Meet the Team
Laura Kasting (Founder & Co-Owner)
Laura invites others to experience the same sense of tranquility and inspiration that she finds along the coast. Laura's love for the ocean began as soon as she could walk. Growing up on Thetis Island, she was always in the water, always barefoot, always exploring. Nature was not just a place for her to visit occasionally; it was her home, her playground, and her teacher. It’s where she learned all about plants, what prawns taste like hours after they’re caught, and that no sunset is the same. It’s where she was taught that respecting and protecting where we live isn’t just the right thing to do, it's our responsibility. The eroded sandstone coastlines of Thetis and Penelakut served as the backdrop for Laura's childhood adventures and the inspiration behind Coastside Skin's unique stone packaging. “I remember spending hours as a little girl “stocking the shelves” of my store; the little holes embedded in the rocks, and making everyone come grocery shop. Seaweed salad, oyster shells were money, if you’re lucky you got grape hyacinth soup or arbutus flower tea. My nieces actually play the same games, over 25 years later. My childhood was unique, but very special.” After leaving for 11 years to attend university, work and travel the world, she found her way back to the coast. Coincidentally or not, she received her bachelors degree in Business, majoring in marketing while securing an undergrad in BC Geography. Her love of skincare, plants, and the coast harmoniously came together over 4 years to create Coastside Skin. But not without a tremendous amount of hard learning lessons and personal growth along the way. Alongside her family and a team of formulators, from Seoul to Vancouver Island, she began a learning journey that continues to this day. Coastside Skin is more than just a skincare brand; it is a tribute to the wisdom, wonder, and magic that can be found in nature. It embodies Laura's deep connection to the coast and serves as a testament to the transformative power of the environment on our skin, lives and well-being. Through her brand, Laura invites others to experience the same sense of tranquility and inspiration that she finds along the coast, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a commitment to preserving its beauty for future generations.
Kristina Kasting (Co-Owner)
Kristina is the Artistic Partner of our skincare brand, bringing her extensive background as a Graphic Designer and Product Photographer to our team. With over 15 years of professional experience in the creative industry, she has dedicated her life to visual storytelling, transforming ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with our audience. Kristina's artistic journey began in her childhood in Lithuania, where her parents fostered her love for the natural world, teaching her about edible mushrooms and plants during their woodland adventures. This early connection to nature continues to inspire her work, infusing our skincare brand with a unique, nature-inspired aesthetic. As a passionate foodie and lifelong mushroom enthusiast, Kristina is dedicated to a plant-based lifestyle, often incorporating these elements into our brand's visual identity. After graduating in the top 5% of her class with a dual degree in Design from Siauliai University, Kristina's career spanned various roles, from Senior UX Designer to Founder and Lead Designer of a successful creative printing house. Today, she leverages her expertise in branding, corporate identity, and product photography to shape the artistic vision of our plant-based skincare brand. Throughout her career, Kristina has participated in group exhibitions, been shortlisted for prestigious photography awards, and served as a Creative Resident at Adobe. Her work has also been featured on the covers of Vegan Global Magazine. With each new project, she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, ensuring our brand stands out in the market. When Kristina is not behind the camera or designing, she can be found exploring local plants, berries, and mushrooms in the woods, always seeking inspiration for the next creative endeavor. Her dedication to blending art with nature perfectly aligns with our brand's mission to create plant-based skincare products that are both beautiful and beneficial.