Ironman Athlete and LGBTQ Author Launches Skincare Line in Aspen
Mark Turnipseed, an Ironman athlete and LGBTQ author, has made his mark in the beauty industry with the debut of his skincare line in Aspen. The path to becoming a beauty product creator was not without its challenges for Turnipseed, who endured a difficult journey towards self-acceptance and wellness.
Growing up in Georgia, Turnipseed realized he was gay at a young age. When his parents discovered his secret, they sent him to a religious gay conversion camp in an attempt to change his sexual orientation. The camp’s pastors even resorted to a failed exorcism in an effort to banish what they saw as an LGBTQ demon. After enduring this traumatic experience, Turnipseed decided to survive by becoming the world’s best actor. He presented a façade of a successful ladies’ man, getting married and living a life that others deemed “normal.” However, deep down, he battled with depression and had thoughts of suicide.
At the age of 28, Turnipseed’s health took a severe blow when his doctor diagnosed him with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Faced with this devastating news, he decided to take control of his life. Turnipseed started swimming, biking, and exercising, even if it was just for a few minutes each day. These small steps eventually led to a major transformation, physically and mentally.
It was during this journey that makeup artist Tim Quinn came across Turnipseed’s memoir and reached out to him. After witnessing his incredible transformation, Quinn was intrigued to learn how Turnipseed maintained healthy skin throughout his transition. Concerned about women who often punish their skin with harsh treatments, Quinn was particularly impressed with the research on copaiba, an anti-inflammatory tree sap used for centuries to heal stressed skin.
Together, Turnipseed and Quinn traveled to Peru to explore the source of copaiba and its potential as a skincare ingredient. They formulated Halo 42, a skincare line that harnesses the power of copaiba along with geranium and rosehip extracts for added benefits. The skincare line is designed to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution.
Halo 42 quickly gained popularity in Sea Island, Georgia, and Palm Beach, Florida, where customers raved about its effectiveness. The success prompted Turnipseed and Quinn to expand their reach to Aspen, a ski town known for its luxury and wellness-focused clientele.
Turnipseed sees his journey as an inspiration to others struggling with their mental and physical health. His memoir, “My Suicide Race,” sheds light on his experiences and hopes to provide support to LGBTQ youth dealing with mental health challenges, especially in the current climate of Don’t Say Gay legislation being passed in some states.
Turnipseed firmly believes that spiritual and physical health are intertwined and that both are worth fighting for. His skincare line, Halo 42, symbolizes his personal triumph over adversity and his commitment to helping others achieve their own transformations.
As Turnipseed’s story continues to unfold, Aspen may become the next chapter in his remarkable journey. For now, he remains dedicated to promoting health, self-acceptance, and the power of resilience.
