Beware of the assumption
that the way you work
is the best way
simply because
it's the way you've done it before.
Celebrating and closely examining one year of SHOPDERM. In this month's Founder's Edit, I'm sharing my thoughts on one year in business, our newest product drop, thoughts on fall sales, and more.
On My Mind.
I am incredibly grateful to celebrate the one year anniversary of SHOPDERM. I absolutely would not be here without the support of every single one of you. I am forever thankful to my friends and family who have shown up for me in so many ways - attending events, schlepping products, reviewing emails and listening to all of my ideas. For his encouragement and support, I am especially indebted to my husband, Ben. His faith in me is steadfast and without him I never would have tried to make this work.
Starting and running a small business is quite the journey of trial and error, as well as an exercise in trusting yourself. I have been lucky to have wonderful friends and confidants, as well as a very small selection of wonderful people to officially support SHOPDERM. Unfortunately, our absolutely wonderful marketing director has had to step down due to personal reasons, we are holding her close during this difficult time while also missing her dearly. As you may have noticed, we have been quiet on social media and email lately while she took the past few months off and now has stepped down. I am using this as an opportunity to examine the last year and re-evaluate how I am able to serve you in the most impactful and helpful way possible. As always, we will continue to maintain a high level of clinical excellence, honesty and authenticity.
I am excited about what is to come for this community and am so grateful that you are here. If you ever have any feedback or questions, please know that our DM’s (email, text, etc, etc) are always open.
New to market.
I am so very excited to share the launch of our newest product - Dear Lucy Marine Antioxidant Serum.
What is Dear Lucy?
This is a female owned small business, founded in Canada by Caity. We are confident in their quality, efficacy and safety. They, of course, meet all of our clinical excellence standards, meet all safety compliance requirements for EU/UK, have done patch testing for allergens (yay!), and they are a brand committed to sustainability. I have been using Dear Lucy for quite some time myself and am so excited to have this at SHOPDERM.
What is the Marine Antioxidant Serum?
The Marine Antioxidant Serum has four main ingredients
-
10% THD Ascorbate - the stable form of Vitamin C
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Seaweed Extract - an antioxidant complex that works to protect skin from oxidative stress and the damaging effects of free radicals
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Alpha Arbutin - Which inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin formation, reducing visible discoloration.
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Squalene - A deeply penetrating moisturizing agent, demonstrated to support a healthy skin barrier and microbiome.
On my socials.
Fall Sales. So many fall sales. I love love love style, fashion and a good deal. But, I also know that a sale often causes me to over-buy. We live in a world of over-consumption and it feels so normal to buy and buy. Oftentimes, I am only buying something because it is on sale. Anyone who knows me, knows that I continue to fall into the “sale trap” but I do try to only buy what I need. Like most things in my life, I have developed a little algorithm for shopping…
- At the start of the season make a very specific list of what items you need/want. This is a good time to engage a stylist if you use one.
- Use google docs or iphone notes to organize a list:
- Be very specific. For example, if it is a shoe - what shape toe, height heel, color, and material do you want.
- Research each specific item online. Look specifically at materials - is it polyester, a blend, cashmere? Where is the fabric sourced from? Where is the product made? This will help determine how much said product *should* be valued at as well as determine quality while shopping online. Select your top 2-3 items and order online.
- Try the top 2-3 items on at home. Style with various outfits, shoes, accessories that you already own. Take pictures for you to refer back to and help you determine if you like the look of that item on you, with what you already own, etc.
- Decide if you still need or even want that item. If so, review which one works best with your wardrobe, style and lifestyle. Once you have a final pick, THEN look for or wait for it to go on sale!
- This system requires A LOT of returns (ask my hubby), but, just like I say about skincare products, we are not all made of time and money! If I am going to buy something, I want it to be the right piece. Happy Shopping!
On my menu.
Two recipes that get us through fall and are on constant rotation -
Half-Baked Harvest Sheet Pan Honey Buffalo Chicken with Broccoli
15 Minute Sesame Ramen Noodles - we add shredded carrots, shelled edamame and sometimes ground beef or turkey