We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jaz Armstrong. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jaz below.
Hi Jaz, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?
The inception of Gleaux Fresh Skin was akin to a radiant dream that evolved into a thriving reality, powered by passion, determination, and a sprinkle of plant-based magic. It all began during the pandemic, an idea fueled by my unwavering love for knowledge and I decided to look deeper into beauty and skincare products after realizing some of the things that I was putting in my body weren’t the healthiest. But upon discovering the lack of skincare regulation in the US and the presence of harmful ingredients, I invested in safety courses and formulated products for my family and friends. Witnessing the transformative effects on my own skin inspired me to be intentional about sustainable and well-sourced ingredients. And I began to make plant based products for myself, when one morning the notion of Gleaux Fresh Skin and moving it from a passion projet to an actual business ignited within me. As I gazed at my own skincare routine, I envisioned a brand that would seamlessly merge the indulgence of luxury skincare with the goodness of plant-based ingredients. That very moment marked the first step of a journey that would soon unfold into a unique skincare odyssey.
I embarked on the research phase. I delved deep into the world of botanicals, studying their benefits, sourcing methods, and sustainable practices. This was the birth of Gleaux Fresh Skin’s commitment to not just skincare, but to the harmony between nature and beauty.
Days turned into weeks, and with each passing moment, my vision crystallized. The next milestone was a whirlwind of creativity and formulation. Armed with a determination to offer products that spoke of both luxury and affordability, I immersed myself in the art of crafting concoctions that celebrated the radiance within, caring for the skin while providing a moment of self-care to care for the spirit.
But launching a business wasn’t just about crafting products – it was about setting a foundation that resonated with our values. The subsequent months saw me navigating the intricacies of ethical sourcing, sustainability, and responsible packaging. Every decision was a testament to our commitment to the environment and the beauty of conscious choices. We have changed and revamped our packaging and suppliers a few times searching for the right mix of luxury, efficacy and sustainability.
As the pages of time turned, Gleaux Fresh Skin began to take shape. The website was crafted meticulously, every pixel reflecting the essence of our brand – a celebration of self-care, empowerment, and holistic beauty. The online world soon welcomed us with open arms, as our social media platforms began to gleam with engaging content that spoke directly to hearts.
But beyond the digital realm, our presence extended to the physical. Local markets and pop-up events became our stages, allowing us to share our passion and products with the world. The connections made during these events were invaluable, shaping the contours of our brand’s journey.
Through every twist and turn, there were challenges that tested our resilience. Sourcing sustainable ingredients, navigating the intricate dance of regulations, and balancing business intricacies required meticulous determination. Yet, each challenge was met with an unwavering commitment to the vision we held.
And then, like a burst of sunlight through a cloudy sky, came the moment of true launch. The first product gleamed on our virtual shelves, and Gleaux Fresh Skin was officially introduced to the world. The sense of accomplishment was immeasurable, a culmination of countless hours and months almost years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief.
In retrospect, the journey from idea to execution was a tapestry woven with moments of inspiration, challenges, and triumphs. It was a journey that echoed the heart of Gleaux Fresh Skin – a celebration of radiance, a commitment to nature, and an unwavering dedication to empowering individuals through the transformative magic of skincare.
So, that’s the story of Gleaux Fresh Skin – a dream that shimmered, an idea that flourished, and a brand that continues to illuminate the path to self-love, one “gleauxing” skincare product at a time.
Jaz, 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?
I am Jaz Armstrong: a mom, wife, daughter, sister, entrepreneur, writer, and all-around good human. All those titles that I wear with pride help shape the woman I am and the decisions I make when it comes to my brand; Gleaux Fresh Skin, a black-owned skincare brand based out of Houston, Texas. Our mission is to provide luxury yet affordable skin and self-care products. Our commitment is to deliver an exceptional experience that goes beyond mere skincare; it’s a journey of self-care and indulgence. Our product philosophy combines the rich heritage of traditional plant-based skincare practices with a touch of modern allure.
What truly ignited our passion was our exploration of beauty traditions, especially those rooted in African and African-American cultures. Most of our products are made with skin conditions that often effect POC in mind. Inspired by the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the black women that came before me, we aim to capture the essence of their self-care rituals and create a space where everyone can feel empowered and pampered.
At Gleaux Fresh Skin, we believe that self-care should be accessible to everyone without compromising on quality. Our commitment to excellence drives us to create products that are not only effective but also affordable. Our products are available online and through our pop-up events around Houston. Beyond business success, my fervor for this venture lies in the people we have been able to help. Hearing the stories of customers who have found relief from skin conditions or a boost in self-confidence through our products fills my heart with immeasurable joy. We aim to not just be another beauty or skincare brand but to be a lifestyle brand that focuses on self-care as a part of your overall wellness, especially with women of color. Additionally, our commitment to an affordable luxury experience ensures that even those from underserved communities can indulge in self-care without compromise.
