Kicking off season 5 with Liana Blomquist, talking about her passion for beauty, her journey to creating an incredible sustainable beauty brand Botanical Rooftop!
ROOFTOP BOTANICALS ROSE & HYALURONIC ACID MOISTURIZING SERUM | 35ML/1.18 FL. OZ. $45.00 - this is what I have been using.
This is PART 1 of 2
@rooftopbotanical
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Welcome back to real beauty withFD.
We are officially on to season.
Five, which is.
Wild.
Um, so if you were sticking withme as a loyal listener since
season one, Amen to you.
And I very much appreciate allof the support.
But I feel like I can only blameit on the incredible guests that
(00:23):
I've had the opportunity tointerview.
And there'll be many more and Icontinue to do this.
Um, it has definitely been.
A crazy couple of months.
I only meant to take account amonth off and then I was gonna
kick off the season.
But, um, To be honest, I'munsure.
Where time has gone.
it has been.
(00:43):
Very hectic.
And I know I'm not the onlyperson feeling.
That pain right now.
So for all of you, let's justtake a deep breath.
We can do this.
Um, and I say this.
After, let me just explain theI'm having.
Firstly, our eight week oldpoppy is currently trying to
(01:07):
tear down.
The curtains in my closet room.
So that's awesome.
Secondly, I actually justrecorded this introduction.
But I forgot to plus record.
And this has been the positivepart of my week.
It has definitely been.
One of those where you kind ofquestion.
(01:28):
Your career, why you are doingwhat you're doing, why you
continued to push.
Um, I am a typically.
Very positive person.
Um, it takes a lot to get me toa point where I'm feeling a
little bit cynical, but.
I will say I'm not there yet.
Don't worry.
Um, but it's, it's definitelybeing.
(01:51):
Hard.
Um, and again, I'm voicing thiscause I know I'm not the only
person kind of feeling.
This way sometimes.
And I know when I listen to kindof other podcasts, just to hear
people say out loud, you'relike, oh, thank God.
It's not just me.
.
It's okay.
We can all have these days,right.
Um, but what else has beenhappening?
(02:11):
Well, I finally got COVID Imanaged the last two and a half
years.
And I finally got it.
Um, And my daughter Luna rosewas just.
So amazing.
Um, I did not feel good for acouple days.
And annoyingly.
I still don't have my full senseof smell back and it's been
about month.
So that sucks cuz I'm definitelythe type of person I like to
(02:35):
smell everything.
Um, so I'm hoping that will comeback.
ESOP.
Um, what else?
I'm sure you all are just like,please just get to the first
guess this is not why we listento it, but I do have a couple
things I wanna say.
So my skin has been.
Horrific, probably the worstit's ever been.
(02:56):
And I'm going to blame just.
Maybe feeling a touch rundown.
Definitely not feeling the best.
Um, stress.
I think my hormones have been alittle bit all over the place.
Um, and honestly, I feel likeI've tried so many different
products.
I did get the best facial fromskin day spa in Houston.
(03:16):
Which, oh my gosh.
Um, Chelsea is incredible.
I highly recommend and is.
Very reasonable rates.
Um, but I've also started.
Using it's, um, house of wise.
Um, C B D face serum.
And luckily, um, I was actuallyintroduced to it because I got
the opportunity to interview theCEO, Amanda.
(03:38):
So you'll be able to hear that,um, in the next couple of
episodes, but it has made such adifference.
And one of the things I neverappreciated with CBD is whatever
it's kind of paired up with.
It amplifies it.
So it has definitely made.
My skin a lot more glowy, but mymain complaint was it was just
(03:59):
breaking out.
It was horrible to be honest.
So that has definitely made adifference.
And then secondly, Lay just toend this introduction on a high.
the other day, actually it wasyesterday.
I was in, um, We are kind ofrolling out our culture.
So I get to, um, be part of thisand help facilitate it, which
(04:21):
honestly, I love it.
It's definitely a great part ofmy role.
And I'm really trying to lap upeverything about it and see
great leaders.
And.
Really kind of see how I can.
Kind of take, take the adviceand their kinda.
They're kinda, um, careerperspectives to kinda assist me
with my career development.
Um, but someone walked past meand they had the most.
(04:45):
Stunning, like probably thenicest issues I think I've ever
seen outside of the pair of.
Gold sparkly boots.
I have.
And immediately.
I found girl Bon over to her.
And I was like, girl, where didyou get those shoes?
Of course they were Jimmy shoes.
Chews, of course they were.
(05:05):
and I thought, oh,Please tell me you didn't buy
them full price.
And she said, no.
I bought them a couple of weeksago and I was like, okay, it's
fresh.
This is doable.
And I was like, where did youget them from?
She said, sex.
I was like, okay, let me seewhat I can do.
So I literally sat down.
I was beyond distracted.
(05:26):
I searched everywhere.
I even texted like Jimmy chewlady.
She didn't have them.
I was like, oh my gosh, this isthe worst.
And I finally.
Found a pair.
They were 60% off.
And listeners, I got a further20% off.
(05:47):
So a semi bargain.
Define your bargain, right?
For me.
Great bargain.
And it was my only laughed.
Was my size.
So guys, it was meant to be, itwas fate that this happened.
.
So nothing's changed.
I continue to aid my.
(06:07):
Fashion and spending addiction,which I really need to curb, but
anyway, that's a differentstory.
Maybe I should interview someonethat will help me kind of keep
my.
Shit together and, you know, notspend so much money.
Just on stuff, but y'all know, Ivery much appreciate it and I
enjoy wearing it.
So why would you not right.
(06:27):
Like Yolo.
Okay.
So on that note, I'm gonna stopchit trying, cuz whoever is
still.
With us.
I appreciate it.
Like genuinely appreciate it.
And I know you're not here tolisten to me.
So let's go straight into.
Episode one, a season five.
(06:48):
And I hope you enjoy it.
I'm always willing to hear yourfeedback as long as it's
positive.
Only positive vibes here.
If you haven't realized this.
But seriously, I very muchappreciate the sport.
So enjoy.
Francene (07:05):
How how's your day been?
Liana (07:07):
It it's been good.
Um, just actually one of thefirst, like computer days that
I've had in a while, like whereI've been able to just like sit
down and actually get somecomputer work done.
Um, I'm usually like runningaround on the roof for like
formulating stuff when like mylittle lab over here, so it's
can get a little crazy.
So I'm like, oh my God.
Francene (07:28):
I bet.
I'm sure it's nice.
Just to kind of mix it upthough.
Like to be able to like, dosomething and be able to like
see the formula and kind of workon it and not just be stuck in
front of a computer.
yeah.
No pros and
Liana (07:41):
cons, right?
Yeah, no, it's awesome.
Like I love.
I love what I do obviously.
And like, yes, I love thevariety because it's, every day
is different.
Every day I'm doing somethingdifferent.
It's just when, obviously whenyou have priorities, um, you
know, and you're, you're tryingto figure out like what to focus
on and, you know, you know,there's stuff that you have to
work on and you can't get thereyet.
(08:02):
And you're like, oh God, likeI'm just, so today was good that
I just.
Sit down, but how are
Francene (08:07):
you?
good.
Um, I hear you on thepriorities.
I feel like I, um, I was justtelling my husband, I went into
work today and was like, okay, Ihave a light day.
I feel like I can actually getsome like strategy done.
And I walked away.
I was home late because Icreated another task for myself.
(08:28):
That was my own fall.
I opened my mouth and was like,Hey, we should be looking at X.
