What You Need to Know About the Organic Beauty Industry

Guest Bio: Steve Shriver, President, Eco Lips Inc.

Steve Shriver is an entrepreneurial pioneer in the organic and sustainability movement within the United States. He has been in the natural and organic skin care business since 1997 and is the founder of Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm located in Marion, Iowa. A green enthusiast, Steve initiated a solar power project by working through IRENEW (Iowa Renewable Energy Association), an initiative that turned into one of Iowa’s largest solar power projects, gaining immediate support from the Department of Natural Resources and the State of Iowa.

In April 2007, Steve organized and ran the Organic Endurathon in Iowa, a 10-day event that included running across Iowa while educating on how to live an organic lifestyle. In 2008, Steve received the “40 under 40” award from Natural Foods Merchandiser which honored natural products industry members who had demonstrated a spirit of innovation, leadership and community involvement. Also, he was the recipient of the 2008 Radish Award for his Organic Endurathon, which inspired people throughout the U.S. to use his Organic Marathon as a model for their own.

In 2013, Steve created the first-ever create-your-own organic lip balm called [My] Eco Lips, which empowered consumers to create their own custom lip balm using high quality, organic ingredients. Eco Lips also became an official B Corp in 2013 which recognizes companies that focus on the triple bottom line – people, planet and profits. Steve continues to raise the stakes in the natural lip balm category by launching the first 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging as well as the first refillable lip balm.

In May 2014, Steve was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” and Eco Lips was named one of the fastest growing companies in Eastern Iowa by The Corridor Business Journal. In August 2014, Eco Lips hit the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing privately held companies. Eco Lips has been nominated again for the 2019 fastest growing companies in Eastern Iowa by The Corridor Business Journal. Steve’s other business interests include Brewhemia, a bustling local café, SOKO Outfitters, an outdoor adventure store featuring Patagonia, Prana, Ten Tree, and other sustainable brands.

Steve encourages others to pursue creative innovation in the State of Iowa through speaking engagements and as a guest panel expert at entrepreneurial events. In Steve’s spare time, he enjoys cooking and travelling with his wife and three daughters as well as playing music and pursuing outdoor adventures.