FAQ

WHY THE NAME“RICA”?

Rica is one of our favorite words; it means “rich”, and “pleasing to the taste” and captures the balance between opulence and simplicity. To us, the richness of Rica is the foundation of Big Momma’s timeless philosophy: “You’re best dressed when you’re butt nekkid”. 

WHY CALL IT “COMFORT FOOD FOR THE SKIN”?

I was brought up in a Southern family who believed in treating our bodies lovingly with what went into us and what went onto us. Real “Comfort Food” translates to skincare in that our product chefs’ concoctions are created to nourish the skin, the way a home-cooked meal both fills and fortifies the belly and the soul. At Rica, we believe that “no body should go hungry”.

HOW DID YOU START MAKING PRODUCTS?

There was a tradition in my family where the women made their own skin-care products using ingredients grown on our farm, started by my great-great-grandmother, Big Momma. On the rural Virginia farm where she lived, if you wanted it, you learned to make it yourself, so she became sort of a country chemist. Ever since I was a teenager, I have been making and refining these time-tested recipes, knowing that one day I would share them with the world.

WHY TAKE A BATH?

The bath is often overlooked in today’s world because people think they don’t have time for one. But you do! I promise! Start small; look at your day and find fifteen minutes, it’s in there, somewhere between staring into the fridge for the tenth time and watching a ferret pole-dance on Youtube. Now, run yourself a bath, turn off your phone, drop in and tune out. You’ll improve circulation, reduce joint pain, relax muscles, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, and most importantly, it feels really, really good! So good, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner. STOP. BREATHE. BATHE.

DO YOU HAVE A BRICK & MORTAR STORE?

We do! Our studio is located at 423 Main Street, Greenport, NY 11944.

WHERE CAN I BUY THE PRODUCTS?

You can purchase products from us directly at our website or at our brick & mortar location in Greenport, NY or check our stockist page and find over 250 store locations in the US and internationally.

CAN I PLACE AN ORDER OVER THE PHONE/ ASK QUESTIONS?

Absolutely! We love chatting about the products and find it easy to talk while our hands are busy mixing. Call the studio directly at 718-309-1305 between 10 am and 6pm EST.

I KNOW YOUR PRODUCTS ARE FRESH MADE TO ORDER HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WAIT TO GET MY ORDER?  

Our dedication to fresh ingredients is paramount so we work like a restaurant. Instead of pulling inventory from a shelf we make it fresh once an order is placed. Orders that come in first get made first. With that said we typically make 100-300 products each day. Retail orders ship in 1-2 days and wholesale orders in 1-2 weeks. Wholesale orders over 1500 units 2-4 weeks.

ARE YOU HIRING?

Yes, from time to time we are expanding our staff of mixers, packers and designers. Feel free to inquire.

HOW DO I USE BUTTER ALL OVER? AND IS IT GOOD FOR ECZEMA?

Butter all over is such a fun product and has been our best seller for years. Here’s why: You can use it for everything. All over body moisturizer, hair pomade, as a pre shampoo deep conditioner, as a foot balm, cuticle moisturizer, as a beard grooming aid, for hot spots on dogs and as a paw salve, And yes it is great for Eczema, sensitive skin and babies.

HOW DO I USE YOUR OIL-BASED FACE MERINGUE CLEANSER?

This cleanser is made of natural light oils and restorative butters. Place a dime size of meringue on face, rub in with circular motion to loosen up dirt and remove makeup. Saturate a washcloth with hot water. Apply washcloth to face and steam for 10 seconds. Remove meringue with washcloth. Skin will feel cleansed, dewy and conditioned. For additional moisture follow with our anti-aging fennel + rosehip face serum.

WHAT IS THE SHELF LIFE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?

At RICA we do not use synthetic preservatives and feel that products are just like fresh food and should be enjoyed and not stored in a cupboard. We preserve our products naturally and recommend using products within 6 months from the time of purchase for maximum freshness.

WE NOTICED THAT YOU USE A LOT OF WHITE DÉCOR IN YOUR PACKAGING AND DISPLAYS?

White is a perfect canvas that is always calming and comforting. At RICA we actually use several hues of white and complementary neutrals including linen, bisque, pale gray,  taupe and blush. These colors with clean simple packaging provide a nice presentation with bathroom décor and home interiors.

WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR FURNITURE PIECES AND DO YOU SELL THEM?

Pieces are often salvaged from the street and worked on including good coat of our white favorite color at the time. We also shop local north fork yard sales and antique shops, our favorite being White Flower Farmhouse in Southold. Some pieces you will see in our displays may be for sale. Please inquire at ivy@ricabody.com.

DOES DR. IVY STILL SEE CLIENTS?

Yes, one day a week I conduct individual phone sessions with clients in the U.S.  Sessions focused on wellness, health, nutrition and skincare. To inquire about a session email info@ricabody.com