Lincoln Square Resident Creates Organic Cosmetics Line, Now at Ravensgoods

Buying local doesn't get any better than this: the ladies of Lincoln Square can now don cosmetics made right in the neighborhood. 

Toria Shaw creates products that feature natural and organic ingredients. And now, residents can find her products at Ravensgoods, 4703 N. Damen Ave.

The Lincoln Square resident was running out of make-up one day and like many women, looked at the bottle before finding a replacement. 

"I saw all the ingredients and said, 'Why am I putting these chemicals on my face?'" she said. 

The localvore took to internet research and a few body care classes later, turned her kitchen into a mini-laboratory. In that kitchen, Consciously, Tori health and beauty products were born. 

Her first product was an eye make-up remover made rom ingredients bought at Trader Joe's and Whole Foods. After that, she moved on to body oils, leave-in conditioner and room sprays. 

"I feel like such a little chemist," she said. "But I've always been driven by what I need."

In June, Shaw experimented on her friends and family. The locavore grew her own lavender to infuse the plant's water and oil into her products. 

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Inspiration for her scents comes from all over the globe. As an avid traveler, concepts found in Thailand and Africa have made their way into Shaw's kitchen. 

"Africa has a huge influence in my products," she said. "They're very concious of what they put into their bodies."

For 7 years, Shaw ran a nonprofit that strengthened healthcare initiatives in the country. There, she learned about the dangers of toxic materials to humans. 

Now, she works as a program manager for Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. 

"Once you have your own business, it's hard to go back to working for someone else," she said. "I needed a creative outlet."

That creative outlet has now led to online sales in addition to physical products at Ravensgoods. 

For the fall, Shaw plans new products with heavier scents for the weather—like a cardamom and rose room spray.