Beauty Wellness and Lifestyle with Katelyn Ellsworth and Michelle – The Active COCO Story

In an era where wellness and beauty often sit in separate conversations, Katelyn Ellsworth and her business partner Michelle are breaking down the divide. Together they founded Active COCO, a brand born from experience, innovation, and a shared belief that self-care should move seamlessly with an active lifestyle. Designed to protect hair before water exposure, Active COCO bridges the gap between beauty and performance, offering practical luxury for those who live life on the go. In this third feature of our four-part series, Katelyn and Michelle share the story behind the brand, the lessons they’ve carried from the salon to the studio, and how balance, wellness, and authenticity continue to guide their journey.

How did the idea for Active COCO first come about and what gap were you hoping to fill in the wellness market?

Katelyn & Michelle: The idea came from my business partner and friend Michelle when a product we had been discussing for her hair for years dawned on her that it would be amazing for others. 

We are hoping to fill the gap and knowledge of prepping ones hair before they do water activities to prevent damaging their hair with salter later and chlorine chemicals. 

Wellness and beauty are often spoken of separately. Why do you think it is so important to view them as part of the same lifestyle?

Katelyn & Michelle: We think wellness and beauty coincide together because (1) a lot of wellness centers around looking and feeling younger. (2) Understanding your inner wellness will help with aging on so many levels.  

How has co founding Active COCO changed the way you think about balance in your own daily life?

Katelyn: I always try to protect my personal balance by staying on a schedule,  yet being flexible if things change. I know I perform better and are more efficient and effective with time when I am able to do things for myself, family, and maintain my health. 

What role do you think nutrition and self care play in how we look and feel compared to the products we put on our hair and skin?

Katelyn & Michelle: We think they all truly work together. But nutrition shows through your skin and overall look. 

When building Active COCO, what lessons did you take from running The Roslyn that helped shape the brand?

Katelyn: Taking time to think decisions through is something I moved quicker with at The Roslyn. Active Coco is a physical product versus a service based business, which has helped me to stop, think and look into decisions further than I did with The Roslyn.

In a world that is increasingly busy, how do you personally make time to prioritise your own wellbeing?

Katelyn: To be honest, it’s something that I struggle with. But, I usually try to do what is most current and necessary for the businesses and prioritize my workouts before I get to work.  Once I am at work, I feel like I have my work pants on, and I am in the zone.  I also feel like I can also think through the day before it happens if I’m able to get a workout in before work starts. 

What do you hope people feel or experience when they bring Active COCO into their lives?

Katelyn & Michelle: With  Active Coco, we hope to help people with active lifestyles that love the water continue doing  what they love without compromising their hair. 

In The Active COCO Story, Katelyn Ellsworth and Michelle reveal how a simple idea grew into a brand that champions beauty and wellbeing as two sides of the same coin. Rooted in their own active lifestyles, Active COCO reflects a modern approach to self-care — one that values prevention, balance, and confidence. From protecting hair against chlorine and saltwater to redefining what beauty routines can look like for people on the move, their story highlights a shared mission to empower through practicality. The result is a brand that feels both purposeful and personal, reminding us that wellness isn’t a trend, it’s a way of life.