NAME
Chris Kelsey
Occupation
Entrepreneur, CEO, Co-Founder of Cotrini Skincare
Short Bio
I’m a silver-tongued (sometimes foul-mouthed) lover of languages and polyglot (English, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese). Architecture, linguistics, literature, philosophy, and business are lifelong loves and subjects of my formal studies. Much of my worldview was shaped living in Taiwan for five years in my twenties, immersed in the language and culture. I am intentional about curating quality into my life, from food and wine to friends and partners; I like things that stand the test of time, but I’m also always interested in what’s new. I sort “price: high to low” when shopping online because I like to dream.
In each day we’re alive, tell us the three things you’re grateful for:
I like to remind myself there’s so much to be grateful for every day. My list always includes my health, my personal relationships, and the vibrant beauty of nature.
Favorite type of music:
Classical piano has a hold on me. Chopin for technical virtuosity and a range of moods, Debussy for ethereal atmosphere, Rachmaninoff for pyrotechnics because no one could murder a piano like him. Not learning to play is one of my biggest regrets.
Who would you switch lives with for one day if you could:
My Dad, because I would love to see my family dynamic from his perspective. I love my parents and have a good relationship with them, but I would be interested in gaining more empathy for the lives they’ve lived.
Name the biggest pet peeve you have- no holds barred:
Who could name just one? Politicians selling out their constituents, slow drivers in the fast lane, doom-scrolling social media full volume or speakerphone in public, when the bar of soap is down to a sliver or the paper towel roll down to that last glued sheet, greasy fingerprints on anything, “expecially” or “expresso” instead of “especially” or “espresso”, and other phonemic errors.
How do you psyche yourself up for the day ahead:
Usually the ritual morning panic attack is made worse with espresso, chased with a TUMS for the acid reflux it aggravates, a.k.a. breakfast.
Go to products in your bag you can’t live without:
Cotrini for keeping my skin looking its best, of course! I also can’t live without Rohto eye drops, for when my eyes need to feel minty fresh, or an overapplication of Terre d’Hermes, my favorite scent. I’ve thought about having an automatic air freshener filled with it for my house.
How do you use Sundays to destress from work:
Brunch with friends, or ordering so much Chinese takeout to binge that the restaurant includes eight sets of utensils, unprompted. My Sunday ritual also includes love-watching “Gilded Age” and hate-watching “And Just Like That”, sighing at the sunset with a deep glass of wine, usually a Chablis, simultaneously imbibing the rich golden hues of the dying day while the Sunday scaries precurse an imminent manic Monday.
How would you describe yourself:
I’m a thinker. Often I am lost in thought and hoping not to be found. I move fast, I walk fast, I drive fast, I make fast decisions, and I even talk fast sometimes, but I crave stillness. Since I move fast through the world, I can retreat to my sanctuary of a home and be still as I lose myself in thought. I function in chaos, but I thrive in quiet and order.
What is your biggest weakness and strength:
The weakness that limits me the most is my fear of the spotlight. I’m more comfortable in the shadows. My biggest strength is my generosity. I give freely, without second thought, when I know I can help someone. I fully believe that it comes back, and even if it doesn’t, I view helping other people as the purpose of life. I don’t feel fulfilled unless I’m giving to others.
What’s your hidden talent that no one, not even your partner knows about:
It must be so hidden even I’m unaware of it. Some know this about me, but I have super senses. I can hear everything and listen to multiple conversations at a time in social settings. I pick up on every scent and I observe body language intuitively. I think I’m very good at knowing when a person is lying or being sincere.
What’s one trend you would obliterate forever:
Hate and injustice….and Crocs, since Crocs are a fashion hate crime!
Camilo Triana and Chris Kelsey, business partners and co-founders of Cotrini Skincare
The best compliment you ever got from anyone:
“You are a beautiful, sharp mind.”
Social Media Links – Where can people find you?
Instagram: @ckelsey82
Cotrini Skincare Instagram: @cotriniskin
Cotrini Skincare Website: https://cotrini.com/
Sundaze is our weekly feature where we ask interesting individuals to reflect on themselves and their life in Los Angeles. From talented tastemakers to choice creatives, these are the movers and shakers you should get to know!
