For the second in our All About Me interview series, JC talks to us about his organic skincare business based in Turnpike Lane.
Jun Keung Cheung - Queenie Organics
What do you make?
Organic, vegan, palm oil free skincare.
How long have you been running your creative business?
Just over six years.
What inspired you to start your creative business?
I wanted to make organic skincare for myself. Since birth, I have had a number of minor skin issues including cold sores, rashes and dry skin. I began researching natural alternatives to remedy these problems. While working on a documentary about the refugee crisis I found the impetus to create Queenie Organics as a way of raising money for the charities I was working with at the time. The business has grown from there.
Do you work at this full-time on your creative business or alongside other work? Tell us about your other work?
This is one of three side hustles. I am also a semi-retired cinematographer and still shoot the odd project. I also trade and invest in various financial products.
Organic, vegan, palm oil free skincare.
How long have you been running your creative business?
Just over six years.
What inspired you to start your creative business?
I wanted to make organic skincare for myself. Since birth, I have had a number of minor skin issues including cold sores, rashes and dry skin. I began researching natural alternatives to remedy these problems. While working on a documentary about the refugee crisis I found the impetus to create Queenie Organics as a way of raising money for the charities I was working with at the time. The business has grown from there.
Do you work at this full-time on your creative business or alongside other work? Tell us about your other work?
This is one of three side hustles. I am also a semi-retired cinematographer and still shoot the odd project. I also trade and invest in various financial products.
How did you learn your craft - are you self-taught or did you attend courses - if so what and where?
Making creams was self taught. I knew nothing about making creams when I started and it took a lot of R&D. It was a bit of a rabbit hole and I became a little obsessed with creating the highest quality creams I could that also held up ethical standards.
Making creams was self taught. I knew nothing about making creams when I started and it took a lot of R&D. It was a bit of a rabbit hole and I became a little obsessed with creating the highest quality creams I could that also held up ethical standards.
What is it you love most about the creative process?
Finding solutions to creating a finished product - which is also a core part of my other job as a cinematographer. During the R&D of the creams, the most difficult part was finding palm oil free emulsifiers as there were SO few (still not many), and making the products organic, vegan and palm oil free AND be great creams that actually deliver what they purport to do. I think the process of that was only enjoyable when it finally came together! Then I was able to build on and improve on that basis. Things such as balancing viscosity, skin feel, texture and costs are part of the formulation process. Although it is creation, it is more akin to cooking and science. Magic can often be a well disguised craft.
Finding solutions to creating a finished product - which is also a core part of my other job as a cinematographer. During the R&D of the creams, the most difficult part was finding palm oil free emulsifiers as there were SO few (still not many), and making the products organic, vegan and palm oil free AND be great creams that actually deliver what they purport to do. I think the process of that was only enjoyable when it finally came together! Then I was able to build on and improve on that basis. Things such as balancing viscosity, skin feel, texture and costs are part of the formulation process. Although it is creation, it is more akin to cooking and science. Magic can often be a well disguised craft.
Is there another craft you are drawn to other than your own?
Drawing, ceramics, painting- I also do all the photography and design for Queenie’s website and socials- courtesy of an arts background.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
When initially designing the website and packaging, I looked at fashion magazines from the 90’s, art deco cosmetics and current cosmetic design.
How do you find you benefit from being part of a creative collective?
I like seeing what others are doing and chatting about their process and craft and being part of this community of crafts people.
Drawing, ceramics, painting- I also do all the photography and design for Queenie’s website and socials- courtesy of an arts background.
Where do you look for creative inspiration?
When initially designing the website and packaging, I looked at fashion magazines from the 90’s, art deco cosmetics and current cosmetic design.
How do you find you benefit from being part of a creative collective?
I like seeing what others are doing and chatting about their process and craft and being part of this community of crafts people.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists, designers and makers?
Do what you like, not what others expect or desire. Although I think this needs to be balanced with what market/industry you intend to enter to sell your work as this will require innovation, fresh ideas and a USP (unique selling point) if you want your 'product' to stand out.
What is the biggest challenge of running a creative business?
Making enough financially to make it worth maintaining as a small business and the physical space and materials needed to run it.
When you're not working on your business, how do you like to spend your time? hobbies, pastimes etc
Gardening, cooking, podcasts, films and TV, reading and dancing the tango.
Shop Queenie Organics here
Do what you like, not what others expect or desire. Although I think this needs to be balanced with what market/industry you intend to enter to sell your work as this will require innovation, fresh ideas and a USP (unique selling point) if you want your 'product' to stand out.
What is the biggest challenge of running a creative business?
Making enough financially to make it worth maintaining as a small business and the physical space and materials needed to run it.
When you're not working on your business, how do you like to spend your time? hobbies, pastimes etc
Gardening, cooking, podcasts, films and TV, reading and dancing the tango.
Shop Queenie Organics here
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