There are lots of ways to change the world; as individuals, we have the power to plant the seeds for lasting and meaningful change, both in our communities -- and beyond. In Idaho Falls, Poppy & Pout is a small-but-mighty boutique that's on a mission to make cosmetics more eco-friendly and sustainable. Because the truth of the matter is, there's an ugly side to the beauty industry, with rather negative long-term effects both for our planet -- and us. Eschewing the litany of indecipherable ingredients and wasteful packing, Poppy & Pout's signature handmade lip balms are sustainably made and safe to use; they're beautiful both inside *and* out.

Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2022 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Massachusetts to Southern California.

There's an ugly side to the beauty industry, a business that can be quite "ungreen" in terms of packaging and ingredients.

But not Poppy & Pout's products. This little business in Idaho Falls is taking the entire beauty industry by storm, and was even featured on Oprah's coveted "Favorite Things" list last year!

Poppy & Pout is an all-natural lip care brand that began in 2014 by Idahoans Derek Cooper, Dan Robison, and Krysta Morgan.

Explains Morgan, "Our founder, Derek Cooper, had just graduated from college and was living in Idaho when he noticed a gap in the beauty industry." And thus, an opportunity.

"Recyclable lip balm tubes were just starting to pop up, but the lip balm formulas were not stellar and the packaging was less than desirable," says Morgan.

[Derek] combined his design background with his business education and came up with Poppy & Pout's very first lip balm: Sweet Mint. "It's still a best seller to this day!" Morgan adds.

From there, it was a matter of finding out what customers wanted and coming up with new products, Morgan explains, adding that this dynamic and creative component is one of the best parts of the business.

Don't get Morgan wrong -- being a business owner (and a bona fide Idaho iconoclast, to boot!) isn't without challenges. "But the very best thing that comes from owning a business is the amazing people you get to meet and work with," she says.

"We have an amazing team that continues to grow, and we love being able to build lifelong friendships through Poppy & Pout."

And the co-owner interfaces with customers regularly at Poppy & Pout's brick and mortar shop in Idaho Falls. She enjoys hearing from local customers about what they want and need. "We love being able to build those relationships" -- both with customers and the greater small business community in this bustling corner of the Gem State.

"We actively participate in giveaways, raffles, and events with other local businesses, specifically our neighbors in downtown Idaho Falls," she adds.

There are a lot of lip care companies around, and many that claim to be eco-friendly, too. So what, aside from its eye-catching aesthetic, makes Poppy & Pout stand out? The products. "Our lip balms are second to none," says Morgan. "The beautiful cardboard tubes are the first thing our customers notice and it makes them pick up the product.

But it's not all form over function here; these lip balms are as much of a delight to use as they are to look at. "It's a smooth and lightweight formula that allows you to use as little or as much as you'd like without having to worry about sticky or greasy lips. It's super hydrating, and of course, 100% natural," explains Morgan.

At the end of the day "we believe in providing beautiful and clean lip care products that are good for you and good for the planet," says Morgan. "We are a cruelty-free company with a female-led production facility right in downtown Idaho Falls!"

And that's truly something special, and well-worth supporting.

Many thanks to Poppy & Pout Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer Krysta Morgan for sharing the story and mission of this amazing small business. Learn more about Poppy & Pout at its website, Facebook, and Instagram pages, and be sure to visit the brick-and-mortar store at 396 Park Ave., Idaho Falls, ID, 83402.

Of course, Poppy & Pout is just one of the many small businesses affecting positive change in Idaho; please nominate your favorite attractions and businesses for a chance to be featured on an upcoming Only In Idaho article. And be sure to follow Only In Idaho on Facebook and Instagram to learn about the Gem State's most incredible places, attractions, and events!