Who are you
Such an existential question to start! On the surface, my name is Ryan Knowles, I am creative director/director of communications for indie skincare brand Immunocologie as well as a photographer and dog person. Sorry to all you cat people out there. I’m a fluent french speaker, surfer.
Where are you originally from
Originally born in sweet home Chicago, Illinois. #gocubs
What’s the name of your company and title
My company’s name is Immunocologie and I am the Creative Director/Director of Communications
What inspired you to begin working at your company
I was previously working in the film industry and my mother, who is a skincare industry veteran and at the time had just recovered from cancer, wanted to build a skincare brand with products as healthy and clean as they were luxe and effective, what we both felt truly embodied a luxurious experience when it comes to skincare. From how you source and extract ingredients, the process in which they’re engineered into the product, the science, to the final application and experience of the customer, it all ties together, and not many people were doing it right. She wanted me to help build that story and share it with others. It was an incredibly exciting project and I told myself “why not”. Three years later, we’re sold in 5 countries and expanding to even more next year.
What’s your go-to mantra
Take care of yourself and you will take care of others.
If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what animal would you choose to be and why
An eagle, no doubt. They’re great hunters as well as survivors, and I also wish I could fly.
Where’s your ideal vacation spot
Anywhere that is the exact opposite of New York City, as long as I can surf.
First album you ever bought
The first album I bought with my own money was a vinyl compilation of Johnny Cash‘s first recordings at Sun Records when I was 9.
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten
A terrible blood sausage native to the south of France. You don’t want to know the details.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you and why
Assuming I’d be stranded with clothes on, I’d have a lighter, a Ka-bar knife, and a GPS locater. A lighter to build fire, obviously. A knife to forage meals. A GPS locater so I don’t have to stay on a desert island any longer than necessary.
Where would you rather be right now
I’m right where I should be.
How did you first hear about Blender
Some very good mutual friends. Shoutout Amie Claps!
What made you ultimately move your business to Blender
I have to admit, I generally strongly dislike cowork spaces, but blender had a completely different energy. The space is beautifully decorated and much more tasteful than your typical cowork situation. I enjoy the fact that members are well curated. The other businesses here are all doing amazing things. Everyone is working incredibly hard on making things happen and I think that energy is felt throughout. It’s inspiring to be around, especially on those longer, tougher days. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made as a business.
What would you curate for Blender’s next event
We did a wellness suite last month that included massages, mini facials, skin consultations, and personal fragrance consultations. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Everyone works very hard here, so I would love to organize another one for member’s to take advantage of during their busy day.
Check out our other member profiles like Ryan Knowles here!