A Boketto Moment with Meredith Baird Figone of Nucifera
We sat down *virtually* with Meredith Baird Figone of Nucifera to talk about simplicity, balance, and Taurus energy.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you love to do?
My career was in the plant based food world where I’ve written several cookbooks and worked in the restaurant business. My passion is definitely in being creative with my hands, and putting ingredients together in unique ways. This is how Nucifera was ultimately formulated.
My loves are really simple. Hanging out with my family, being outside, hiking, and it helps if the beach is nearby. My favorite thing to do locally is just take our bikes to the beach and hang. Or take a hike. So simple, and so good.
How did you come to create Nucifera?
I started suffering from eczema in my mid 20s, and was determined to hack it. At this time there weren't nearly the same amount of natural skincare options. I started researching every plant based oil, butter and essential oil to find what worked for me. What I came up with was the perfect formula for my skin. When I was writing my book Coconut Kitchen I was inspired by the ease of use with one ingredient like coconut oil. The Balm that I had already developed worked very much in the same way. You can use it to moisturize, shave, face wash, hair, etc. I really combined my formula with this idea of simplicity to create Nucifera.
You say that you intuitively knew that the world of skincare didn't have the right solution for you! I love this so much. Can you speak a little bit about the importance of body wisdom and intuition for you in your process?
I feel like this idea is such a hot topic right now actually! Balancing intuition vs. maybe “harder facts.” My struggles with eczema (and being diagnosed with psoriasis) were an exercise in this thought process. I knew that my skin issues didn't just come out of nowhere, and worked to treat all of the potential causes. When a doctor handed me a can of prescription spray to put on my scalp, I 100% knew that wasn't right for me long term. Feeling good in your skin is about balance. It isn't about perfect skin or body, but it is about feeling balanced. At the time I struggled I wasn't in balance on many levels. I can look back now, and see SO many causes! From basic things like too much champagne and gluten to toxic relationships. The skincare process can be about finding balance, and better overall health— which I think is a really fun and empowering way to look at it. When you feel balanced, everything works and looks better— including your skin!
What do you hope people experience while using Nucifera products?
The life force of truly healing goodness! There are so many products out there that start as a 'brand', rather than a creation of value. You can do both simultaneously of course, but the essence of a product shouldn't be the brand identity— it should be the quality of the product. I think you can really tell the difference, and it feels so good when people tell me they can!
If you could have a tea or take a Boketto moment (a moment of daydreaming and of rest) with any person dead or alive who would it be? What kind of tea would you have?
I always think this is such a hard question. So many people! I think it's why I love podcasts so much. I love hearing people think and talk about so many different things. I would hang with Obama and ask him if aliens exist (I feel like he would be the most accurate, and I think they do). That would be with Jasmine green tea because I'd probably need to be a little hyped. Then maybe Diana Vreeland or Gloria Vanderbilt or any woman with a long, fashionable, eccentric life— full of random wisdom. This would be with Lemon Verbena in a room with wallpaper.
What does a moment of rest, recharging, or nourishment look like for you?
I think Taurean people :-) are generally good at this. I take baths and read almost daily. The longer the better- the length dictates the level of recharge.
What’s something you want people to know about you that I wouldn’t think to ask?
Hmmmm. Well, I had my gallbladder removed when I was in my early 20s, and I highly recommend anyone who has digestive issues have their gallbladder looked at.
Sun/Rising/Moon sign?
Taurus, Gemini, Leo