And I have found long lists.
Things to do, and now I've justadded to it.
And I was like, the only personto blame was me.
mm-hmm I was like, oh, I need tolearn to like, prioritize the
stuff I'm working on.
But I feel like my mindset waslike, what else can we do?
(08:48):
I know,
Liana (08:49):
I know really bad, bad habit.
Totally get you with that.
It's.
Yeah.
Even like now I was on mycomputer, like researching
ingredients and like otheringredients.
And I was like, but what aboutthis?
What if I looked into that?
And I was like, oh my God, I'mgoing crazy.
Francene (09:03):
it's it is so hard.
Um, but Hey, let me officiallywelcome you to the podcast.
Um, and thank you so much fortaking time out.
Um, I know you had sent me overthe gel moisturizer, which we
will go into in a bit moredetail and I've been using it
religiously.
So I have been super excitedabout, um,
Liana (09:23):
talking you
Francene (09:25):
so right here.
Liana (09:27):
Oh my goodness.
Francene (09:30):
So welcome to real beauty with that game.
A place where we discuss what BTmeans to us, whether it's a
product that sells out everysecond around the world, or it's
a cult classic to discussingbody positivity, to building
incredible brands.
We are here to find your littleblack dress in skincare, makeup,
and more importantly, promotinghappiness within your own skin
(09:51):
and owning it.
So each episode and bring in anew personality to discuss all
things, beauty and touch ontheir inspiring stories, which I
know Joran is gonna be great.
Um, so this week we have thefounder and CEO,, of Brooklyn
rooftops.
Leanna bloom quest,
Liana (10:12):
right?
Yes, correct.
Francene (10:14):
One of the quotes that I saw, um, on your, um,
Instagram is growing on rooftopsto bring beauty closer to home.
So please tell me more aboutyour incredible company.
Liana (10:27):
Yeah.
So Brooklyn rooftop botanicals.
Um, I'll just say rooftopbotanicals for short Um, cause
it's a mouthful.
Uh, and we're probably gonna getinto that name or use that name
going forward to, so yeah, tohave more possibilities in this
world cause we have big, big,big dreams.
Um, so we, we basically, Istarted it, uh, back in 2000 and
(10:47):
like 18 and it was initiallyjust an idea, um, with lots of
D.
Past that I wasn't quite surewhat I wanted it to be, but when
I, yeah, back then I wasworking, um, at Revlon and
Elizabeth Arden and I was doingglobal marketing and product
development.
And I loved my job.
I, I really did, but I reallysaw how.
You know, just how muchpackaging we were creating,
(11:09):
just, you know, howirresponsibly we were sort of
sourcing our ingredients.
Um, yeah.
And unfortunately it's not just,um, you know, Revlon, it's
everybody, it's literallyeverybody.
And even the small mom and pops,like they don't even know where
their ingredients half the timecome from.
And you'll talk to the vendorsthat, you know, you're sourcing
these ingredients from and theydon't even know where their
ingredients come from.
So it's like a vicious cycle.
That's crazy.
(11:30):
So for me, I was like, oh myGod, there has to be a, there
has to be a better way for this.
Um, so at the same time, backthen, I was also gardening.
Um, and you know, I really fellback in love with it.
Let's say just because I, I grewup in gardens, my mom gardened.
Um, and I grew up actually, uh,in the south of France, in a
(11:50):
place called glass, which is peryeah.
Perfume capital of the world,uh, a U and a UNESCO world
heritage.
So I was really surrounded bybeautiful gardens and the
perfume gardens of the south ofFrance and everything.
And you know, when I startedgardening on my, on my rooftop
here, when we first, when wefirst got it, I was, you know,
initially just gardening, littlevegetables and some flowers
(12:12):
here, but then I got like reallyobsessed with it.
I was like, oh my God, what if Icould grow beauty?
Um, and then, you know, createextracts and make products out
of.
So that's where the ideasburned.
And, you know, for a while I waskind of working on the concept,
like, what could it be?
Was it, you know, actuallymaking products or consulting
other people to make, you know,yeah.
(12:32):
Grow, you know, grow on theirrooftops.
So I kind of like went in a fewdifferent directions while still
continuing to work.
Um, and then end of 2019 is whenI kind of left my job and, you
know, still kind of was doingconsulting projects here and
there.
And really, I would say it waslike beginning of last year that
I really went full force on.
Um, so last year I grew a bunchof beauty botanicals over like
(12:56):
50 different ones.
Uh, and then I processed them.
I tested them.
Um, I tested formulations.
Uh, and so the first productthat you have there, the gel
moisturizer, um, is, uh, thefirst of that.
And there's more to come ofcourse.
Um, yeah.
And just to kind of go back tothe quote you were referring to.
Yeah, for me, like the business,just kind of.
(13:20):
Became this concept where forme, I just really wanted to
bring ingredients closer tohome.
Like, that's just the main goalof it.
Um, so starting with botanicals,um, but there are tons of other
things, so botanical extracts,but there are tons of other
ingredients that you can makeout of things that you grow, um,
such as glycerin, which is likethe second most used ingredient.
(13:45):
In a lot of skincare products,hair, product, everything, your
personal care products has likemostly glycerin and it can be
made out of flax, um, flax seedsand flax seeds, as we know, like
the seeds themselves are edible.
Yeah.
Um, and they're huge, like superfood, but the flax plant itself
also, um, can be turned intoline.
(14:05):
so something else that can, youcan use that plant for.
And then the third thing thatthe seeds do also is, um, yeah,
if you, if you, um, press them,uh, in a high pressurized
system, you can make glycerinout of them.
Mm-hmm so again, it's likethere's yeah.
There's tons of things likethat.
Like, and like wheat and corncan be then made also into Z and
gum, which is another ingredientthat is extremely widely used in
(14:29):
skincare and beauty products.
So it's just kind of.
Okay.
I'm, I'm starting to researchand understand like more and
more things that you can makeout of, out of, um, out of
plants.
Um, and so it's not just pubbotanicals.
I wanna do.
And it's and, um, sorry, notjust extracts.
I also wanna do otheringredients too, but starting
here first.
God,
Francene (14:48):
that's, that's amazing.
I didn't know that.
Um, that's, it's interesting.
And that was gonna be one of myquestions is how do you know
what ingredients did you.
Use and be able to grow, butthat's
Liana (15:01):
incredible.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And it's a very good question.
And it's like a complicated onebecause yeah.
Um, it's just takes just a lotof time and research to go
through all of the, I would sayknown beauty botanicals.
Yeah.
Like the roses and the Camameals and the things that like,
just have a lot of usage outthere.
(15:22):
Yeah.
Um, but then going through thekind of like.
Not necessarily known ones thatare actually extremely, um,
extremely widely used out therein the agricultural world, but
then people just don't like linkin, link it to beauty or
associate cuz it's mostly foodbyproducts, but you don't
realize that your foodbyproducts also are beauty
(15:43):
ingredients.
So it's like you like link it.
Um, but yeah, and it's, it'sall, so, so yeah,
Francene (15:50):
That's so cool.
And even from, um, cuz I knowyou look at like sustainability
from like packaging too.
Yeah.
Um, which, you know, I thinklike I've certainly seen the
beauty industry over the lastcouple of years, especially be
more mindful or a bit moreconscious of like packaging and
(16:12):
to your point, I see more kindof beauty brands coming out and
really being.
Conscious of here are theingredients and you should be
checking the ingredients, whichI think is kind of making that
shift.
