We were lucky to catch up with Ashley McEntee recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

The rise of clean beauty is trending and is expected to reach $14.36 Billion by 2028.

Beauty brands are now committing to clean ingredients, prioritizing high concentrations of organic, active ingredients that approach skincare mindfully, emphasizing the impact on health and the environment.

Based on Google’s Year in the Search list for 2022, people appear to be more cognizant of the chemicals in products by researching specific ingredients and their effectiveness.

With MATCHA MCENTEA, we understood the importance of creating clean, gluten-free, vegan, non-toxic skincare formulas. We focus on using safer, more natural ingredients, reducing the risk of allergic reactions, skin sensitivities, and other adverse effects.

Ashley, 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?

My name is Ashley McEntee; I am the Founder and CEO of a clean matcha-infused skincare company called MATCHA MCENTEA. MATCHA MCENTEA is a luxe and unisex skincare line that unlocks the power of matcha to reveal a new “you” through clinically proven formulas. MATCHA MCENTEA uses ceremonial-grade matcha as an active ingredient designed to purify and rejuvenate the skin at the molecular level, thanks to its high levels of EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate).

I was inspired to enter the beauty realm through my skincare struggles. I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, which caused my skin to become extremely sensitive and inflamed. I was searching for products that were certified gluten-free but also effective and transparent in their ingredients. It was an extremely frustrating time, but through endless research and conversations with chemists, It took me years to create a custom serum that works for my skincare issues and others.

Our skincare line is unique as its nature-inspired and utilizes ceremonial grade matcha, green tea extract, vitamin C, and L-22, designed to make the skin look 22. It is also leaping bunny certified, vegan, and gluten-free.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

Yes, MATCHA MCENTEA manufactures its skincare line through a hired lab partner. Indeed, finding a suitable manufacturer for any skincare product is encouraged yet challenging. However, developing something from the ground up is extremely rewarding. Developing a skincare product requires careful consideration of various factors, from formulation and ingredients to packaging and quality control. As we navigated these initial unchartered waters, I was strategic on the approach and who we’d be closely working with over time; luckily, it’s been a great fit from the onset, from extensive research and development to ensure formulas are safe, effective, and compliant with regulations, as well as sourcing high-quality ingredients that align with your product’s intended benefits and our target audience. Given my gluten intolerance, I knew we needed to ensure the product line and its components were also gluten-free and compliant, which they helped bring to life. Furthermore, the lessons learned on the processes and certifications required were also unraveled during this exciting process.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Given the company has only launched its products in the market for almost six months, we are still evaluating best practices to grow, retain and foster Clients. Having a fully customized website that is user-friendly and showcases the value of our skincare and its benefits has worked well. Social media is another source of our business and Clients; platforms like Instagram and its shoppable and targeting features allow small businesses like MATCHA MCENTEA to engage with our targeted audience, run campaigns across specific demographics, and measure SEO strategies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.matchamcentea.com
• Instagram: @matchamcentea

Image Credits
Chris Schubert Cimagery Media LLC