What Do You Know About Cake Beauty?

Between running a cosmetics business and raising two sons, you’d think Heather Reier would be too tired to innovate at work. As the owner of Cake Beauty, based in Toronto, says keeping everyone organized and reminding herself not to sweat being perfect help keep her focused.

Her line of body and hair products sells at Sephora, Murale, specialty beauty shops and online at cakebeauty.com. A recent score: a small custom line called Be Delectable.

Originally from Kitchener, Ont., Reier studied political science and worked at Roots Canada before starting out on her own. When she launched Cake in 2003, she set out to create products with healthy ingredients such as coconut oil and shea butter; luxurious textures; confectionery scents such as vanilla, coconut, lemon and orange; and a “girly” vibe with fun names and lots of pink on the packaging.

There are two fragrance-free options under the moniker “Unsweet” (a hand cream and a body mousse), and Reier also wants to craft more dual-use products along the lines of her Satin Sugar, a hair and body powder, and Milk Made, a hand and cuticle buffer.

Reir gets business advice from her entrepreneurial-minded husband, Oliver. But it’s mom Barbara Reier who is “a sounding board for me and gives practical suggestions when I’m contemplating an issue,” says Reier. “I talk to her every day. At least half the time, it’s about Cake!”

This article was originally titled “Beauty bites” in an issue of Best Health Magazine. Subscribe today to get the full Best Health experience – and never miss an issue!