From NFL to Beauty Entrepreneur: How A Football Star Turned a Dream into a Vegan, Sustainable Brand
Have you ever faced a life-changing event that completely shifted your path? Chris Keski knows that feeling all too well. From being an NFL draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers to launching his successful vegan beauty brand, Chella, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. When a career-ending injury forced him out of professional football, Chris could have easily given up. Instead, he dove into entrepreneurship, eventually finding his passion in the beauty industry.
The Beginning of Chella
Chris started his journey in 2003 by launching Chella, a beauty brand focused on skincare. Initially, his goal was simple: to create a business that was recession-proof. He chose the beauty industry for its longevity and potential for high margins. But Chella wasn’t just about profit. Chris's personal experiences and values led him to shape Chella into a brand with a higher purpose.
In 2016, he made a significant shift, transforming Chella into a vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable beauty brand. This decision wasn't just about health—though Chris himself turned vegan after experiencing a health scare in 2017—it was also about compassion. His evolving understanding of the environment, animal welfare, and the beauty industry’s impact on the planet motivated him to push for a brand that truly made a difference.
Compassion and Sustainability: The Heart of Chella
Chella's mission today goes beyond beauty products; it’s about supporting dreams, aspirations, and transformations. Chris shared in his recent interview on The Wild Party Podcast how his company is dedicated to inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility. From sourcing materials with integrity to being plastic-neutral and carbon-neutral, Chella is redefining beauty standards.
Chris’s decision to embrace veganism, both personally and professionally, was driven by compassion. He realized that animals are sentient beings, and he wanted to make choices that reflect care for the planet and all its inhabitants. This consciousness extends to every aspect of Chella, from the ingredients used to the packaging.
Building a Brand That Lasts
Success didn’t come overnight for Chris. His journey from filling bottles on his dining room table to having Chella products featured in luxury spas like the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton took years of hard work and perseverance. Along the way, he learned that building a brand isn’t just about marketing and sales; it’s about creating a product that resonates with people on a deeper level.
One key to Chella’s success has been its focus on a niche market—brows and eyes. By becoming experts in this area, Chella has positioned itself as a leader in the beauty industry. And with exciting new products in development, like a tinted eyebrow gel with vegan microfibers, the brand continues to innovate.
The Story Continues
Chris Kolodziejski’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a commitment to making the world a better place. His journey from professional football to founding a successful vegan beauty brand is filled with valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and conscious consumers alike.
To hear more about Chris’s inspiring journey and insights on building a mission-driven business, listen to the full interview on The Wild Party Podcast, streaming now on your favorite podcast player.
Ready to support a brand that aligns with your values? Visit Chella Beauty and discover their range of vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable products. Join the movement for a more conscious and beautiful world!