Um, but certainly not to theextent of, you know, like I'm
looking at the ingredients, likein front of me and I'm able to,
you know, at least kind ofunderstand a bit more of what's
(16:34):
kind of going into it and howit's kinda homegrown or, you
know, it's more natural, which Ithink mm-hmm as you know, A
generation.
I think we're a lot moreconscious of that, which is
good.
So we
Liana (16:47):
should be yes, no, exactly.
Um, and yeah, I think, you know,my whole, my whole thing in
terms of, in terms of thepackaging, cause that was your
initial, like yeah.
Link into this.
It was, you know, for me, forme, it's like, I, I just want
people to just be exactly moreconscious about how they're
(17:09):
using their beauty.
And how they're buying it.
And like, then how are theygonna then use that packaging
afterwards?
Or like yeah.
Be, be, or have an understandingof what they're gonna do with it
afterwards.
Right.
It's like really being consciousthroughout the entire process.
So when it comes to packagingfor me, like I chose aluminum,
like for the bottle that you're.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I love it.
That you're holding becausealuminum is, uh, the most
(17:32):
recyclable material out.
But something that's really coolabout that bottle as well is
actually when you're done, youcan actually pull the dropper
apart and pull like the pipetteapart and you can wash the
pipette, uh, put it all backtogether and you can reuse that
bottle again.
Yeah, that's true.
So, yeah.
I tried to have like areusability standpoint around it
(17:52):
too.
Um, because for me, it's like, Ialso want to teach people how to
grow their own things, how tomake some of their own extracts
or oil infusions or, you know,floral waters.
And they're not as difficult aspeople's, you know, Make it seem
to be because, you know, theythink, oh my God, ingredient and
chemistry and whatever.
It's all crazy.
Yeah.
But like, there are like veryeasy aspects to it.
(18:13):
So, you know, I think a lot ofpeople should be growing some of
their own extracts and then justusing it in their daily lives.
Um, So, yeah, definitely.
Um, definitely trying to likepush that consciousness, trying
to, you know, educate people on,being more conscious in all of
my content.
Um, and kind of like living thatthrough what I'm doing with, by
(18:34):
growing my ingredients andchoosing my packaging and, and
trying to find those, those waysto, to, yeah.
To, to be reusable sustainable,um, and all.
No, it's
Francene (18:44):
it.
It's incredible.
And, um, for everyone listeningand we'll give details in the,
the notes, um, at the end of thepodcast, but like looking at
your website, it very much iseducational on, like, here are
the other things that you shouldbe like considering, and, um,
you know, really kind of givingmore context to it instead of
(19:06):
what I've seen, you know, otherkind of brands do.
Like they mention the names likesustainability and recycle, but
you don't really get the contextor, you know, kind of what that
company's doing in order to dothat.
Right.
Um, And, you know, I'm in theoil and gas industry.
(19:27):
Um, and at the moment we're kindof going through this
rebranding, like all companieson that sustainability and, you
know, what does that futureenergy look like?
So not oil, like energy mm-hmmUm, and even I see it through
like doing market research that,you know, companies talk about
it, but it doesn't necessarilymean that they're actually, you
know, putting the actions.
(19:49):
Progress.
It's just sometimes can just beeveryone else is speaking about
let you know, let's do the same.
So, um, yeah.
It's definitely real looking atyour brand and your company.
Liana (20:00):
Yeah.
Which is great.
Yes, exactly.
I think a lot of brands becausethey're not there, they're not
going fast enough.
They're literally just goingthrough whatever they possibly
can and finding any steppossible that they possibly can.
That tells the story that theyneed to tell for the moment
until they can get to the pointwhere they need to be.
Um, it's unfortunate.
(20:20):
It's an unfortunate truth.
Um, and.
but that's where what'simportant for me is that I'm
trying to start the process fromthe beginning.
Right.
Instead of trying to backtrackyeah.
Into, into, um, intosustainability, I'm starting
from the beginning because I ama new company and I'm able to do
that.
A lot of these bigger brandscan't um, and they have
(20:43):
investors, of course.
So like they, you know, theinvestors are obviously looking
for profit and you know, their,their shares of money.
Yeah.
Of course.
Um, so for them, it's like, youknow, it's, it's difficult to
kind of say, okay, well we'regonna spend like X amount or
whatever to redo our processes,to bring like, you know, our
manufacturing in house to growthings on like roof, you know,
imagine like if all the beautycompanies were doing that.
(21:05):
No, for sure.
It would be.
It'd be hard for them to thensay, okay, well, like you're you
guys, aren't gonna make money oranything for the next 3, 4, 5
years.
And you know, maybe you'll seeprofits in the future, who
knows, but, but our planet willbe fine.
Francene (21:17):
nobody cares.
no, it's, it's true.
And I think, um, it's anotherthing that kind of sets.
Um, like you apart, um, on, youknow, this journey and again,
just kinda the education piece,but, um, you know, looking to
make sure that everything'sclean.
Um, so one of the things I didwanna say is, um, I've actually
(21:39):
only used a gel moisturizer oncebefore, and I love it so much
better on like the consistency.
I don't know what it is, but Ifeel like my skin.
Soaks the up and I'm in Texas.
So it is humid.
Yeah, it is very hot.
Um, so I feel, and I'moriginally from Scotland, so my
(22:01):
skin was very dry in Scotlandand we moved here eight years
ago and instantly I've got likeOly skin, but I feel like.
Immediately when I put it on myskin was like,
Liana (22:11):
yes.
Yeah, no, exactly.
Actually I formulated that lastsummer.
Um, and I have like a kind ofmixed oily, like hormonal acne
type skin.
Yeah.
So I formulated it for myself.
Of course, cuz I was like, yeah,because I, I suffer from this
and I I've always suffered fromnot finding the right
(22:32):
moisturizer for me.
It always felt like.
Especially in the humidity ofNew York, because it gets just
as humid here in the summer.
You know, I just felt like itwas always on top of my skin.
Yeah.
And like, not really going in,clogging in.
I don't know.
I was always like, just slippingoff.
Yeah.
Um, so I formulated for myselfand, you know, for me, like last
summer it was just like amazing.
(22:53):
Like I just, my, my skin wasglowing, um, the entire time.
And I was like, this is a greatformula.
Now that being said, like, it's,it is a very, very lightweight
gel moisturizer.
And so a lot of the ingredientsare all about kind of like
soaking in quickly and likelocking in that.
Sure.
Um, but for people who have likea little bit more dry, flaky
(23:14):
skin, like, and who, and I feellike a lot of other people that
have been, um, trying it uphere, like over the winter time,
like, it wasn't, it wasn'tnecessarily enough for them.
So that's, that's the thing.
Um, you know, that, that I waslike, okay, great.
Like at least, you know, I knowI'm, I'm targeting like one
person with oily skin and who'sgonna be probably loving it more
(23:34):
in like humid areas.
But also during the summer,Which is, which is great because
I mean, skin.
Actually, you really shouldn'tbe using this same skincare all
the time.
Cuz it, you know, your skin willhave different needs at
different times because of the,the changing yeah.
Air temperature, like pollution,like depending if you're out in
(23:55):
the countryside or in the city.
Um, so for me I'm like.
Honestly, like when it comesdown to it, I'm like, you know,
actually I feel like a lot ofpeople could use this gel
moisturizer here in New Yorkduring the summertime, but maybe
change into something a littlebit heavier during the winter
time.
So that's something I'm lookinginto actually.
