fairview Heights, Geneva, Joliet, McHenry, Peoria, Schaumburg, Vernon Hills Indiana Evansville, Merrillville Kansas Overland Park, Wichita Kentucky Lexington, Louisville Louisiana Baton Rouge, Bossier City, Covington, Harahan, Ruston, Shreveport Maine Bangor, South Portland Maryland Bel Air, Cockeysville, Frederick, Hanover, Pasadena, Prince Frederick Massachusetts Bellingham, Dartmouth, Foxborough, Hadley, Hyannis, Watertown, Woburn Michigan Ann Arbor, Brighton, Midland, Mount Pleasant, Rochester Hills Minnesota Baxter, St. Cloud Mississippi Flowood, Meridian, Starkville Missouri Brentwood, Columbia, Independence Montana Billings Nebraska Omaha Nevada Elko, Las Vegas, Reno New Hampshire Manchester, Nashua, Seabrook New Jersey Ledgewood, Mays Landing, Manahawkin, Mt. Laurel, Phillipsburg, Rio Grande, Wall Township, Watchung New York Bridgehampton, Hartsdale, Massapequa Park, Plattsburgh, Victor, Central Valley North Carolina Arden, Asheboro, Charlotte, Clemmons, Matthews, Nags Head, Wilmington, Winston Salem Ohio Cincinnati, Columbus, Warrensville Heights Oklahoma Ardmore, Edmond, Moore, Tulsa Oregon Salem Pennsylvania Collegeville, Exton, Hanover, Johnstown, King of Prussia, Langhorne, Plymouth Meeting, Quakertown, Springfield Rhode Island Cranston, Middletown, Smithfield South Carolina Anderson, Lexington, Mount Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Sumter Tennessee Chattanooga, Franklin, Jackson, Kingsport, Knoxville, Tullahoma Texas Allen, Amarillo, Arlington, Brenham, Conroe, Cypress, Dallas, Euless, Fulshear, Georgetown, Granbury, Houston, Kemah, League City, Lewisville, Longview Virginia Leesburg, Manassas, Richmond, Stafford, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Warrenton Washington Gig Harbor, Issaquah West Virginia Charleston, Martinsburg Wisconsin Brookfield OAK ESSENTIALS AT ULTA BEAUTY SPARKED LOCATIONS: Alabama Florence Alaska Anchorage Arizona Desert Ridge, Gilbert, Goodyear, North Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tempe California Bakersfield, Burbank, Cupertino, Glendora, Oceanside, Pinole, Redlands, Redondo Beach, San Clemente, San Diego, San Jose, San Jose, San Mateo, Santa Rosa, Southgate, Sunnyvale, Valencia Colorado Colorado Springs, Greeley, Littleton Connecticut Manchester Florida Boca Raton, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Panama City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Wesley Chapel, Winter Garden, Winter Park Georgia Athens, Buford, Gainesville Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Norridge Iowa Ames Kentucky Lexington, Paducah Louisiana Bossier City Massachusetts Northboro Michigan Allen Park, Ann Arbor, Chesterfield, Novi, Troy, Walker Minnesota Coon Rapids, Duluth, Minnetonka, Woodbury Missouri Springfield New York Huntington Station, Massapequa Park, New York, New York, Poughkeepsie, Staten Island North Carolina Burlington, Garner, Greensboro, Greensboro, Holly Springs, Raleigh, Wilmington North Dakota Fargo Ohio Boardman Oklahoma Norman, Yukon Oregon Corvallis, Keizer Pennsylvania Erie Tennessee Clarksville Texas Amarillo, Austin, College Station, Conroe, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Lufkin, Midland, Odessa, The Woodlands Utah Salt Lake City Virginia Charlottesville, Newport News, Roanoke, Winchester Washington Silverdale, Tukwila About Oak EssentialsOak Essentials was created by visionary tastemaker Jenni Kayne, renowned for her esteemed lifestyle brand. Her inherent style of luxurious living and years of perfecting her own clean skin-care routine led to the creation of Oak Essentials. Inspired by a transformative experience of indulgent treatments, our promise is simple: We offer a meticulous assortment of skincare essentials that value efficacy and results alongside experience and aesthetic. We deliver simple, spa-quality self-care, designed to elevate daily rituals effortlessly. For more information on Oak Essentials and Ulta locations, visit or Follow along: @oakessentials View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Oak Essentials Sign in to access your portfolio
