We were lucky to catch up with Jasmine Tran recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jasmine, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In early March 2009, my world was upended when I was unexpectedly laid off from my role as an account and project manager at an organic skincare lab. The abrupt end to my job left me feeling disheartened and uncertain about the future. Unable to secure a new position due to the lack of a reference from my previous employer, I found myself at a crossroads. Little did I know, those very challenges were laying the groundwork for something transformative.

Looking back, I now see that the difficulties and emotions I faced were crucial in shaping who I am today. It was during this tumultuous period that I envisioned the creation of Essance—a dream that evolved into a passionate pursuit over the next two years. The idea of Essance became more than just a concept; it became a personal mission, a way to channel my experience and create something that was wholly mine.

Driven by the harsh experiences of my previous job, I was fueled by a desire to build a company that would inspire other women in similar situations. I dedicated myself to learning entrepreneurial skills, from building my first website to selling products at local markets and networking with fellow small business owners. The journey was overwhelming at times, but my passion for natural ingredients and high-quality skincare kept me going.

With the support of the Small Business Administration and Prosper Portland, I immersed myself in classes on business fundamentals, finance, marketing, and more. The encouragement from my community, along with the unwavering support from friends and family, was instrumental in the early years of Essance Skincare. I am profoundly grateful for the loyal customers who have been a part of our journey since we launched in 2011.

The initial five years were challenging as I navigated the complexities of business growth. Through perseverance and exploring new avenues like wholesale and pop-up markets, Essance began to flourish. What started with just three products has now expanded to over 40, and our reach extends to more than 40 stores across the West Coast. This success is a testament to the vibrant wellness community that supports us.

The growth of Essance Skincare is not just about numbers—it’s a reflection of dreams realized and goals achieved. Our commitment to reinvesting in the business and our dedication to continual development drive us forward. Much of my inspiration for Essance Skincare and its product development came from my midnight slumbers. While some may say dreams are mythical and purely imaginative, I can attest that dreams do come true! I’m excited for what the future holds.

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.

My name is Jasmine Tran, and my journey into the world of skincare began as a project manager for an organic skincare lab in Portland, Oregon. Growing up, I was immersed in the healing traditions of herbs and plant medicine. My mother would planned our meals meticulously that included proteins, veggies, soup, and fruits. Her dedication to nutritious and balanced meals profoundly influenced me and shaped my approach to skincare.

At Essance, we translate these deep-rooted values into our product development, ensuring that our offerings provide the highest quality and value to our customers. We go beyond conventional skincare by educating our followers on holistic practices that maintain healthy skin. We believe that skincare isn’t just about topical treatments but involves a comprehensive approach that includes diet, mental and physical health, and self-care routines.

Our products stand out because they incorporate unique ingredients often unfamiliar in the West, such as Dragon’s Blood, Dragonfruit, GAC, Chaga Mushroom, and Ginseng. While these ingredients might seem unusual to some, they bring exceptional benefits that align with our holistic philosophy.

What I am most proud of is our commitment to integrating these ancient practices with modern skincare needs, helping people achieve balanced and healthy skin in a more profound and comprehensive way. I want potential clients and followers to know that Essance is not just a skincare brand; it’s a journey towards holistic wellness and self-care. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge and products that nurture not only your skin but your overall well-being.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

When we first introduced the Dragon’s Blood Facial Care line to an organic grocery chain, the buyer requested that we change the name from Dragon’s Blood to something else. I insisted that the name needed to be Dragon’s Blood because it highlighted the main ingredient used in this line and was both intriguing and unique. I believed that the name was essential for marketing the line effectively. Today, the Dragon’s Blood Facial Care line not only attracted attention from new customers but remains one of our best sellers.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I knew from day one that a business can only get stronger when its foundation and structure are solid. This means that we must focus not only on the quality of our products but also on maintaining the quality of our customer relationships. We have retained (+)40% of loyal customers over the years. Our customers have helped us sell more products than any ad dollars we’ve spent. They enjoyed Essance’s products so much that they supported us by sharing our content, bringing friends or family members to our store, gifting Essance for birthdays and holidays, and writing reviews on our website, Google, or social media. Because of their feedback, we’ve been able to grow our client base and reach new customers wherever we go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://essanceskincare.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essanceskincare/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EssanceSkincare/?ref=bookmarks
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@essanceskincare?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/essanceskincare/

Image Credits
I have the copyright to all of images taken by Jasmine Tran