Oh, that's awesome.
Laters.
Awesome.
Yeah.
Oh my gosh.
Francene (24:15):
More, more to come, but I'm actually glad you said
that.
Um, cause I'm a big, um, I guesspromoter of depending on how
your skin is and not just toswitch and change, you know, day
to day.
But I think is knowing theweather conditions, knowing the
time of year, even like for me,the time of months, that
(24:37):
completely changes what my skinneeds.
And I'm like, you mentionedhormonal, I get a lot of pimples
around.
Um, chin and it's consistentevery month.
And I always get this big oneand it's taken like years to be
able to kinda put together agood enough skincare routine
(24:57):
where I can switch and change,but at the same time, mix it up.
Cuz I think that's what's key aswell is, um, And by doing that,
you have like summer and thenwinter.
Like I agree.
Um, but you're like the firstperson I've spoken to that has
raised that.
Um, yeah.
So I'm glad it's not just me.
no.
Yes.
Someone else
Liana (25:17):
for me, that's that's.
That's like not women say commonsense, but like, I dunno for me,
it's common sense.
I'm like, yeah, yeah, of course.
Like, you know, like dependingon where you are and how things
are, and, you know, it's, Imean, for, even from like day to
day, like yeah.
New York can go from like super,super dry, like in the
summertime and super, super hotto like super superhu.
(25:38):
So like, even then, like, I'llneed like a little bit of extra
whatever I'll change, like froma day to day perspective,
depending on like, what isreally needed.
Um, So definitely when I'm inthe change of, in the change,
in, um, in temperaturethroughout the seasons, like
I'll, I'll definitely switcharound and, and see what I'm,
what I'm needing.
Then you.
Yeah.
Also to address also addresslike the, the kind of seasonal
(26:02):
things that you are using moreof like sunscreen, for instance,
more of in the summertime, youknow, and you have a little bit
more of like your skin particlesclotting up your skin and et
cetera.
So definitely in the fall andwinter time and moving more
towards kind of like renewalacid type serums to help kind of
like get the gun out, you know?
Oh yeah.
For.
(26:23):
Versus in the spring.
I'm definitely not doing that.
I'm a little, well, you do it alittle bit.
I do it a little bit becausethen after the whole, the whole
winter time, I obviously havedry Flay skin.
So it's like a little bit justto renew it, but not too much.
Yeah,
Francene (26:35):
it is.
Um, it it's crazy how manyproducts.
Are out there and it can get soconfusing with, wait, what is it
that I need?
Like, what's the base skincare,and then you talk about face
mask and peels and other things.
But, um, I just bought myselfit's um, I think it's by the
ordinary.
I think the, and it's their,yeah, it's their appeal.
(26:59):
Um, where you leave on for 10minutes now you take.
Oh, my gosh, it has made asignificant difference and
you're right.
Like over winter, I didn'treally do anything.
And I did it the other day and Iwas like, wow, maybe my skin
needed it.
Liana (27:13):
yeah.
Feels chemical peels are, aremagical.
Um, yeah, for sure.
They're really great.
Um, And I'm definitely lookingat doing something like that in,
in one of my next launches aswell.
Francene (27:26):
but oh, amazing.
Then I will be your number onecustomer.
Now I see the benefit for sure.
Um, so.
You mentioned, um, I know youwere kind of doing consulting
work and, and still working, andthen you kind of took that.
Um, okay.
Now, you know, this is it kindof full time?
Mm-hmm how was that?
(27:47):
I can't imagine how kind ofdaunting unexciting that process
must have been to kind of belike, okay, this is now my baby.
Liana (27:56):
Yeah, it was terrifying.
it was terrifying.
And I, I guess I would say like,I, I was doing those extra
consulting, the extra consultingwork as kind of like a, a
crutch, you know, I was likeholding.
Yeah.
I was holding onto like theextra consulting and like
staying in like the wholebranding, um, you know,
marketing type of consulting,cuz I, I was scared to just take
(28:19):
the leap.
Um, and yeah, it was, it wasterrifying, but I was also, I'm
also so passionate about what Ido, uh, and so excited and, you
know, over the last, you know,3, 3, 4 years now, I just see
how far I've come.
Like I've actually launched,I've actually launched a
product.
I'm like, wow.
like, that's so incredible.
Yeah.
You kind of, you know, when youreally, I, I feel like I'm never
(28:42):
doing enough of course, becausethat's what all, you know,
entrepreneurs feel.
Yeah.
They're like, oh, I failedbecause I didn't do this on
this, on this date or whatever.
When you actually look back atall of the work you've done and
all the knowledge that you'veaccumulated, it's like, I'm very
proud of myself.
Um, but every day is stillterrifying because you're still
having to deal with all theunknowns that's gonna happen.
(29:04):
And.
You know, still working to, toget your product out there and,
and gain awareness.
So
Francene (29:10):
I'm sure.
Oh, I, I bet.
Um, but to your point, I mean,you definitely should be very
proud, um, of what you'veaccomplished, but I'm sure
having the experience, you know,being global marketing and, you
know, kind of looking at thestrategies and kind of product
innovation, um, I can onlyimagine it's maybe fast tracked
(29:32):
you to know what to do, likewhat not to do.
Like you've seen, I'm sureyou've seen products be like,
okay, that was not assuccessful.
And this is why, um, tohopefully kind of bring that
experience into kind of creatingthis company.
Liana (29:45):
It's like a yes and no there, because you would think
that like, yes, I have like thegeneral overall understanding of
everything.
Yeah.
Um, but because like, everythingis so fast, there's not a lot of
time for strategy.
Um, like I'm always like goingon to the.
Things.
(30:06):
So it's very hard for me to sitand actually sit and analyze and
really understand like, whatexactly is going on?
Where did it go wrong and how tofix it?
Or, you know, it's like takes,so where, you know, while a big
company you have like lots ofpeople to do all these different
things for you, right?
Like I had a designer, I had apackaging person.
I had an, you know, an, um, an Rand D team.
(30:28):
I had all of like the help Ineeded the copywriters, whatever
to put for me.
It's like, you know, I don'thave all this.
So I'm trying to like pulleverything together and, you
know, not overthink it.
Whereas in a big company youhave time to think you can, oh,
that's true.
Sit.
And like room rate, like, oh myGod, the amount of times, like I
spent, you know, just likelooking over pieces of copy, you
(30:50):
know, over and over and overagain, like.
Back in the days.
I don't have the time for that.
So it's like, okay, well theymight work or might not.
Who knows how we'll see
Francene (30:59):
and you're taking the agile approach to the next
level.
yeah.
Which is probably like, to yourpoint.
I mean, I work for a hugeorganization and I feel like we
continually talk about the samething and I'm like, okay, Let
let's, let's go.
Let's go.
Where is you're the, the otherextreme of like, okay, I need to
(31:20):
go, like, we're, we're justgonna try this.
Um, yeah.
Which is awesome.
Um, but yeah, I can't imaginehow hard it must be to kinda do
the majority of this yourself.
Liana (31:30):
Yeah, no, exactly.
I mean, I have, I have help.
Um, and I think that's alsowhere actually my, my, my large
corporation experience helped isactually to manage people and to
work with cross functional teamsand to really link and to, and
to connect people togetherbecause, you know, I'm able to
now work with some other people.
(31:51):
Um, I do have a few interns.
I do have some other.
Um, consultants who are helpingme here and there with some
things.
Yeah.
So it's, it's been a, it'shelped me to manage that in, in
a, in.
