Aztecs, Sun and Surf
Four Aztecs are making a positive impact on the environment through their company.
At age 12, Naseem Kasraee knew she wanted to start a company that was environmentally friendly, but she wasn’t exactly sure what it would be.“We’ve put so much hard work into this company, and the greatest reward has been the impact we’ve made on the environment and the lives of people who use it.”
When she was 16, she learned about coral bleaching in her marine science class, which is when a coral loses algae, a major source of food, causing it to turn pale and become more susceptible to disease. If that wasn’t bad enough, she learned coral bleaching can be caused by many mainstream sunscreen brands, and decided to create her own. That is how Soul Spot Sunscreen was born.
Kasraee developed her first batch with the help of a teacher and friends. However, the formula was so thick that it was only applicable for surfing. During her first year attending San Diego State University, Naseem developed her second prototype for a project for her business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi.
“Almost all sunscreens have oxybenzone, which causes coral bleaching and several chemicals that can leach into your skin and cause health problems,” said Kasraee. “Our sunscreen takes out all of the chemicals and uses four ingredients that you can read and understand with no oxybenzone or chemicals. It is completely reef-safe and skin-safe. We are also the least expensive, all-natural sunscreen on the market, which is what a lot of people love about us.”
Their current formula includes Non-Nano zinc oxide, which shields skin from UVA/UVB rays. Coconut oil serves as the base for the product and moisturizes the skin. Beeswax makes it waterproof, and plant-derived glycerin gives the sunscreen the consistency required to rub in.
After spending hundreds of hours conducting trials to ensure their product would appeal to consumers, perfecting the formula, and finding the right packaging, Kasraee took her business to a lawyer. In order to turn this student-run startup into a real company, she went through months of legal work and officially launched Soul Spot Suncreen into an LCC in May 2016.
“The groups I have to thank are Alpha Kappa Psi and Phi Gamma Delta for giving me a strong support network for Soul Spot Sunscreen, LLC and the SDSU student body in general,” said Kasraee. “We have the best and most supportive students on this campus, and I’m incredibly stoked to be a fellow Aztec.”
Their current team includes four Aztecs: Kasraee is the CEO and founder; Bailey Thompson is the accountant; Victoria Moorwood handles social media; and Nathan Yick is in charge of marketing efforts.
“We’ve put so much hard work into this company, and the greatest reward has been the impact we’ve made on the environment and the lives of people who use it,” said Thompson.
All ingredients and packaging materials are sourced from companies based here in the United States and the students actually make the sunscreen themselves.
“Soul Spot was created to make a positive change,” said Kasraee. “One person can do things to make a change on a small level, but a company has the power and influence to make an impact on a global level. My goal for Soul Spot Sunscreen, LLC is to create a company that brings environmental awareness to consumers. It’s time for us to take care of our oceans and coral reefs. Let’s make a positive change together.”
