Beauty Bosses: Kristen Doyle and Matt Jacobs, Co-Founders of Pedestrian Project

Kristen Doyle and Matt Jacobs.

Our latest Beauty Bosses are Kristen Doyle and Matt Jacobs, Co-Founders of Pedestrian Project—a planet-conscious foot wellness line that is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from more than 2,000 harmful chemicals. Their products, which range from foot soaks to relief balm, are designed to hydrate and heal feet by targeting various issues such as dryness, irritation and discomfort for feet that look and feel their best.

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All of their packaging contains post-consumer recycled or sustainable materials, and for every ounce of plastic that they use, they collect and recycle two through their partnership with the Plastic Bank. Pedestrian Project is also on a mission to inspire more walks, outdoor adventures, and communities coming together on foot to protect the planet and improve the world, one step at a time.

In addition to sponsoring and promoting various local, in-person walks and runs in partnership with charitable organizations like the American Heart Association Run and Heart Walk, Pedestrian Project also has created a library of their favorite walks in cities across the country including the best sites, secrets, cafes and coffee shops along the way. Explore their Walking Guides here.

We chatted with Doyle and Jacobs who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, and much more.

When was Pedestrian Project founded and what does the name mean?

Pedestrian Project was born three years ago with a simple idea, unwavering conviction, and some very supportive friends and family! We just launched the product line late last year. The name is a nod to the fact that we are all pedestrians, walking through this amazing adventure that we call life. The “Project” refers to our mission to inspire more walks, outdoor adventures, and communities coming together on foot to protect the planet and better the world, one small step at a time. 

What inspired the creation of the brand?

Kristen’s very dry, cracked heels and the realization that our feet are one of the most important—yet least loved—parts of our anatomy! We are true believers that movement (walking, running, biking, hiking) has a tremendous influence on both our physical and mental health. Our feet enable that movement and all of the benefits that come with it. Our hope is to inspire everyone to take better care so that we can all enjoy more of our life on foot, doing the things we love! 

Pedestrian Project is a line of foot care products that are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and planet-conscious.

Does Pedestrian Project have a hero product?

The products are each designed to address different issues, but our Cracked Heel Repair and Walker's Cream are two of our most popular.

What are your favorite products from the brand?

Matt: I love the Relief Balm after a long day on my feet, and also on my knees after I cycle, but my favorite product is our Walker's Cream. I use it everyday after I shower—it's an extra minute in my routine—and it's completely changed my feet for good.

Kristen: I love them all, but the Cracked Heel Repair solved my decade-long battle with dry, cracked heels and inspired the brand, so I’ll always be grateful for that one! The Walker’s Cream is my do-it-all daily fix. It softens, smooths, plumps, hydrates, and leaves my feet and legs looking super healthy.

Where are your products sold?

We currently sell through our website and on Amazon.

Future plans for the brand?

We will continue to innovate in all facets of foot wellness with new products, new materials, and new ways to tackle common foot problems. We are also excited to sponsor and participate in more real-world events (charitable walks and runs, athletic events, and community clean-ups), as well as create some fun walking-related content.

Who inspires you?

Matt: My wife is a total badass. She's an assistant principal at a high school and she's a tremendous leader. She's deeply committed to her students and teachers, passionate about improving outcomes, and she really pushes everyone to be their best. I draw a lot of inspiration from her.

Kristen: Female entrepreneurs like Sarah Blakely, Anu Duggal, Divya Gugnani, and Melisse Shaban, as well as female athletes like Alex Morgan, Charlotte North, and Simone Biles who are inspiring my daughter and her generation of girls.   

Pedestrian Project’s Purifying Foot Soak ($14) soothes soreness, softens calluses, detoxifies and deodorizes with purifying salts and healing oils.

Secret to success?

Matt: I've benefited from being a life-long learner. I think it's exciting when you're put into new situations and you're somewhat forced to flex into new skills or ways of thinking. 

Kristen: Understanding what makes people tick. Whether you’re creating a brand, selling a product, or negotiating a partnership, having the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes offers valuable insight into their needs, desires, motivations and hesitations. 

Beauty secrets?

Matt: Self-care starts with your feet. On the other end of the body (hair), I can't speak highly enough of Virtue's products and technology.

Kristen: Ginger tea, salt soaks, and a good moisturizer. 

Wellness tips? 

Matt: My philosophy is "everything in moderation." And living in Queens, I walk a lot which helps with staying active.

Kristen: I am a big believer in the old adage “you are what you eat” so I focus on real food, mostly plants, and try to avoid synthetic colors and chemicals. I highly recommend spending time outdoors (preferably barefoot!) Nature has a way of making us feel more relaxed, more human, and most grateful. 

Best advice?

Matt: Don't be afraid to ask. Ask both the big questions and the little ones. And ask for help when you need it.

Kristen: Trust your intuition. 

Favorite way to relax?

Matt: We recently moved to Astoria and I’ve really enjoyed walking around exploring the neighborhood. I love spending time in Astoria Park with my family and wandering along the East River.

Kristen: I have four children so relaxing isn’t typically an option, but when we can carve out the time we’ll leave our phones at home and go for a hike or visit a farm and it brings instant peace and a sense of calm. 

For more information, visit Pedestrian Project’s website and follow on Instagram: @pedestrianproject

[Images courtesy of Pedestrian Project]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk