We were lucky to catch up with JoLynn Henke recently and have shared our conversation below.

JoLynn, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our purpose is to create fewer products that do more.

Skincare brands have on average 20-50 different formulas. Are all of these SKUs really necessary to achieve optimal skin health? No, and as a result, 70% of beauty consumers feel overwhelmed by too many beauty product choices.

I felt this firsthand when helping my mother with her self-care rituals after she was diagnosed with ALS. My now business partner experienced the same pain point working as a model when he was looking for an effective and simple head-to-toe skincare regimen.

All of these products have a cost on our time, wallet and the environment.

We built this brand to create versatile, multi-active formulas that streamline your skincare routine, are cost effective, and reduce packaging waste. Protéger is the white t-shirt of skincare— it can be worn by all and fits reliably each day.

JoLynn, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Starting a business helped me find beauty in some of life’s greatest challenges. When my mom’s ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) symptoms started impacting her voice and independence, my lens on the world changed. I needed to refocus my vision. I resigned from my long-standing job as a healthcare consultant working to reduce medical errors and searched for what brought me joy amid anticipatory grief. Caring for my mom had been the greatest honor, which is why I started a business centered around self-care rituals. Protéger is the French infinitive meaning to protect and this applies to our skin as well as those we love.

My mom, Dianne, was the inspiration behind our brand. She was many things, including a beekeeper and biodynamic gardener. Doing right by this beautiful world we get to live in is at the center of our ethos. We noticed that beauty brands were beginning to embrace cleaner formulas and eco-conscious packaging but the industry still promoted hyperconsumerism. Skin is profoundly intricate, but we believe that a comprehensive skincare regimen does not have to be.

Our goal is to create a lasting impression on the customer, and a minimal one on the environment. We wanted to create first-of-its-kind products that do not add to the noise. Our products are intentionally designed with multitasking ingredients that help declutter bathroom countertops, cosmetic travel bags, and of course landfills.

I am most proud of our return rate, which is 0%. I believe this speaks to the versatility of our product and that it is truly designed for *every*body. Unlike most brands, we launched with one skincare formula: Dermal Sérum, a bioactive face+body serum. This 6.76oz hydrator is compatible with all skin types, ages, and stages. It is a great after-sun product for surfers, baby bump soother for expectant moms, makeup primer for queens, and head-to-toe hydrator for the masses.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being a business owner is filled with many highs and many lows. I have learned problem solving creatively can transform a seemingly insurmountable low into a highlight of the year.

Our most recent shipment of product arrived at our Philadelphia headquarters damaged. The contents inside of our bottles remained untouched but external scuffs and scratches tarnished the complexion of the glass. How could we sell bottles to our customers when the exterior did not represent the high-end quality ingredients inside? Rescue Bottles! Like rescue animals, our Rescue Bottles had a rough journey home but on the inside are filled with pure goodness. In November 2022 Protéger launched our Rescue Bottles initiative in which we offered a 30% discount on Dermal Sérum with 20% of proceeds going to the animal rescue Save A Friend Puerto Rico. Since launch we have sold 35% of our damaged inventory while writing checks to this 100% volunteer-based rescue shelter.

My co-founder and I have a combined three rescue dogs and are thrilled to give back to not only the animals but the organizations that work tirelessly on their behalf.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn to silence my questions. In my previous role, I interacted with healthcare executives and clinical leaders at hospitals and health systems. I knew I would not understand everything discussed in the room and that was okay. There were team dynamics, internal initiatives, cultural nuances, that I was not always privy to. I was a vendor and often it would have been inappropriate to inquire. As a business owner, I have learned that asking all of my questions is integral to the job. If our lab is in Canada, do we need a Canadian law firm to review a contract? Is tertiary packing included in your supply’s shipment? Instead of silencing my questions I have learned to be outwardly curious.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.protegerdaily.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/protegerdaily
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProtegerDaily
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jolynnhenke
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/protegerdaily