Interview
Interview With The GoldenFinch Boutique
Charlotte Beck, Founder of The GoldenFinch Boutique
Interviewed By Author Kristy Doubet Haare
January 8th, 2025
I first met Charlotte in 2020, behind the bright turquoise door in historic downtown Washington, Illinois; where century-old buildings line the square. Just beyond its threshold was a shop filled with colorful curiosities, golden lights, and lush greenery spilling from floor to ceiling. It’s the kind of place that instantly sparks your creativity and invites you to linger and explore every nook.
Past the cozy seating area at the heart of the boutique, my eyes were drawn to a stunning display in the far corner—a grand basin below a large, golden round mirror surrounded by apothecary jars and natural sea sponges. That’s where Charlotte, warmly introduced me to the Goldenfinch Boutique skincare line.
Kristy Q: “How Did You Get Interested In Organic Skincare?”
Charlotte A: “Like many women, I didn’t put much thought into what was actually in the skincare products I was using. It wasn’t until my early 20s when I became a licensed esthetician in the suburbs of Chicago, that I understood the importance of high-quality, effective skincare.
Soon after I became a wife and mother and felt the call to step away from my career and focus on being a stay-at-home mom. Some 12 years later I opened the GoldenFinch Boutique where I combined my passion for skincare with my dream of creating something meaningful.”
Kristy Q: “What Was The Milestone Or Turning Point That Spurred You On To Create Your Skincare Line?”
Charlotte A: “I wanted a spectacular skincare line to feature in my boutique—something simple, effective, and beautiful.
I began researching safe, all-natural skincare products. At the time, I was hunting for a product line that had everything I wanted: simplicity, versatility for all skin types, and results that spoke for themselves.
But the more I searched, the more I realized how hard it was to find a straightforward, high-quality line that truly worked. You see, I only wanted to offer the best of the best in my boutique, but nothing checked all the boxes at a price point that would work for my customers.
Then, it hit me! I had an epiphany - My cousin Eve is an organic chemist. I thought, why not team up and create my OWN SKINCARE LINE? That’s exactly what we did, and it’s been a dream come true to see my vision come to life.”
Kristy Q: “How Did You Begin?”
Charlotte A: “It all started with a lot of research and experimenting. I tried countless products on my skin and completely fell in love with the transformative power of essential oils. The process led us to identify the key ingredients that could create the change I wanted to see in my skin.”
Kristy Q: “How Did You Select The Ingredients?”
Charlotte A: “I teamed up with my cousin, Eve Pavkov, an organic chemist based in Portland, Oregon. Together, we brainstormed what I wanted to achieve with a simple, three-step skincare system.
Over several months, we went back and forth, testing and refining formulas to find the best combination of ingredients—ones that could safely and effectively work for all skin types. Eventually, we landed on the spectacular formula that makes up the GoldenFinch Organic skincare line.”
Kristy Q: “Where Do You Source Your Ingredients?”
Charlotte A: “We’re so proud of the quality and care that goes into sourcing every ingredient. For example, the calendula and lavender flowers in our Grains are grown RIGHT HERE in Illinois.
Our essential oils are steam-distilled by a small American company that crafts each batch fresh to order. They also produce the lavender hydrosol we use in our Toner, ensuring every step meets the highest standards.
The powdered ingredients are sourced from Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods local to Eve in Oregon. Fun Fact: Eve once met Bob himself—you know, the white-bearded legend on every Bob’s Red Mill package—at an old company event!
Every ingredient comes from USA-based companies, like Bob's that specialize in each type of ingredient; except our matcha. But let’s be honest, nothing beats authentic Japanese matcha powder, right?”
Kristy Q: “Did You Always Want To Create A Skincare Product?”
Charlotte A: “No at all. But I’m a very determined person and when I couldn’t find what I was looking for - I found a way. Partnering with Eve, an expert in the field of organic chemistry allowed me to develop a line of products for the skin, like no other.”
Kristy Q: “What’s Unique About The GoldenFinch Skin Care Line Compared To Other Organic Offerings?”
Charlotte A: “It’s all about ease, effectiveness, and affordability.
We’ve simplified the skincare process into three products that work seamlessly together in a straightforward 1-2-3 step system. Each product has a thoughtfully curated ingredient list that delivers everything your skin needs without unnecessary complexity.
The Grains, crafted of raw Calendula, Ancient Clay, Essential Oils, and antioxidant-rich Matcha, Almond, and Oat Powder, create a soap-free facial cleanser that gently exfoliates, removes impurities, and reduces inflammation. It’s a revelation for your skin.
The Toner combines the healing qualities of Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, and Jojoba Oil with the acne-fighting power of Witch Hazel and Apple Cider Vinegar to perfectly hydrate and balance the skin.
The Serum is packed with a powerful combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Rose-hip, and Calendula Oil. It envelops the skin in a protective veil, preventing wrinkles and sun damage while leaving the skin feeling radiant and nourished.
Together they are a powerhouse providing everything your skin is craving with instant results that keep getting better with every use!
Yet, we designed the line to fit most budgets so more people can indulge in organic skincare without breaking the bank.”
Kristy Q: “Why Goldenfinch? Is There A Story Behind The Name?”
Charlotte A: “Absolutely. For many years, as a stay-at-home mom, I had the opportunity to homeschool our children. Homeschooling was one of the most precious times I spent with my children and some of the best days of my life.
A favorite memory from that time was watercolor painting birds with them. We’d drank tea, nibbled on cookies, listened to beautiful music, and painted. Often, I’d have the kids copy a poem or write a Bible verse to accompany their art.
These are truly cherished memories of mine. Yet, it was also a time of sacrifice, as I longed to use my creative mind to open a shop that people could enjoy.
After many years, my late husband encouraged me to follow my dream and start this business. I knew it would only be fitting to name it after one of my favorite paintings—created by my daughter Lily. She painted a goldfinch, and that’s how Goldenfinch Boutique found her name.”
Kristy Q: “What Response Have You Received Since It’s Launch?”
Charlotte A: “When customers take the time to send you a review without being asked, that speaks volumes! Time and time again, I’ve received heartfelt feedback from people who are genuinely excited about the products. It’s as if they’re celebrating a personal win and just have to share it with me.
That’s when you know you’ve created something special. But the most powerful response I get is the consistent feedback from customers who finish a bottle and come back for more. Most of them become loyal fans—they love the results that much!”
Kristy Q: “How Does Caring For The Skin Make You Feel? What Ignites Your Passion For Organic Skincare?”
Charlotte A: “Caring for my skin is the simplest way to change my day.
Without that care, my skin feels tight, and it leaves me with a sense of unease. But knowing that with just three easy steps, I can transform how my skin looks and feels—well, that makes me feel like I’ve truly accomplished something important, no matter what the day holds.
And now, I know others feel the same way. Helping people look and feel beautiful is 100% what fuels my passion for organic skincare!”
As someone who has personally experienced the powerful results of this 3-step system, I can confidently say, that it leaves your skin LITERALLY glowing. If you’re looking for an organic skincare line that’s simple, effective, and affordable, I highly encourage you to try GoldenFinch for yourself. You’ll feel the difference with every use—and like many, you’ll be hooked!