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

Sydney, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I have always loved skincare. The ritual of it is so relaxing. I wear eye masks every morning, and I regularly mask. My routine is simple, but it is consistent. It is one of my daily forms of self-care. When my daughter was two, she started taking an interest in my skincare routine. She wanted to wear eye masks and sheet masks with me. So, I tried to find one on the market that would fit her. I wasn’t able to find anything that would fit a child and look like my mask, so I decided to create a line of masks for young people and adults to do together.

I wanted to be able to participate in skincare with my child and viewed it as an opportunity to instill self-care habits in her life early on. However, the beauty industry’s narrative is rooted in being more youthful and prettier. I didn’t want her to participate in skincare in hopes of never aging. I wanted her to participate because it was a healthy habit. Our skin is our largest organ, so why shouldn’t we care for it?

Our product has never been about achieving some beauty standard set by someone else or an industry. Our product is about self-care and spending time together. Our masks give adults an opportunity to nourish their skin and their relationship through shared time and connection.

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

I am a former middle school English and math teacher who fell into the skincare business. I am still a private educator and work with students all over the country because education is the key to success. All students deserve to understand a subject and feel excited about school and learning. As a lifelong learner myself, instilling excitement about learning in others will always be one of my top priorities.

Once I had a daughter, I began to think more deeply about the messages we send women. I love fashion and skincare, but I never wanted my daughter to believe that her appearance was the most valuable aspect she had to offer the world. So, when I thought about starting a skincare brand, I knew that the messaging surrounding it was of the utmost importance. Never do we talk about how our skincare makes us more beautiful or prevents aging. Instead, we focus on how skincare is nourishing, protective, and hydrating. We can share in the act of self-care through skincare together without falling into the narrative set by the beauty industry.

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

While I knew what I wanted to create, I needed to learn about manufacturing. However, it was fairly easy to find manufacturers. After much research, I contacted two different manufacturers that focused on skincare products. One was in the US, and the other was overseas. I learned so much during this time. I received samples from both manufacturers and pricing structures. I went with the overseas manufacturer because the one here was six times as expensive, and I knew that I would only be able to offer competitive pricing if I were able to secure a lower price point per item.

After that, we started the sample process. Our first sample was a total dud. The smaller mask took on too much liquid, and it stretched out. We went back to the drawing board and were able to come up with a smaller mask that worked perfectly. The process was a lot of back and forth, but we were able to finally create a unique product unlike anything else on the market.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn that skincare products are only for preventing aging and creating beauty. Most beauty ads promote their product as a way to turn back time and create a more youthful appearance. I knew that I didn’t want to perpetuate that idea to my daughter. I didn’t want her to think that she was only valuable if she looked a certain way. Social media and its filters also create this impossible standard.

I can teach her that she is more valuable than the way she looks in many ways. I don’t use filters on my own videos. I don’t get Botox or talk about how “old” I am looking. When I speak about makeup and skincare, I do it in a positive manner. I am not trying to cover up any “flaws” or look younger. I am just caring for my skin. I hope that by leading by example, I will show her that her value lies within and outward appearance has no bearing on who we really are.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.skincousa.com
• Instagram: @skin_co_usa
• Facebook: @skin_co_usa
• Other: TikTok: @skincousa