We’re so honored to spotlight Kristin Robar, a U.S. Air Force veteran, mom of five, and the heart behind a purpose-driven small business rooted in care, resilience, and giving back.
In this Q&A, Kristin shares how her journey as her son’s health challenges led her to create natural skincare products that are now helping other families. Her story is one of strength, love, and finding purpose in unexpected places.
Learn more about Cl3an Freak, below:
Name: Kristin Robar
Current Location: Yulee, FL
Branch of Military: US Air Force (Veteran)
Past Duty Stations: Grand Forks AFB, Offut AFB, Mountain Home AFB, and Rice Lake, WI
Q: Tell us about your business.
My business is Cl3an Freak. I make hair and skincare products from grass-fed tallow, without any chemicals or fragrances, scented only with essential oils and plants.
Q: What made you choose this type of business?
When my youngest son was a baby, he has horrible, bleeding eczema. He would scream and cry because of it. I tried every over-the-counter ointment, every prescription, and every old wife’s tale. Allergy testing…the countless pricks on his back…came back completely negative. I left in tears feeling helpless. I found tallow and removed almost everything from his diet changed not only his skin, but the rest of our family’s skin!
Q: What motivated you to start your business?
I wanted to share with others the amazing benefits I found in tallow, removing the guesswork for other struggling families. My fourth son was also diagnosed with Juvenile Batten Disease, a rare, terminal neurodegenerative disease, so I was knew I wouldn’t be returning to work. I wanted to create a way to not only stay home to care for him, but to also give back to the foundation that researches a cure for his disease and supports other families just like ours: the Batten Disease Support, Research and Advocacy Foundation (BDSRA).
Q: Any advice for fellow service members or veterans who want to start their own business?
Go for it! It was so scary. I get it! I started without investors, without business loans, credit cards, etc. It has all been out of pocket with a tight budget, a lot of worry, and so much love and a genuine desire to help.
Q: If you’re a veteran – did you find it challenging to transition to civilian life?
For sure! I initially worked as a GS employee on base, so it was great because I still felt like I was a part of the life I loved so much. I think I’ll always miss being active duty but life had other plans for me.
Q: Any favorite memories during your time of service?
Gosh, all 9.5 years in North Dakota! I left for bootcamp in November 2001 from Jacksonville. I requested all southern bases. Imagine my surprise when I was given orders to North Dakota. I had to look at a map because I swear I’d never heard of that state. I bawled! But everything happens for a reason, because the best days of my life were there. The location left a lot to be desired but I made the best memories and the best friends!
Q: Favorite thing(s) to do in your current duty station/location?
I’m a homebody, so that’s always my favorite place to be. We were redirected here when my son was diagnosed because of access to medical care and family, as my entire family lives here. I’m a mom of 5 with two of them (and my daughter-in-law) being grown and out of the home (and a grandbaby!), so I’m very thankful to be here with them!
Q: Where can we support and learn more about your business?
To learn more about Cl3an Freak and explore our products, visit www.cl3anfreak.com. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram where you can see a mix of my products and business combined with my son’s journey and information about Batten disease, blindness, and the cool activities we do to raise awareness.
Do you know any military veteran or spouse small businesses to feature? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at thesubmergedlife@gmail.com.