My passion goes beyond the products and the bottom line. I believe in giving back to the community that has embraced us so warmly. We actively support local initiatives that promote sustainability education and social change. Seeing the positive impact we can make through these charitable actions reaffirms my commitment to doing business with a purpose.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
This question is truly significant, as my experience in this area provides a rich insight. Currently, we do not engage in mass manufacturing of our products, either in house or outsourced. In the initial phases of our venture, I pursued the path of professional factory manufacturing after successfully creating the foundational formulas and prototypes for our core skincare range.
The inception of our business was self-funded, a true testament to our commitment. We channeled our own savings and separate retirement funds, mobilizing tens of thousands of dollars to initiate the project. However, the outcome was far from gratifying – the product I received didn’t meet my expectations. This experience was further complicated by severe limitations imposed on ingredient choices, which forced us to significantly curtail our initial offerings.
Embedded within our brand’s core values is a deep commitment to sustainability. Despite being assured of ethical ingredient sourcing initially, I later discovered that the reality contradicted these promises. As a result, I swiftly severed ties with the manufacturing partner, realizing that we possessed the capability to take control of production ourselves.
This journey has been marked by substantial financial losses, leading us to reevaluate our strategy. We recognized that, given our scale, it was more prudent to undertake small-batch production internally. Looking ahead, as our business gains momentum and expands, we remain open to revisiting collaboration with a manufacturing entity. However, our preference lies in bringing manufacturing in-house. This approach would not only enable us to offer local employment opportunities but also ensure that our products retain the personalized essence that defines our brand.
Ultimately, the goal is to combine scalability with an authentic touch. The aspiration of potentially partnering with a manufacturing company aligns with our growth objectives, but our inherent commitment to preserving the integrity of our products remains resolute.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In the realm of resilience, there’s a defining chapter in our journey that unfurls the strength and determination that have become the cornerstones of our brand. An opportunity materialized, a potential partnership with a local investor that held the promise of propelling our growth. It was a synchronicity of timing, aligning perfectly with our aspirations to expand our product line and engage in regional events, necessitating enhancements to our market booth setup and a venture into new product options for the upcoming season.
The path to seize this opportunity was marked by unwavering commitment. Months were dedicated to orchestrating meetings, crafting a compelling proposal deck, and meticulously crafting a business plan that encapsulated our vision. These were days of ardent effort, often merging into sleepless nights, all in the pursuit of securing this pivotal partnership.
The journey, however, took an unexpected course. The engagement with the investor transformed into a maze of phone tags and unresponsive emails, creating an unsettling sense of uncertainty. The pinnacle of this experience was a meeting location arranged by the investor, which culminated in a disheartening standstill, with no call or follow-up.
Six months, an interval punctuated by personal upheavals that underscored the essence of resilience. Amid this period, my family confronted the unforeseen task of relocating our home, while my husband navigated a challenging economic landscape as an on-the-road truck driver. This placed me in the role of tending to our young child amidst the trials of solitude. The pandemic’s grasp reached our family, striking me acutely, and the looming threat of business closure loomed large.
Amidst these tumultuous times, I retreated within, recalibrating my perspective. A realization emerged – the foundation of our business had been laid single-handedly, born from the depths of my determination. The investor, though promising, was not the linchpin that held our fate. It was at this moment that we reexamined our trajectory. Scrutinizing our budget, and evaluating costs, we navigated a challenging process of discerning where cuts could be made without compromising the essence of our brand, our brand philosophy, and our deeply ingrained “reason why.”
With resolve fortified, we forged ahead. The rocky start gave way to a year that defied expectations. Despite the hurdles, we achieved our best performance yet. The journey took an unexpected turn, steering us towards new horizons. The seeds of resilience we sowed germinated into opportunities that money could never purchase. Mentorships, partnerships, and uncharted growth avenues found us, all as a testament to the strength that arises when facing adversity head-on.
In retrospect, this chapter symbolizes the spirit that propels us forward. It encapsulates the ethos of our brand – a testament to tenacity, an ode to resilience, and a reflection of the unwavering belief that a single vision, nurtured through adversity, can burgeon into unparalleled triumph.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gleauxfresh.com
- Instagram: @gleauxfresh
- Facebook: facebook.com/gleauxfresh
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gleaux-fresh-skin-richmond
Image Credits
photos all taken by me