Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sabrina Gentles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sabrina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

When I first had the idea to start my skincare business, it wasn’t a polished vision—it was more of a deep feeling. I’ve always been passionate about natural products, but the spark really came from my own personal journey of struggling with eczema and overall sensitive skin. Finding products that were gentle yet effective was an all-around challenge and I became fed up with products that promised the world but didn’t deliver.

Now picture me: surrounded by jars of half-used store-bought lotions, googling things like “cocamidopropyl betaine” and randomly taking notes. I wasn’t just looking for quick fixes—I wanted to understand why my skin reacted the way it did and how I could fix it. That same night, I stayed up researching ingredients, benefits and classifications, and found myself buying my first cart full of cosmetic ingredients. I melted, mixed, and measured, feeling equal parts chemist and chaos, and let me tell you, my first few formulations were… questionable. But I learned something new with every batch. Every “oops” moment revealed: the right ratios, how to combine scents, and which ingredients actually work. I was like a scientist—testing, tweaking, and testing again. Slowly but surely creating products that felt luxurious but didn’t send my skin into panic mode. And the scents? Heavenly. I wanted everything to smell as good as those dreamy bath and body products I used to sniff wistfully.

The next few months were a mix of creativity and more chaos. I taught myself about formulation techniques, studied ingredients & FDA guidelines in depth, and even started dreaming about branding. I had to begin setting up the business itself—registering my LLC, designing labels that required way too many font debates, and built a website that felt like home. All while I perfected my favorite formulations and had family and friends test the products. Their feedback was invaluable—it helped me refine both the products and the branding. The name “Gentles Skincare” came from the core of what I wanted the business to represent: gentle corrective care, inspired by love towards oneself.

When launch day rolled around, I was equally excited and ready to hide under the covers. I had a small line of products ready—each one formulated with care and packaged beautifully. But would people like my products? Would they get the heart behind them? I put myself out there anyway, sharing not just my products but the why. I leaned heavily on social media to get the word out and my posts weren’t just about selling—they were about telling the story of how this brand was born in my kitchen, with love and determination. Was I fully prepared? Nope. Did I figure it out as I went? Absolutely. Progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to move forward.

Fast forward a few years, and Gentles Skincare has blossomed into more than I ever dreamed.Overcoming shipping disasters, ingredient sourcing challenges, and plenty of “Is this really worth it?” moments, every time I see someone rave about how my products help their skin, it reminds me why I started. I’ve now expanded into providing licensed esthetician services, at Gentles’ Skin Lab, offering that same gentle care alongside my handmade products. And what started as a messy kitchen experiment is now a thriving business that helps people love their skin—one gentle, intentional encounter and product at a time.

Looking back, every misstep, late night, and oily disaster was worth it. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s: sometimes the best ideas start with a little mess, a lot of heart, and just enough courage to say, “Why not?”

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.

During COVID, I had the opportunity to turn a “what if” into reality. Growing up with sensitive skin and dealing with eczema flare-ups, I often struggled to find products that truly worked for me. That challenge pushed me to take matters into my own hands, and after extensive research and testing, Gentles Skincare was born—a holistic skincare brand I’ve been developing for the past four years.

Gentles Skincare caters to sensitive skin, offering effective, natural solutions for concerns like cystic acne, discoloration, scarring, eczema, and psoriasis. Our focus isn’t on quick fixes or dependency-driven results. Instead, we believe in gently restoring your skin to its natural, healthy state without relying on harsh, forceful ingredients. Simplicity is key. Sometimes, all your skin needs is soap, water, and a moisturizer tailored to your unique needs. Whether it takes a month or a year to achieve clear skin, we’re here to remind you that you are beautiful in every phase of your journey.

Our goal is to empower our clients with the confidence to embrace their natural beauty and trust the process.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Becoming a mother was one of the biggest pivots in my life and business. Juggling small business ownership with new motherhood created an internal struggle, and my business took a backseat as I focused solely on my new role as a mom. It wasn’t intentional—I just sold out of products, never restocked and only formulated for family and friends.

Looking back, I often say I didn’t pour into my business during my pregnancy, but the truth is, that slow period became a time of major growth for me. I spent countless hours gaining knowledge, conducting research, and laying the groundwork for the direction I wanted my business to take. That pause in marketing and pushing sales ultimately allowed me to set a strong foundation for providing real, effective results to my customers.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

All of the above! Books and research journals. Soap maker and cosmetic formulator forums and chats. These communities have provided endless inspiration, advice, and support. Social media has also been a powerful tool—not just for marketing and sales but for building a network of like-minded individuals who I can learn from and lean on.

The combination of shared experiences and access to expert insights has significantly shaped my approach to managing and growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gentlesx.com
• Instagram: @gentlesxsc / @theskinlabx

Image Credits

@nadiasvisual