In a clear and efficient way,but still I'm still all over the
place.
So it's like, cause I'm justalways fast paced so, I mean,
you can ask them at some point,you know, is Leon doing a good
(32:12):
job managing you guys?
I hope
Welcome back to real beauty withFD.
We are officially on to season.
Five, which is.
Wild.
Um, so if you were sticking withme as a loyal listener since
season one, Amen to you.
And I very much appreciate allof the support.
But I feel like I can only blameit on the incredible guests that
(00:23):
I've had the opportunity tointerview.
And there'll be many more and Icontinue to do this.
Um, it has definitely been.
A crazy couple of months.
I only meant to take account amonth off and then I was gonna
kick off the season.
But, um, To be honest, I'munsure.
Where time has gone.
(00:43):
Very hectic.
And I know I'm not the onlyperson feeling.
That pain right now.
So for all of you, let's justtake a deep breath.
We can do this.
Um, and I say this.
After, let me just explain theI'm having.
Firstly, our eight week oldpoppy is currently trying to
(01:07):
tear down.
The curtains in my closet room.
So that's awesome.
Secondly, I actually justrecorded this introduction.
But I forgot to plus record
And this has been the positivepart of my week.
It has definitely been.
One of those where you kind ofquestion.
(01:28):
Your career, why you are doingwhat you're doing, why you
continued to push.
Um, I am a typically.
Very positive person.
Um, it takes a lot to get me toa point where I'm feeling a
little bit cynical, but.
I will say I'm not there yet.
Don't worry.
Um, but it's, it's definitelybeing.
(01:51):
Hard.
Um, and again, I'm voicing thiscause I know I'm not the only
person kind of feeling.
This way sometimes.
And I know when I listen to kindof other podcasts, just to hear
people say out loud, you'relike, oh, thank God.
It's not just me.
It's okay.
We can all have these days,right.
Um, but what else has beenhappening?
(02:11):
Well, I finally got COVID Imanaged the last two and a half
years.
And I finally got it.
Um, And my daughter Luna rosewas just.
So amazing.
Um, I did not feel good for acouple days.
And annoyingly.
I still don't have my full senseof smell back and it's been
about month.
So that sucks cuz I'm definitelythe type of person I like to
(02:35):
smell everything.
Um, so I'm hoping that will comeback.
ESOP.
Um, what else?
I'm sure you all are just like,please just get to the first
guess this is not why we listento it, but I do have a couple
things I wanna say.
So my skin has been.
Horrific, probably the worstit's ever been.
(02:56):
And I'm going to blame just.
Maybe feeling a touch rundown.
Definitely not feeling the best.
Um, stress.
I think my hormones have been alittle bit all over the place.
Um, and honestly, I feel likeI've tried so many different
products.
I did get the best facial fromskin day spa in Houston.
(03:16):
Which, oh my gosh.
Um, Chelsea is incredible.
I highly recommend and is.
Very reasonable rates.
Um, but I've also started.
Using it's, um, house of wise.
Um, C B D face serum.
And luckily, um, I was actuallyintroduced to it because I got
the opportunity to interview theCEO, Amanda.
(03:38):
So you'll be able to hear that,um, in the next couple of
episodes, but it has made such adifference.
And one of the things I neverappreciated with CBD is whatever
it's kind of paired up with.
It amplifies it.
So it has definitely made.
My skin a lot more glowy, but mymain complaint was it was just
(03:59):
breaking out.
It was horrible to be honest.
So that has definitely made adifference.
And then secondly, Lay just toend this introduction on a high.
the other day, actually it wasyesterday.
I was in, um, We are kind ofrolling out our culture.
So I get to, um, be part of thisand help facilitate it, which
(04:21):
honestly, I love it.
It's definitely a great part ofmy role.
And I'm really trying to lap upeverything about it and see
great leaders.
And.
Really kind of see how I can.
Kind of take, take the adviceand their kinda.
They're kinda, um, careerperspectives to kinda assist me
with my career development.
Um, but someone walked past meand they had the most.
(04:45):
Stunning, like probably thenicest issues I think I've ever
seen outside of the pair of.
Gold sparkly boots.
I have.
And immediately.
I found girl Bon over to her.
And I was like, girl, where didyou get those shoes?
Of course they were Jimmy shoes.
Chews, of course they were.
(05:05):
them full price.
And she said, no.
I bought them a couple of weeksago and I was like, okay, it's
fresh.
This is doable.
And I was like, where did youget them from?
She said, sex.
I was like, okay, let me seewhat I can do.
So I literally sat down.
I was beyond distracted.
(05:26):
I searched everywhere.
I even texted like Jimmy chewlady.
She didn't have them.
I was like, oh my gosh, this isthe worst.
And I finally.
Found a pair.
They were 60% off.
And listeners, I got a further20% off.
(05:47):
So a semi bargain.
Define your bargain, right?
For me.
Great bargain.
And it was my only laughed.
Was my size.
So guys, it was meant to be, itwas fate that this happened.
So nothing's changed.
I continue to aid my.
(06:07):
Fashion and spending addiction,which I really need to curb, but
anyway, that's a differentstory.
Maybe I should interview someonethat will help me kind of keep
my.
Shit together and, you know, notspend so much money.
Just on stuff, but y'all know, Ivery much appreciate it and I
enjoy wearing it.
So why would you not right.
(06:27):
Like Yolo.
Okay.
So on that note, I'm gonna stopchit trying, cuz whoever is
still.
With us.
I appreciate it.
Like genuinely appreciate it.
And I know you're not here tolisten to me.
So let's go straight into.
Episode one, a season five.
(06:48):
And I hope you enjoy it.
I'm always willing to hear yourfeedback as long as it's
positive.
Only positive vibes here.
If you haven't realized this.
But seriously, I very muchappreciate the sport.
So enjoy.
Francene (07:05):
How how's your day been?
Liana (07:07):
It it's been good.
Um, just actually one of thefirst, like computer days that
I've had in a while, like whereI've been able to just like sit
down and actually get somecomputer work done.
Um, I'm usually like runningaround on the roof for like
formulating stuff when like mylittle lab over here, so it's
can get a little crazy.
So I'm like, oh my God.
Francene (07:28):
I bet.
I'm sure it's nice.
Just to kind of mix it upthough.
Like to be able to like, dosomething and be able to like
see the formula and kind of workon it and not just be stuck in
front of a computer.
yeah.
No pros and
Liana (07:41):
cons, right?
Yeah, no, it's awesome.
Like I love.
I love what I do obviously.
And like, yes, I love thevariety because it's, every day
is different.
Every day I'm doing somethingdifferent.
It's just when, obviously whenyou have priorities, um, you
know, and you're, you're tryingto figure out like what to focus
on and, you know, you know,there's stuff that you have to
work on and you can't get thereyet.
(08:02):
And you're like, oh God, likeI'm just, so today was good that
I just.
Sit down, but how are
Francene (08:07):
you?
good.
Um, I hear you on thepriorities.
I feel like I, um, I was justtelling my husband, I went into
work today and was like, okay, Ihave a light day.
I feel like I can actually getsome like strategy done.
And I walked away.
I was home late because Icreated another task for myself.
(08:28):
That was my own fall.
I opened my mouth and was like,Hey, we should be looking at X.
And I have found long lists.
Things to do, and now I've justadded to it.
And I was like, the only personto blame was me.
mm-hmm I was like, oh, I need tolearn to like, prioritize the
stuff I'm working on.
