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

JoLynn, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s go back in time a bit – can you share a story of a time when you learned an important lesson during your education?

In high school I was known for marathon tennis matches. I didn’t have the fastest serve or the most spin but what I did have was consistency to land the ball inside the lines. One tournament I played three long, grueling tennis matches with zero rest; each time my match was up, my next opponent was waiting to start. Naturally, my final match culminated in a tiebreaker. Exhausted, with crystallized sweat on my forearms, and both teams watching, coach Kolz pulled me aside and reassured me that I had more energy than my opponent. I was going to win.

I was stunned. There was not a chance in France that was true BUT this came from my coach and therefore I embraced it. Every ounce of energy I had left fueled those final minutes and then… I won. Near six consecutive hours of tennis and I won all three matches. After the tournament I confronted Mr. Kolz saying I didn’t have more energy, he replied, “I know, but you still won the game”.

My takeaway is this: we are capable of more than we know. My coach provided the empowering words needed to push me beyond my perceived limits. Surround yourselves with those who lift you up and never underestimate yourself.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Of course. I’m JoLynn Henke, co-founder of Protéger, where luxury meets sustainable skincare. The beauty aisles today are overflowing with options; 70% of consumers feel overwhelmed by the abundance of products. Here is where we stand out—not by adding more to the pile, but by crafting fewer products that do more.

This ethos stems from a very personal place. Several years ago, my mother was diagnosed with ALS, a condition that strips away motor functions and the ability to care for oneself. I had the honor of stepping in to help my mom with her personal care rituals, a time together we called “spa day”. These moments, although cherished, opened my eyes to the impracticality of the multitude of products we were using. What would have been most beneficial is powerful, multitasking formulas designed for face and body— allowing for seamless and efficient application. This experience was shared by my now business partner Peter Clarkson, a seasoned model, who understood the importance of full-body skin health, having to maintain impeccable skin from head to toe himself.

Our brand is built on the principle of less is more. Overwhelmed by the excessive products that not only cost time and money but also impact the environment, we sought to create the “white t-shirt of skincare” — essential, minimalist, and versatile staples that declutter your space and simplify your day.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely, I’ve found immense value in learning from the experiences of other founders and business leaders. Two key resources have particularly shaped my approach to management and entrepreneurship:

Guy Raz’s book “How I Built This”. This book compiles insights from some of the world’s most successful founders, providing a deep dive into the triumphs and trials of building a business. It has encouraged me to think big and bold.

Jim Huffman’s podcast “If I Was Starting Today.” This podcast has been a treasure trove of practical strategies and solutions for day-to-day challenges that entrepreneurs face. Huffman’s discussions are grounded in real-world applications and provide actionable advice that I’ve applied in managing and growing my business.

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

Starting Protéger was like painting on a blank canvas; everything had to be built from the ground up, including our manufacturing process. Our journey to find the right manufacturing partner began online, sifting through countless options, but it was at a trade show where we really hit the jackpot. We connected with an Ecocert-certified lab based in Canada that aligned perfectly with our vision.

The FDA’s cosmetic regulations hadn’t been significantly updated since 1938, though I’m grateful this changed at the end of 2022 with the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). It was crucial for us to partner with a lab that adhered to our stringent standards. Our chosen lab was not only EU compliant but also regularly audited, meeting some of the highest eco-responsible manufacturing standards globally. Sure, working with an international lab comes with its challenges, but the peace of mind it offers, knowing we’re creating products that are safe, effective, and sustainable, is worth it.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned through this process is the prevalence of white labeling in the industry, where brands simply apply their logo on generic stock formulas. No wonder there are so many skincare brands on the market! We chose a different path. Our products are custom formulated, which means they are unique to Protéger and can’t be found anywhere else. This involved a lot of back-and-forth with our lab’s expert chemists and executing perception studies, which were crucial for refining our offerings based on real user feedback.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

StartupCPG @startupcpg
Conr Kinman @conrkinman
Alex LaCruz @shotbylacruz
Jessica Holland @ohthewerewolf