Kevin & Alicia, Co-Founders of Educated Beards
The summer of 2016 brought new life and period of change for Educated Beards founders, Kevin Lebeouf and Alicia Philips. It was during this time that the couple would welcome the addition of their newborn baby boy and Kevin would make the life-changing decision to begin his release from the Canadian Armed Forces.
Having been diagnosed with PTSD in the previous year, Kevin began the gradual process of transitioning back into civilian life. To mark the beginning of the shift he decided to do something that had been strictly forbidden to him his entire adult life- growing a beard.
And so, “The Beard” began.
The Beard grew in as most do- beginning with irritation, dissatisfaction, and general discomfort. Not willing to give up on his beard bounty just yet, Kevin purchased his first beard oil.
While his partner Alicia was strongly supportive of both The Beard and her loving companion, as a Holistic Nutritionist she was not at all impressed by the products’ harsh chemicals and toxic ingredient list. When the search for a safe and effective alternative proved unsuccessful, she looked to her own background for solutions.
After months of research, testing, and trials, they had created a versatile line of premium and holistically safe beard care essentials. As word and demand for their expert formulations spread, it quickly became clear that their product needed to be shared with a larger audience.
Having a holistic nutritionist on the founding team makes us different as ingredient selection and formulation of products has a purpose for skin and hair but also takes into effect ingredients that a sustainable. We don’t cut corners or costs to provide the best products possible.
The book of beards has to be my favourite as it contains everything into it, from tools to all beard grooming necessities. The idea behind the book is we wanted to make a box that you wouldn’t throw out. Also since our name is Educated Beards, what could be more fitting than a book?
Surround yourself with people who think similarly, build a support system around you, as you will probably need to rely on them on occasions.
Yes, I believe every entrepreneur faces this multiple times a year, it’s not easy being your own cheerleader. Always remember that if you stop rowing the boat stops, you are in charge, and no one else will do it if you don’t.
Spend time with our 3-year-old son Arlo, he’s learning so much at this age that it’s important to spend time shaping how he interacts with life.
Fredericton is an amazing city that has huge support for entrepreneurs, the network of support here is unreal.
Tim Ferris
Ability to learn in sleep.