Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton Wants The Self-Care Industry To Chill

Cyndi Ramirez-Fulton, or the name she's sweetly known by, the "Queen of Chill," is a true New York City legend. With her laidback combination of relaxation, self-care and style, Ramirez is somewhat of a beacon of the modern wellness movement. After an early career in hospitality, she noticed a significant gap in the beauty industry — particularly in the self-care spaces she visited. She felt that the experiences offered at many spas didn't align with the rejuvenating experience she longed for.

What began as a cool girl hot spot nestled in the heart of the Lower East Side has blossomed into something much larger. Ramirez's vision to create a space that blends beauty treatments, relaxation and wellness all in one morphed in the now well-known Chillhouse, her nail and spa empire. "The brand was started after I realized there was a major void in the spa space," she tells Hypebae. Today, Chillhouse is comprised of signature beauty services and a curated collection of products that are sold in retailers like Target, Amazon and Urban Outfitters. Through her unique approach, she's cultivated an environment that invites everyone to unwind, re-center and feel their best — inside and out.

We spoke to Ramirez about the brand's mission, how her move to Miami is inspiring her and what the future holds for Chillhouse.

On the start of the brand

The brand was started after I realized there was a major void in the spa space in New York City. I desired an attainable massage experience blended with a nail salon environment. During Covid, we launched press-on nails and now we're all about inspiring our community to express themselves while also finding their chill.

On the brand's mission

We believe the gateway to chill is being yourself, freely. We're on a mission to help you unlock ultimate self expression through our products and experiences, all while shedding a light on mental health and advocating for a chiller world.

On her favorite products

I'm exclusively a press-on and polish girlie, which is why our two heroes will be both of those things. "Forever Wear," our upcoming gel-like polish system, is outshining our "Chill Tips" press-ons with nail art in my eyes lately.

On why she loves beauty

On top of being a founder, I'm also a mom of two. We're mainly based in Miami, but my heart is always in New York. I'm born and bred there and yes, it's still my entire personality. Outside of that, I'm also the daughter of a former esthetician and Colombian immigrant, so beauty and skincare are in my blood — it's my respite. Beauty and self-care provide more than the outward outcome to me — they bring me peace and joy daily because they increase my serotonin. I feel infinitely better when I take care of myself outwardly. I pair this with a balanced diet and I try to get exercise at least three to four times a week. I have other practices that help me with stress and anxiety. I'm in my radical self-care era and Miami helps with that.

On who's inspired her

My mother inspires me in many ways. She's ferocious. At the same time, my husband is my north star. He's always pushing us to go bigger and bolder. Finally, our customers inspire me. They're kind, passionate and fearless.

On her dream collaborations or partnerships

There are so many on my list. The biggest one I'm manifesting is a Tiffany & Co. collaboration. Imagine that bling and that blue on nail art — it would be magic.

On where she sees the brand in the future

Everywhere. We want to make expressive premium nail care and self-care products accessible and to do that, we must show up in unexpected places. We aim to deliver the highest quality products at the most accessible prices. We aim to inspire the next generation to find their chill through our products and to find joy in what we offer. That means taking our innovation to the next level and delivering inspiring storytelling in everything we do. We're not stopping at the United States, I'll say that much — nor at nail care. Chill everything.

For more founder interviews, check out our conversation with Tonal Cosmetics founder Christal Alert.

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