As a part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who are encouraging and doing incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erica Suppa.
Erica Suppa, who was a research scientist formerly of GlaxoSmithKline and shifted careers to become an expert skin care esthetician. Erica owns/runs two advanced skin care studios in Historic New Castle and Greenville, Delaware. With her scientific background she is also a cosmetic chemist/formulator who developed Fresh Faced Skin Care; science-based, clean, natural, non-toxic, safe, and organic quality skin care products, superseding any others on the market.
Erica’s number one goal is to create skincare products and treatments that were equally as effective as prescription medications to help people resolve their skincare concerns. Fresh Faced Skin Care offers an honest and affordable alternative to skin care that is clinically tested, cruelty free and uses the highest quality ingredients that nourish the skin, naturally.
Here’s what we found out about Erica’s everyday routine, followed by an exclusive Q+A.
Many thanks for doing this for us; please let our users know about yourself and your inspirational journey.
I’m Erica Suppa, a research scientist turned licensed esthetician. I created Fresh Faced Skin Care 12 years ago. I began with a small, 250 sq. ft. space and now have 2 skincare studios and a 2200 sq. ft. laboratory where I create my products.
What inspired you to start your own beauty-related business, and what is its mission or purpose?
I started Fresh Faced Skin Care because I wanted to make effective skin care products that solved common skin issues comparable to prescription medication without the side effects.
How do you differentiate your beauty brand or services from competitors in the market?
I formulate my own products and create my own protocols for my treatments. I offer a unique perspective because of my background as a cancer research scientist as well as being a hands-on skin care specialist. I understand what the needs of my clients are, and I can figure out what products to make to help them.
Could you share some of the unique challenges you’ve faced as a woman entrepreneur in the beauty industry and how you’ve overcome them?
Access to capital as a woman entrepreneur has been challenging. I’ve self-funded much of my business and have taken more strategic risks to overcome this challenge.
What strategies have you used to stay updated on your field’s latest beauty trends, technologies, and product innovations?
I always review the latest scientific research on skincare ingredients and ingredient combinations. This factors into my formulations. I also attend beauty conferences to keep up with the latest treatment advances.
How do you balance the demands of running a beauty business with maintaining a strong online and social media presence?
My job is creating products and performing skincare treatments. I outsource pretty much everything else because those things are not my area of expertise.
What advice do you have for other women looking to break into the beauty industry and start their own ventures?
Educate yourself! You must go beyond beauty school education. Beauty school only helps you to get your license.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
- Organization: You must be organized to keep up with client information, phone calls, and payments.
- Time Management: You must run your business on time to attend to the client’s needs.
- Analysis: Knowing your numbers is very important in business. Running reports daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly will help you understand your business better and to make changes as necessary to improve it.
How do you ensure that your products or services cater to a diverse range of customers and address their unique beauty needs?
My clients are my clinical study for the products that I create. It is important to me to make products and treatments that work for every skin tone and skin sensitivity. I will have my clients test out formulas to see if they work for them. If not, I go back to the drawing board.
Can you share some of your most successful marketing and branding strategies that have helped your beauty business grow?
Email marketing has been very successful for me. Collecting client emails and sending informational newsletters has increased both product purchases and treatment appointments. Offering loyalty points online has increased online sales by 40%.
What is your vision for the future of your beauty business, and how do you plan to adapt to evolving industry trends and consumer preferences?
My vision is to expand my market to other countries. Attending beauty conferences will help to keep up with the latest industry trends and will help develop relationships with other industry professionals.
How do you give back to your community or support other women in the beauty industry, and why is this important to you?
I am currently serving on the board of my local senior center as treasurer. I also support esthetic students by sharing my story and offering advice. This is important to me because this is something that I didn’t have as a student and always wanted.
