The Birth Of Babo

How Kate Solomon Pioneered Green Beauty.

When asked about her biggest role model and inspiration, Kate Solomon, founder of Babo Botanicals, immediately jumps to her grandmother, Evelyn. “[Evelyn] was known as a force, making big civic projects come to life. She engaged the community as well, always making things happen and then moving on to the next endeavor.” Kate sums up her grandmother: “creativity, charm, and grit,” and I have to laugh because by the end of our conversation, it’s clear that Kate could have been describing herself.

She assures me there’s no greater compliment than saying she’s just like Evelyn, and the more you talk to her, the more you realize Kate’s grandmother—and the rest of her family—is never far from her mind. Her grandmother, her parents, and her children come up in conversation almost more than her “sixth child,” Babo Botanicals. From her dad’s life lessons, “learn on someone else’s dime” to her five-year-old son describing Babo to patrons at the brick and mortar store, it’s clear that Babo originated from and remains close to her family. After all, it’s not every day your company becomes a household verb but, “did you Babo yet?” can be heard echoing in Kate’s home as kids are rounded up for bed.

Babo began as many companies do, to fulfill needs that aren’t being met. In Kate’s case, after having her first child, she struggled to find products that met her needs as a mother—gentle, chemical-free, and safe for sensitive newborn skin. When it came time to name the company, she turned to her son’s stuffed security bunny, Babo. “There was Babo, comforting, safe, soothing. My son had given me a mission—and a name.”