But I feel like my mindset waslike, what else can we do?
(08:48):
I know,
Liana (08:49):
I know really bad, bad habit.
Totally get you with that.
It's.
Yeah.
Even like now I was on mycomputer, like researching
ingredients and like otheringredients.
And I was like, but what aboutthis?
What if I looked into that?
And I was like, oh my God, I'mgoing crazy.
Francene (09:03):
it's it is so hard.
Um, but Hey, let me officiallywelcome you to the podcast.
Um, and thank you so much fortaking time out.
Um, I know you had sent me overthe gel moisturizer, which we
will go into in a bit moredetail and I've been using it
religiously.
So I have been super excitedabout, um,
Liana (09:23):
talking you
Francene (09:25):
so right here.
Liana (09:27):
Oh my goodness.
Francene (09:30):
So welcome to real beauty with that game.
A place where we discuss what BTmeans to us, whether it's a
product that sells out everysecond around the world, or it's
a cult classic to discussingbody positivity, to building
incredible brands.
We are here to find your littleblack dress in skincare, makeup,
and more importantly, promotinghappiness within your own skin
(09:51):
and owning it.
So each episode and bring in anew personality to discuss all
things, beauty and touch ontheir inspiring stories, which I
know Joran is gonna be great.
Um, so this week we have thefounder and CEO,, of Brooklyn
rooftops.
Leanna bloom quest,
Liana (10:12):
right?
Yes, correct.
Francene (10:14):
One of the quotes that I saw, um, on your, um,
Instagram is growing on rooftopsto bring beauty closer to home.
So please tell me more aboutyour incredible company.
Liana (10:27):
Yeah.
So Brooklyn rooftop botanicals.
Um, I'll just say rooftopbotanicals for short Um, cause
it's a mouthful.
Uh, and we're probably gonna getinto that name or use that name
going forward to, so yeah, tohave more possibilities in this
world cause we have big, big,big dreams.
Um, so we, we basically, Istarted it, uh, back in 2000 and
(10:47):
like 18 and it was initiallyjust an idea, um, with lots of
D.
Past that I wasn't quite surewhat I wanted it to be, but when
I, yeah, back then I wasworking, um, at Revlon and
Elizabeth Arden and I was doingglobal marketing and product
development.
And I loved my job.
I, I really did, but I reallysaw how.
You know, just how muchpackaging we were creating,
(11:09):
just, you know, howirresponsibly we were sort of
sourcing our ingredients.
Um, yeah.
And unfortunately it's not just,um, you know, Revlon, it's
everybody, it's literallyeverybody.
And even the small mom and pops,like they don't even know where
their ingredients half the timecome from.
And you'll talk to the vendorsthat, you know, you're sourcing
these ingredients from and theydon't even know where their
ingredients come from.
So it's like a vicious cycle.
That's crazy.
(11:30):
So for me, I was like, oh myGod, there has to be a, there
has to be a better way for this.
Um, so at the same time, backthen, I was also gardening.
Um, and you know, I really fellback in love with it.
Let's say just because I, I grewup in gardens, my mom gardened.
Um, and I grew up actually, uh,in the south of France, in a
(11:50):
place called glass, which is peryeah.
Perfume capital of the world,uh, a U and a UNESCO world
heritage.
So I was really surrounded bybeautiful gardens and the
perfume gardens of the south ofFrance and everything.
And you know, when I startedgardening on my, on my rooftop
here, when we first, when wefirst got it, I was, you know,
initially just gardening, littlevegetables and some flowers
(12:12):
here, but then I got like reallyobsessed with it.
I was like, oh my God, what if Icould grow beauty?
Um, and then, you know, createextracts and make products out
of.
So that's where the ideasburned.
And, you know, for a while I waskind of working on the concept,
like, what could it be?
Was it, you know, actuallymaking products or consulting
other people to make, you know,yeah.
(12:32):
Grow, you know, grow on theirrooftops.
So I kind of like went in a fewdifferent directions while still
continuing to work.
Um, and then end of 2019 is whenI kind of left my job and, you
know, still kind of was doingconsulting projects here and
there.
And really, I would say it waslike beginning of last year that
I really went full force on.
Um, so last year I grew a bunchof beauty botanicals over like
(12:56):
50 different ones.
Uh, and then I processed them.
I tested them.
Um, I tested formulations.
Uh, and so the first productthat you have there, the gel
moisturizer, um, is, uh, thefirst of that.
And there's more to come ofcourse.
Um, yeah.
And just to kind of go back tothe quote you were referring to.
Yeah, for me, like the business,just kind of.
(13:20):
Became this concept where forme, I just really wanted to
bring ingredients closer tohome.
Like, that's just the main goalof it.
Um, so starting with botanicals,um, but there are tons of other
things, so botanical extracts,but there are tons of other
ingredients that you can makeout of things that you grow, um,
such as glycerin, which is likethe second most used ingredient.
(13:45):
In a lot of skincare products,hair, product, everything, your
personal care products has likemostly glycerin and it can be
made out of flax, um, flax seedsand flax seeds, as we know, like
the seeds themselves are edible.
Yeah.
Um, and they're huge, like superfood, but the flax plant itself
also, um, can be turned intoline.
(14:05):
so something else that can, youcan use that plant for.
And then the third thing thatthe seeds do also is, um, yeah,
if you, if you, um, press them,uh, in a high pressurized
system, you can make glycerinout of them.
Mm-hmm so again, it's likethere's yeah.
There's tons of things likethat.
Like, and like wheat and corncan be then made also into Z and
gum, which is another ingredientthat is extremely widely used in
(14:29):
skincare and beauty products.
So it's just kind of.
Okay.
I'm, I'm starting to researchand understand like more and
more things that you can makeout of, out of, um, out of
plants.
Um, and so it's not just pubbotanicals.
I wanna do.
And it's and, um, sorry, notjust extracts.
I also wanna do otheringredients too, but starting
here first.
God,
Francene (14:48):
that's, that's amazing.
I didn't know that.
Um, that's, it's interesting.
And that was gonna be one of myquestions is how do you know
what ingredients did you.
Use and be able to grow, butthat's
Liana (15:01):
incredible.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And it's a very good question.
And it's like a complicated onebecause yeah.
Um, it's just takes just a lotof time and research to go
through all of the, I would sayknown beauty botanicals.
Yeah.
Like the roses and the Camameals and the things that like,
just have a lot of usage outthere.
(15:22):
Yeah.
Um, but then going through thekind of like.
Not necessarily known ones thatare actually extremely, um,
extremely widely used out therein the agricultural world, but
then people just don't like linkin, link it to beauty or
associate cuz it's mostly foodbyproducts, but you don't
realize that your foodbyproducts also are beauty
(15:43):
ingredients.
So it's like you like link it.
Um, but yeah, and it's, it'sall, so, so yeah,
Francene (15:50):
That's so cool.
And even from, um, cuz I knowyou look at like sustainability
from like packaging too.
Yeah.
Um, which, you know, I thinklike I've certainly seen the
beauty industry over the lastcouple of years, especially be
more mindful or a bit moreconscious of like packaging and
(16:12):
to your point, I see more kindof beauty brands coming out and
really being.
Conscious of here are theingredients and you should be
checking the ingredients, whichI think is kind of making that
shift.
Um, but certainly not to theextent of, you know, like I'm
looking at the ingredients, likein front of me and I'm able to,
you know, at least kind ofunderstand a bit more of what's
(16:34):
kind of going into it and howit's kinda homegrown or, you
know, it's more natural, which Ithink mm-hmm as you know, A
generation.
