The beauty industry lost one of its greats over the weekend. Burt Shavitz, the cofounder of cult-favourite brand Burt’s Bees passed away and the news was announced on the brand’s U.S. Instagram. He was 80 and was surrounded by loved ones in Maine, where he died due to respiratory complications.
“Burt Shavitz, our co-founder and namesake has left for greener fields and wilder woods,” Burt’s Bees said in a statement. “We remember him as a bearded, free-spirited Maine man, a beekeeper, a wisecracker, a lover of golden retrievers and his land. Above all, he taught us to never lose sight of our relationship with nature. Thanks for everything, Burt. You will live in our hearts forever.”
Burt’s Bees started out in 1984 when Roxanne Quimby began using leftover beeswax from Shavitz’s bees to make candles. They eventually transitioned to lip balms, and then other personal care products. Burt’s Bees is focused on simple, natural and responsible beauty, championing that in its formulas right down to packaging.
Shavitz was also featured in his own documentary called Burt’s Buzz, which highlighted his alternative life and approach to business.
