ROSE-MARIE SWIFT

FOUNDER OF RMS BEAUTY Severe health challenges led Rose-Marie Swift to discover that the toxic chemicals and heavy metals in her system were also in the beauty products she used. So the West Vancouver native created an organic colourcosmetics line that is now sold worldwide. What did you recently learn that had a powerful effect on your life? “Knowledge is power, but there is knowledge outside of education and experience, and that is listening to your intuition. I intuitively knew answers, but I ignored them and made mistakes that I regretted. Now, I actually listen to my intuition, which has had a major impact on my life. I totally trust it now.”

Do you believe in the power of admitting a mistake? “I am the first one to admit when I have made a mistake. Ego and stubbornness are a turnoff, and they get you nowhere.”

How do you use your power for good?

“As a makeup artist in the industry for over 36 years, I learned through experience that powerful elements are available via Mother Nature and that the knowledge of their power was not being truly recognized by today’s beauty industry. I used that knowledge and passion for health as well as the planet to create my brand. I strongly believe that every woman should have access to clean beauty so she never has to compromise her health.” Your brand is turning 10 this year and has been a pioneer in clean beauty. What was the biggest challenge you faced? “Every aspect of creating my brand was a challenge, but the hardest one was changing the mindset of people regarding the questionable/ debatable ingredients [used] in the cosmetics industry and breaking through the ‘all cosmetics are safe for you’ programming.”