I think we're a lot moreconscious of that, which is
good.
So we
Liana (16:47):
should be yes, no, exactly.
Um, and yeah, I think, you know,my whole, my whole thing in
terms of, in terms of thepackaging, cause that was your
initial, like yeah.
Link into this.
It was, you know, for me, forme, it's like, I, I just want
people to just be exactly moreconscious about how they're
(17:09):
using their beauty.
And how they're buying it.
And like, then how are theygonna then use that packaging
afterwards?
Or like yeah.
Be, be, or have an understandingof what they're gonna do with it
afterwards.
Right.
It's like really being consciousthroughout the entire process.
So when it comes to packagingfor me, like I chose aluminum,
like for the bottle that you're.
Yeah.
Yeah.
I love it.
That you're holding becausealuminum is, uh, the most
(17:32):
recyclable material out.
But something that's really coolabout that bottle as well is
actually when you're done, youcan actually pull the dropper
apart and pull like the pipetteapart and you can wash the
pipette, uh, put it all backtogether and you can reuse that
bottle again.
Yeah, that's true.
So, yeah.
I tried to have like areusability standpoint around it
(17:52):
too.
Um, because for me, it's like, Ialso want to teach people how to
grow their own things, how tomake some of their own extracts
or oil infusions or, you know,floral waters.
And they're not as difficult aspeople's, you know, Make it seem
to be because, you know, theythink, oh my God, ingredient and
chemistry and whatever.
It's all crazy.
Yeah.
But like, there are like veryeasy aspects to it.
(18:13):
So, you know, I think a lot ofpeople should be growing some of
their own extracts and then justusing it in their daily lives.
Um, So, yeah, definitely.
Um, definitely trying to likepush that consciousness, trying
to, you know, educate people on,being more conscious in all of
my content.
Um, and kind of like living thatthrough what I'm doing with, by
(18:34):
growing my ingredients andchoosing my packaging and, and
trying to find those, those waysto, to, yeah.
To, to be reusable sustainable,um, and all.
No, it's
Francene (18:44):
it.
It's incredible.
And, um, for everyone listeningand we'll give details in the,
the notes, um, at the end of thepodcast, but like looking at
your website, it very much iseducational on, like, here are
the other things that you shouldbe like considering, and, um,
you know, really kind of givingmore context to it instead of
(19:06):
what I've seen, you know, otherkind of brands do.
Like they mention the names likesustainability and recycle, but
you don't really get the contextor, you know, kind of what that
company's doing in order to dothat.
Right.
Um, And, you know, I'm in theoil and gas industry.
(19:27):
Um, and at the moment we're kindof going through this
rebranding, like all companieson that sustainability and, you
know, what does that futureenergy look like?
So not oil, like energy mm-hmmUm, and even I see it through
like doing market research that,you know, companies talk about
it, but it doesn't necessarilymean that they're actually, you
know, putting the actions.
(19:49):
Progress.
It's just sometimes can just beeveryone else is speaking about
let you know, let's do the same.
So, um, yeah.
It's definitely real looking atyour brand and your company.
Liana (20:00):
Yeah.
Which is great.
Yes, exactly.
I think a lot of brands becausethey're not there, they're not
going fast enough.
They're literally just goingthrough whatever they possibly
can and finding any steppossible that they possibly can.
That tells the story that theyneed to tell for the moment
until they can get to the pointwhere they need to be.
Um, it's unfortunate.
(20:20):
It's an unfortunate truth.
Um, and.
but that's where what'simportant for me is that I'm
trying to start the process fromthe beginning.
Right.
Instead of trying to backtrackyeah.
Into, into, um, intosustainability, I'm starting
from the beginning because I ama new company and I'm able to do
that.
A lot of these bigger brandscan't um, and they have
(20:43):
investors, of course.
So like they, you know, theinvestors are obviously looking
for profit and you know, their,their shares of money.
Yeah.
Of course.
Um, so for them, it's like, youknow, it's, it's difficult to
kind of say, okay, well we'regonna spend like X amount or
whatever to redo our processes,to bring like, you know, our
manufacturing in house to growthings on like roof, you know,
imagine like if all the beautycompanies were doing that.
(21:05):
No, for sure.
It would be.
It'd be hard for them to thensay, okay, well, like you're you
guys, aren't gonna make money oranything for the next 3, 4, 5
years.
And you know, maybe you'll seeprofits in the future, who
knows, but, but our planet willbe fine.
Francene (21:17):
nobody cares.
no, it's, it's true.
And I think, um, it's anotherthing that kind of sets.
Um, like you apart, um, on, youknow, this journey and again,
just kinda the education piece,but, um, you know, looking to
make sure that everything'sclean.
Um, so one of the things I didwanna say is, um, I've actually
(21:39):
only used a gel moisturizer oncebefore, and I love it so much
better on like the consistency.
I don't know what it is, but Ifeel like my skin.
Soaks the up and I'm in Texas.
So it is humid.
Yeah, it is very hot.
Um, so I feel, and I'moriginally from Scotland, so my
(22:01):
skin was very dry in Scotlandand we moved here eight years
ago and instantly I've got likeOly skin, but I feel like.
Immediately when I put it on myskin was like,
Liana (22:11):
yes.
Yeah, no, exactly.
Actually I formulated that lastsummer.
Um, and I have like a kind ofmixed oily, like hormonal acne
type skin.
Yeah.
So I formulated it for myself.
Of course, cuz I was like, yeah,because I, I suffer from this
and I I've always suffered fromnot finding the right
(22:32):
moisturizer for me.
It always felt like.
Especially in the humidity ofNew York, because it gets just
as humid here in the summer.
You know, I just felt like itwas always on top of my skin.
Yeah.
And like, not really going in,clogging in.
I don't know.
I was always like, just slippingoff.
Yeah.
Um, so I formulated for myselfand, you know, for me, like last
summer it was just like amazing.
(22:53):
Like I just, my, my skin wasglowing, um, the entire time.
And I was like, this is a greatformula.
Now that being said, like, it's,it is a very, very lightweight
gel moisturizer.
And so a lot of the ingredientsare all about kind of like
soaking in quickly and likelocking in that.
Sure.
Um, but for people who have likea little bit more dry, flaky
(23:14):
skin, like, and who, and I feellike a lot of other people that
have been, um, trying it uphere, like over the winter time,
like, it wasn't, it wasn'tnecessarily enough for them.
So that's, that's the thing.
Um, you know, that, that I waslike, okay, great.
Like at least, you know, I knowI'm, I'm targeting like one
person with oily skin and who'sgonna be probably loving it more
(23:34):
in like humid areas.
But also during the summer,Which is, which is great because
I mean, skin.
Actually, you really shouldn'tbe using this same skincare all
the time.
Cuz it, you know, your skin willhave different needs at
different times because of the,the changing yeah.
Air temperature, like pollution,like depending if you're out in
(23:55):
the countryside or in the city.
Um, so for me I'm like.
Honestly, like when it comesdown to it, I'm like, you know,
actually I feel like a lot ofpeople could use this gel
moisturizer here in New Yorkduring the summertime, but maybe
change into something a littlebit heavier during the winter
time.
So that's something I'm lookinginto actually.
Oh, that's awesome.
Laters.
Awesome.
Yeah.
Oh my gosh.
Francene (24:15):
More, more to come, but I'm actually glad you said
that.
