We recently connected with Crystal Cao and have shared our conversation below.
Crystal , appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?
After 15 years in the finance industry, I recently took a leap of faith to pursue my true passions. Now, I find fulfillment in steering my two brands, Otelier, a skincare venture, and CECloset, a lifestyle brand. This exciting shift has brought me a profound sense of purpose, allowing me to follow my dreams and embrace my passions before hitting the milestone of 40.
Taking what I learned in finance and mixing it with my creative side, I’ve cooked up something special for my brands. It’s like combining the practical stuff with a bit of imagination – turns out, it’s a recipe for success that I’m loving!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Crystal has spent a solid 15-year tenure at Morgan Stanley with experiences in client relations. She now dedicates her time to two ventures she deeply cares about: CECloset Family Concept Shop and Otelier, her minimalist skincare brand. With determination, she’s handpicks unique products for CECloset and crafting effective skincare solutions for Otelier. Her journey highlights her commitment to pursuing her dreams and offering exceptional products to the community.
Beyond business, Crystal co-founded a Female Founder Committee, joining forces with fellow entrepreneurs to pave the way for those pursuing a similar path.
About Otelier – The minimalist skincare brand
We are a part of the minimalist skincare movement, emphasizing key steps for healthy skin. Our daily routine is hyper-focused, with multi-benefit essentials to heal, hydrate, brighten, firm, and provide antioxidants and peptides for strong, healthy skin. We believe in effectiveness, not complexity. After over two years of development, the pandemic clarified our vision. People want a simple yet effective routine that consistently delivers results.
Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.
Our skincare journey began in Santa Rosa, California, where our product creator, Dr. Delano, a family friend and renowned chemist, shared some of his creations with us for a bit of fun experimentation. To our pleasant surprise, we not only fell in love with these concoctions but found them surpassing many products in the market. The spark of inspiration ignited during the initial days of the COVID era, a period marked by uncertainty and profound change. As I was on the verge of delivering my firstborn, we embarked on building our brand from scratch, weaving a tale that intertwines family, science, and the spirit of new beginnings.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
In the early stages of growing our clientele, we relied on the inherent strength of our products – letting their effectiveness do the talking. As word-of-mouth spread, we seamlessly incorporated social media and pop-up events to amplify our presence. By connecting with our audience through these platforms and engaging in face-to-face interactions at events, we not only expanded our reach but fostered a community of skincare enthusiasts who genuinely connect with the authenticity and results of our products. It’s a journey that started with trust in our formulations and blossomed into a dynamic relationship with our clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Otelierskin.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Xtalgra55