Agent Woman

[ey-juhnt woo m-uh n]

adjective 

A woman with tenacity, confidence, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a distinct point of view when it comes to holistic beauty and wellness. Women that our founder, Jena Covello, admire most. 

After months of searching for products that wouldn’t irritate Soapwalla’s founder, Rachel Winard’s sensitive skin caused by systematic lupus, she set out to create a range of skincare essentials that support the complexion. Known for her deodorant creams, Winard approach’s skincare the same way she approaches food. The entrepreneur focuses on natural ingredients, meaning sans synthetics like petrochemical by-products, parabens, phthalates, etc. Meet Agent Woman, Rachel Winard.

Name: Rachel Winard

Instagram: @soapwalla (business);  @tiny_ninja_nyc (personal)

Beauty Icon: It’s a tie between David Bowie and Janelle Monae.

Favorite city for inspiration: It’s a tie between NYC and Paris. I have a hard time picking favorites.

Introvert or extrovert:  Introvert.

Daily uniform: Jeans and a flannel shirt.

AM ritual: I get up by 5 am, make a cup of coffee, play with my kitty, answer emails, practice yoga or box, and then get myself ready for work.

PM wind down: I stop looking at all screens at least an hour before I sleep. Every few nights, I take a hot bath with Soapwalla’s soaking salts, then read in bed for an hour or so before I crash around 9 pm.

Secret skill: I have perfect pitch.

Best Advice you’ve ever received: Don’t worry about what others are doing. Put your head down and do the work. That’s how you move forward.

A mistake you’ve learned from: Ha! There are so many! The biggest mistake I’ve learned from many times, as it sometimes takes a while for things to stick: when I don’t listen to my instincts, things nearly always fall apart. When I do, they never do.

To your younger self: You’re doing great. And your weirdness is your best asset, so keep on being weird.

A wellness expert who has significantly helped you: Dr. Vasant Lad.

Favorite wellness/beauty book: When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron.

Three things you’re really into right now: Chocolate, my favorite pajama bottoms, and Schitt’s Creek.

How are you managing anxiety in light of COVID-19: It totally depends on the day. Some days, I feel like I’m a superhero—I’ve got everything balanced, I’m feeling good, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Other days, it’s the opposite. Every day I breathe deeply for 10 minutes and I move my body. Those two things help me feel as normal as possible during these abnormal times.

Is there a COVID-19 silver lining for you: This is such a perfect opportunity to realize just how vital small businesses are to the fabric and culture of your community. Now, more than ever, it’s time to support all our small neighborhood shops and our favorite online stores.