The founder of GRN is Dr. Kristian Edwards. Kristian is a professor of public health, a natural lifestyle enthusiast, and the founder of BLK+GRN, an all-natural marketplace by all Black artisans.  Here, products are curated and sold in categories like skincare, home, and bath and body to meet the needs of wellness seekers who want to buy Black and live green.

Kristian’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor is the culmination of her belief in #BlackGirlMagic and her experiences in the public health industry. She is an unshakeable optimist who is passionate about helping women cultivate a lifestyle that’s free of artificial ingredients, toxins, and harmful chemicals. She believes that doing so is the only way to foster true happiness.

The fundamental hope in buying Black and living green as a non-compromising choice is what connects her journey to the community of women who also want to craft and consume products consciously.  

In its infancy, BLK+GRN has already been featured in publications like Essence, Forbes, Blavity, and Teen Vogue. Kristian attributes the early success of her company to the artisans and customers who remain authentic and intentional about health, wellness and community cultivation.

When she’s not sampling new natural products for BLK+GRN or discovering up-and-coming artisans, she is formulating and creating products for GRN that she can't find an artisan already creating.

Kristian is out striving to hold a tree pose while still inhaling and exhaling in an 105-degree yoga room. You can also catch her at the farmer’s market picking out the latest and greatest edible plants for her husband to transform into something magical at home.

Kristian holds a Bachelor’s degree from Yale University and a Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.