Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olaolu Oladejo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Olaolu thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
At Skinful, our mission is to help everyone achieve their skincare goals. We believe that everyone deserves to have healthy, glowing skin, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible skincare products and education.
This mission is deeply personal to us. We understand that skincare is not just about appearance; it’s about self-confidence, self-care, and overall well-being. By offering high-quality, natural products and personalized guidance, we aim to empower individuals to feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that we cater to the unique needs of every individual, recognizing that each person’s skin is different. We also prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, reflecting our dedication to not only our customers but also the planet.
In essence, Skinful is more than a skincare brand; it’s a movement towards embracing natural beauty, fostering self-love, and promoting holistic well-being.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Dr. Ola Oladejo, co-founder of Skinful Skincare. My journey into the skincare industry was born out of personal frustration with products laden with harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients. With my background as Pharmacist, my partner, Kimwa and I envisioned a brand that empowers individuals to embrace their natural beauty through nourishment and self-care.
Our Mission and Offerings: At Skinful, we are committed to using only the finest, all-natural ingredients combined with innovative, science-backed formulations. Our product line caters to various skincare needs, including:
-Anti-aging: Products designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
-Acne treatment: Solutions targeting acne-prone skin to promote clarity.
-Hydration: Moisturizers and serums that ensure optimal skin hydration.
Notable products include the Skinful C-Illuminate Serum, known for its potent blend of vitamin C and natural ingredients that brighten and even out skin tone .
What Sets Us Apart
Our dedication to sustainability and ethical practices is a cornerstone of our brand. We employ eco-friendly packaging materials and source ingredients exclusively from suppliers who share our commitment to sustainable practices. This ensures that our skincare solutions are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. Our products are manufactured in USA with our business headquarter in Washington, DC.
Pride and Vision: I’m most proud of the positive impact Skinful has had on our customers’ lives. Witnessing individuals regain confidence and achieve healthier skin through our products is incredibly fulfilling. Our goal is to continue providing high-quality, natural skincare solutions that cater to diverse needs, fostering a community that values authenticity, sustainability, and self-care.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Starting Skinful was a deeply personal mission for us. We were tired of skincare products filled with harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients, so we decided to create a line that was clean, effective, and backed by real skin science.
To fund our dream, we took a grassroots approach. We bootstrapped the business using our personal savings, pooling together a modest but meaningful amount from our own finances. We made intentional sacrifices—cutting back on non-essentials and redirecting funds from vacations and luxuries to raw ingredients, packaging, and initial formulation testing.
We also tapped into our local network. Friends and family who believed in our vision contributed small investments—not just financially, but also in kind. One friend helped us design our first logo, another offered low-cost photography, and we were even gifted a few vendor connections to get affordable packaging.
Everything was done lean and with purpose. We launched Skinful with a tight but powerful product line, using our initial capital to produce a small batch that we sold directly to customers at local events and online. Every sale went back into the business to grow it step by step.
Our funding story isn’t glamorous, but it’s authentic—just like our brand. It’s a testament to passion, resourcefulness, and community support.
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
Skinful products are sold through multiple channels to maximize accessibility and brand visibility:
Official Website: www.weareskinful.com
Amazon: Skinful on Amazon
Retail Partners (select locations)
Pop-up Events and Markets
Selling on Amazon – Pros & Cons
Pros:
-High Exposure: Access to Amazon’s massive customer base increases visibility and sales potential.
-Trust & Convenience: Customers trust Amazon’s platform and benefit from Prime shipping and streamlined checkout.
-Scalability: Amazon’s fulfillment network allows us to handle higher volumes with ease (via FBA).
-Customer Reviews: Verified reviews on Amazon provide strong social proof for new customers.
Cons:
-High Fees: Amazon charges referral and fulfillment fees that can reduce profit margins.
-Limited Brand Control: Amazon controls the customer relationship and experience, limiting opportunities for direct engagement.
-Price Pressure: Competing in a marketplace often pushes prices lower, which can affect perceived brand value.
-Strict Policies: Amazon’s policies and performance metrics can lead to sudden account restrictions or listing suspensions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weareskinful.com
- Instagram: @weareskinful
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skinfulskincare/
- Other: TikTok: @skinfulbrand
Image Credits
I have all the rights to the images provided.