Um, cause I'm a big, um, I guesspromoter of depending on how
your skin is and not just toswitch and change, you know, day
to day.
But I think is knowing theweather conditions, knowing the
time of year, even like for me,the time of months, that
(24:37):
completely changes what my skinneeds.
And I'm like, you mentionedhormonal, I get a lot of pimples
around.
Um, chin and it's consistentevery month.
And I always get this big oneand it's taken like years to be
able to kinda put together agood enough skincare routine
(24:57):
where I can switch and change,but at the same time, mix it up.
Cuz I think that's what's key aswell is, um, And by doing that,
you have like summer and thenwinter.
Like I agree.
Um, but you're like the firstperson I've spoken to that has
raised that.
Um, yeah.
So I'm glad it's not just me.
no.
Yes.
Someone else
Liana (25:17):
for me, that's that's.
That's like not women say commonsense, but like, I dunno for me,
it's common sense.
I'm like, yeah, yeah, of course.
Like, you know, like dependingon where you are and how things
are, and, you know, it's, Imean, for, even from like day to
day, like yeah.
New York can go from like super,super dry, like in the
summertime and super, super hotto like super superhu.
(25:38):
So like, even then, like, I'llneed like a little bit of extra
whatever I'll change, like froma day to day perspective,
depending on like, what isreally needed.
Um, So definitely when I'm inthe change of, in the change,
in, um, in temperaturethroughout the seasons, like
I'll, I'll definitely switcharound and, and see what I'm,
what I'm needing.
Then you.
Yeah.
Also to address also addresslike the, the kind of seasonal
(26:02):
things that you are using moreof like sunscreen, for instance,
more of in the summertime, youknow, and you have a little bit
more of like your skin particlesclotting up your skin and et
cetera.
So definitely in the fall andwinter time and moving more
towards kind of like renewalacid type serums to help kind of
like get the gun out, you know?
Oh yeah.
For.
(26:23):
Versus in the spring.
I'm definitely not doing that.
I'm a little, well, you do it alittle bit.
I do it a little bit becausethen after the whole, the whole
winter time, I obviously havedry Flay skin.
So it's like a little bit justto renew it, but not too much.
Yeah,
Francene (26:35):
it is.
Um, it it's crazy how manyproducts.
Are out there and it can get soconfusing with, wait, what is it
that I need?
Like, what's the base skincare,and then you talk about face
mask and peels and other things.
But, um, I just bought myselfit's um, I think it's by the
ordinary.
I think the, and it's their,yeah, it's their appeal.
(26:59):
Um, where you leave on for 10minutes now you take.
Oh, my gosh, it has made asignificant difference and
you're right.
Like over winter, I didn'treally do anything.
And I did it the other day and Iwas like, wow, maybe my skin
needed it.
Liana (27:13):
yeah.
Feels chemical peels are, aremagical.
Um, yeah, for sure.
They're really great.
Um, And I'm definitely lookingat doing something like that in,
in one of my next launches aswell.
Francene (27:26):
but oh, amazing.
Then I will be your number onecustomer.
Now I see the benefit for sure.
Um, so.
You mentioned, um, I know youwere kind of doing consulting
work and, and still working, andthen you kind of took that.
Um, okay.
Now, you know, this is it kindof full time?
Mm-hmm how was that?
(27:47):
I can't imagine how kind ofdaunting unexciting that process
must have been to kind of belike, okay, this is now my baby.
Liana (27:56):
Yeah, it was terrifying.
it was terrifying.
And I, I guess I would say like,I, I was doing those extra
consulting, the extra consultingwork as kind of like a, a
crutch, you know, I was likeholding.
Yeah.
I was holding onto like theextra consulting and like
staying in like the wholebranding, um, you know,
marketing type of consulting,cuz I, I was scared to just take
(28:19):
the leap.
Um, and yeah, it was, it wasterrifying, but I was also, I'm
also so passionate about what Ido, uh, and so excited and, you
know, over the last, you know,3, 3, 4 years now, I just see
how far I've come.
Like I've actually launched,I've actually launched a
product.
I'm like, wow.
like, that's so incredible.
Yeah.
You kind of, you know, when youreally, I, I feel like I'm never
(28:42):
doing enough of course, becausethat's what all, you know,
entrepreneurs feel.
Yeah.
They're like, oh, I failedbecause I didn't do this on
this, on this date or whatever.
When you actually look back atall of the work you've done and
all the knowledge that you'veaccumulated, it's like, I'm very
proud of myself.
Um, but every day is stillterrifying because you're still
having to deal with all theunknowns that's gonna happen.
(29:04):
And.
You know, still working to, toget your product out there and,
and gain awareness.
So
Francene (29:10):
I'm sure.
Oh, I, I bet.
Um, but to your point, I mean,you definitely should be very
proud, um, of what you'veaccomplished, but I'm sure
having the experience, you know,being global marketing and, you
know, kind of looking at thestrategies and kind of product
innovation, um, I can onlyimagine it's maybe fast tracked
(29:32):
you to know what to do, likewhat not to do.
Like you've seen, I'm sureyou've seen products be like,
okay, that was not assuccessful.
And this is why, um, tohopefully kind of bring that
experience into kind of creatingthis company.
Liana (29:45):
It's like a yes and no there, because you would think
that like, yes, I have like thegeneral overall understanding of
everything.
Yeah.
Um, but because like, everythingis so fast, there's not a lot of
time for strategy.
Um, like I'm always like goingon to the.
Things.
(30:06):
So it's very hard for me to sitand actually sit and analyze and
really understand like, whatexactly is going on?
Where did it go wrong and how tofix it?
Or, you know, it's like takes,so where, you know, while a big
company you have like lots ofpeople to do all these different
things for you, right?
Like I had a designer, I had apackaging person.
I had an, you know, an, um, an Rand D team.
(30:28):
I had all of like the help Ineeded the copywriters, whatever
to put for me.
It's like, you know, I don'thave all this.
So I'm trying to like pulleverything together and, you
know, not overthink it.
Whereas in a big company youhave time to think you can, oh,
that's true.
Sit.
And like room rate, like, oh myGod, the amount of times, like I
spent, you know, just likelooking over pieces of copy, you
(30:50):
know, over and over and overagain, like.
Back in the days.
I don't have the time for that.
So it's like, okay, well theymight work or might not.
Who knows how we'll see
Francene (30:59):
and you're taking the agile approach to the next
level.
yeah.
Which is probably like, to yourpoint.
I mean, I work for a hugeorganization and I feel like we
continually talk about the samething and I'm like, okay, Let
let's, let's go.
Let's go.
Where is you're the, the otherextreme of like, okay, I need to
(31:20):
go, like, we're, we're justgonna try this.
Um, yeah.
Which is awesome.
Um, but yeah, I can't imaginehow hard it must be to kinda do
the majority of this yourself.
Liana (31:30):
Yeah, no, exactly.
I mean, I have, I have help.
Um, and I think that's alsowhere actually my, my, my large
corporation experience helped isactually to manage people and to
work with cross functional teamsand to really link and to, and
to connect people togetherbecause, you know, I'm able to
now work with some other people.
(31:51):
Um, I do have a few interns.
I do have some other.
Um, consultants who are helpingme here and there with some
things.
Yeah.
So it's, it's been a, it'shelped me to manage that in, in
a, in.
In a clear and efficient way,but still I'm still all over the
place.
So it's like, cause I'm justalways fast paced so, I mean,
you can ask them at some point,you know, is Leon doing a good
(32:12):
job managing you guys?
I hope
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