This week we chat to Danielle Glover, Founder of {SIMPLE as that} Skincare, a luxurious range of pharmacist formulated, organic, fair trade, vegan skincare products, crafted to promote natural beauty.
1. How did the idea for {SIMPLE as that} come about?
At the time I was working as a compounding pharmacist making various customised skincare products for patients. I became completely absorbed in the skincare world and all the beautiful, nourishing botanical ingredients that nature provides us. After months of research into the skincare industry, I saw a gap in the market for a simple, affordable, vegan skincare brand that’s all about skin health and promoting natural beauty ‘simply’ and {SIMPLE as that} was born.
2. Did you start the business before or after you started thinking about having children?
I started the business after my three children were born. My youngest was two when the brand launched.
3. For many women there is fear around balancing kids and business, what are your thoughts on this?
Its like anything in life; once you’ve birthed a baby (either a newborn or a new business) you just have to adapt and learn to grow with it. Finding balance isn’t always easy and it won’t always be perfect but making time to sit in stillness every once in awhile to reprioritise is definitely key to successfully making running a business and being a mum work. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
4. What have been the biggest challenges for you as both a mum and a business owner? How do you balance the two?
Mum guilt is always the biggest challenge. Nothing is worse than when your children look you directly in the eyes and say, “mum you’re just never here”. It actually crushes your soul and it’s when you realise something has to give. I’m a self-confessed control freak but I’ve learnt to let go of things I know other people are better at than me. Goodbye social media and marketing, and hello children.
5. Has your idea of success changed or stayed the same since motherhood?
I guess you have to ask yourself what your definition of success is? Mine has always been to live life to the fullest with a tribe of like-minded souls riding the journey alongside me. This has never changed.
6. What do you do when you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out?
I make it a priority to practice yoga and meditate every day. It’s my non-negotiable daily ‘me time’ to keep me feeling calm and grounded. I honestly don’t feel overwhelmed or burned out very often but when I do, I usually cry and take myself to bed!
7. What or who inspires you the most in day to day life?
My children have always been, and will always be, my greatest inspiration. I have learnt so much from them over the years.
8. What advice do you have for other mums who want to start their own business?
If you think you have a great idea and there’s a strong market for your products or services, then just do it, because the only thing worse than starting and failing, is not starting at all.
9. Any resources you love and think others need to know about?
Everyone needs to remember that your skin is your largest organ and everything you put on it is absorbed and has the potential to cause harm. It horrifies me when people have absolutely no idea what’s in their skincare products but more importantly, what they’re even paying for? The absolute best resource in the skincare industry is EWG Skin Deep, where you can check every ingredient in your personal care products to protect yourself and your family from harmful chemicals. Link below 😊
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
10. If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, before starting your business, what would it be?
My only advice to myself would be “Why didn’t I start my business earlier?”
11. Finally, we love hearing about morning beauty/wellness routines, tell us about your “getting ready” routine non-negotiable items.
I’m really low maintenance in the mornings but my non-negotiables are cleansing my face in the shower (to save time) and then applying an oil-based serum followed by my sunscreen. I also don’t leave the house without bronzer, mascara and lipstick but I honestly think my whole routine would be done in less than 5 minutes!
Inspired by: Danielle Glover, SIMPLE as that Back to blog
