Krystina Gauer '21, MBA '22

Krystina Gauer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hongo Skin, a company founded in Springwater, New York, that specializes in creating and selling all-natural mushroom-based skincare products.

Driven by her passion for creativity and wellness, along with her hobby of studying mycology, Krystina developed the innovative skincare formula with her sister, Monika. As CEO, she leads the company, overseeing its operations and driving growth in the natural skincare industry.

After earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Alfred University, Krystina began her career as a marketer, honing her skills in brand development and market strategy.

During her time at AU, Krystina was a midfielder and captain of the women's lacrosse team and served as an executive member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Additionally, she contributed as a student writer for the Fiat Lux Newspaper and was the public relations director for AUTV.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Krystina is an outdoor enthusiast with a love for traveling, hiking, and snowboarding. She is committed to volunteering, and supporting organizations such as Miss Julie's School of Beauty Anti-Human Trafficking organization in Rochester, NY. Following her own pageantry experience competing at Miss New York USA, Krystina became a volunteer for the Worth More Nation pageant non-profit. At Worth More Nation, she holds a role in mentorship for young women, event management, and personal development, empowering girls impacted by loss or trauma through fashion, pageantry, and giving.

Krystina earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Alfred University in 2021 and an MBA, also from Alfred University, in 2022.