Although the ingredients differ, the innovation is a constant.
Why did you feel like it was a good time to launch a company when you did?
Was it a scary proposition?
Meredith Jenks
I started loosely designing the first productour Mandelic Clearing Serumand launched it in March 2023.
Nobody wanted to even have a meeting with me.
The minimum order quantity was 10,000 units and I was so stressed.
Two years later, our orders are much higher.
Do you think consumers care about who actually owns the businesses they spend on?
If not, should they?
Theres so much to consider regarding a customers purchasing power.
Every piece we retail is so considered, and we dont follow industry trends.
My team and I see over 400 people a month, all dealing with problematic skin.
Our line is created for them and their needs.
Thats a massive research and development lab built right into our line.
Whats a key piece of advice youd give to other women looking to start their own business?
Dont be afraid to ask for help.
I get emotional thinking of all the founders who have given me advice for nothing in return.
The beauty industry is so kindI want everyone to win!
But also, going back to my previous answer: check that youre building something with integrity.
What makes your brand different and unique?
What time do you get up in the morning?
I like to go to bed around 9 p.m.
Whats your typical morning routine?
By the time my team gets in at 10 Im ready to go.
I work on the product line three days a week.
Now that weve launched in Sephora (!!!!
), visiting stores and meeting managers and customers is a wonderful part of my calendar too.
Washing ladies hair in a hair salon above my parents cake decorating/kitchenware shop.
They would come in for a weekly wash and the tea was piping hot.
Old ladies are ruthless with the gossip, and it was very fun.
Hair salons were the inspiration for my studio.
Our studio opened in New York before the chain facial studios that are so popular now.
I wanted the rooms to be open and collaborative between aestheticians and clients.
It feels like a beauty parlor.
How do you typically deal with rejection in your field?
As Ive gotten older, Ive learned that you dont have to be everyones ideal.
Some people dont align with the way I workbut a lot do.
But a lot of people like it and thats incredible.
The best piece of money or career advice youve ever gotten?
What if you eat the whole cake in one go?
Youre going to barf.
But if you have a little bite every day youll enjoy it and it wont feel so crazy.
I think about that a lot still when a project feels insane.
Little bites every day.
Whats a memorable piece of parenting advice youve gotten and want to pass on?
So cliche, but the newborn phase is so fleeting.
Sleepless nights turn to packed lunches very quickly.
I still remember the way my babies smelled when they were tiny.
Also take photos of yourself with them.
Proof of mom is important.
Whats your go-to office look?
Im always in a dress with tights; I almost never wear pants.
I lovethe Sandy Liang Hauge dress; I have it in a few colors.
Its knit and so comfy with a loafer.
Whats the last great book you read?
I read Miranda JulysAll Fourslike everyone elseit was greatand now Im readingThe Rules of Fortuneby Danielle Prescod.
Okay, fun story.
Theyre still online for $1,600.
A few frantic texts later, she got them for me, and Im still reveling in that bargain.
But you cant walk up San Francisco hills in five-inch platforms!
I know because I tried last week at Sephoras brand summit.
Explain the moment you realized okay, I might actually be successful…
Seeing our brand on the big screen at Sephoras brand summit was an out-of-body experience.
Im a Cancer, I like taking care of people.
This is it on a big scale.
It opens up my creative channels and relaxes me.
Im 42 and Im trying to live until Im 100 years old.
I think we all need to break up with alcohol in a big way.
I do like a martini now and then, though.
Whats your go-to thank you gift?
Boring answer but always thrilling to receive.
Finish this sentence: People would be happier at work if… And that you’re free to always pivot and change your mind.
you might have many lives.
Nobody can stop you from doing that.
If you werent in your current career, youd be a… One day Im going to learn how to rip a bathroom apart to the studs and learn to tile.
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