The Drive: What challenges have you overcome?
Running a purpose-led skincare brand has come with its fair share of challenges. From the outside, it may look like a smooth journey, but behind the scenes, it’s been filled with moments that tested my resilience, determination and belief in myself.
Burnout was a huge obstacle. Juggling every aspect of the business alone while being a parent and navigating personal life meant I was pouring from an empty cup more times than I’d like to admit. There were days I wanted to quit. I questioned my ability, my direction and whether I was capable of building the kind of impact-driven brand I dreamed of.
Lack of confidence crept in often, especially in a saturated industry where visibility felt like a constant uphill battle. Financial hardship made things even more difficult, with months where I wasn’t sure how I’d continue keeping the lights on in my business.
But what kept me going, what always brings me back, are the heartfelt messages I receive from people whose lives have been changed by our products. That reminder of why I started is what gets me through the darkest moments. Knowing that something I created is helping someone feel more confident, more seen, and more supported makes every challenge worth it.
For Better or Worse: What are the pros and cons of running your own business?
Running my own business is like riding a rollercoaster with no map: thrilling, terrifying and deeply personal. On the better days, there’s nothing more empowering than creating something from your own story and watching it touch lives. I’ve had people message me saying our balm helped them sleep for the first time in weeks or that our oat soak calmed their child’s painful skin. That’s the kind of impact that makes the exhaustion worth it.
But the reality behind the scenes? It’s messy. It’s lonely. It’s scary not knowing where the next sale is coming from or if your idea will even work. As someone who started this journey after years of being dismissed by doctors and struggling with painful, confidence-shattering skin, I carry the weight of making sure no one else feels as alone as I did.
The biggest pro? Freedom to build something meaningful.
The biggest con? Carrying the pressure of it all, especially when the orders are slow and self-doubt creeps in.
Still, I wouldn’t trade it. Because every review, every customer photo and every “thank you” is a reminder that I’m doing something that matters.
Hopes and Dreams: What next?
I want to build a brand and a community that empowers people to listen to their own bodies, find safe and natural options, and know they’re not alone. To remind them that healing is not linear, but it is possible. We’re working on getting into retail stores and launching new healing products that also support internal and environmental triggers of skin conditions. I’d love to host healing events and build a deeper, more supportive community space around the brand. My biggest hope is that someone reads this and finally feels seen, and that this small spark of hope turns into their own story of transformation.
Visit www.dermawarrior.com to find out more and connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
