Skin Envy Beauty Bar – It is all about self-love, and self-care

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“It’s the turmeric scrub for me! I have noticed that it has evened out areas of hyperpigmentation and I highly recommend this.” Halle

If you’re in the skincare industry in Canada, there is a lot of research that needs to be done to: keep you informed, help you make intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, and to remain resilient amidst market uncertainty.

Skincare products have surged in popularity, thanks to interest in natural and organic ingredients, as well as a thriving community on social media. It is the first time in a very long time that the skincare industry is growing faster than the makeup industry, and there are a number of factors that have contributed to the growth.

Women tend to be the primary consumers in the skincare industry, many adding anti-aging products to their skincare regimens, as they get older. Surprisingly, men are showing interest in skincare products, and in turn companies are launching new lines targeted at them.

With so much happening in the marketplace, there is greater scrutiny of product ingredients, which has led to demand for natural and organic skincare brands, now more than ever. New products and companies are launching at a dizzying pace, and right here in Toronto, there is a brand that is taking this market by storm.

“Amazing body butters, my skin felt immediately soft. Smells great, and you only need a small amount.” Tammy

Danielle Neilson is the Creative Director and Lead Formulator at Skin Envy Beauty Bar, a Canadian Black owned natural skin care company. In 2018, she began her research to learn all she could about skin care, natural ingredients, and all that goes into creating the very best in skin care products. It was a project born out of passion, and a never-ending drive to help people (particularly women) embrace, nourish and flaunt their natural skin tone.

For years, Danielle tried every prescription and over the counter remedy with no avail. She decided to take matters into her own hands and create a solution with natural organic ingredients that restore and revive a person’s skin. She knew first-hand how plant-based ingredients could change someone’s life. She had experienced the freedom of dealing with problematic skin without the need of products with harmful chemicals.

She is a passionate, qualified skincare formulator with certificates in natural skincare, and she has taken the time to educate herself turning her dream of owning a business into the revolutionary Skin Envy Beauty Bar.

I was introduced to her products through a friend, and I was impressed at her ability to niche her brand in the sea of beauty products found online. Great niches don’t just fall into your lap, they are carefully crafted. She has been able to appeal to a specific group of users, solving a specific problem. Her product aligns with her beliefs, her talents, her skills, and her values, and she has clearly done her research. Her products stand out because they are unique and distinctive.

As one of Canada’s known luxury brands, I wanted to speak with Danielle, learn a little more about SEBB, and delve into her passion for skin care.

“Interestingly enough Simone,” Danielle began. “I am what you would call a community worker. I work at a shelter with homeless people, specifically with men who come out of prison and need help transitioning back into society. I have a dedication to helping others, and my business has become an extension of this dedication.

I have had problematic skin since I was a child, and because of this I had a lot of insecurities. My challenges ranged from acne to dark spots; when I looked in the mirror, I didn’t like who I saw looking back at me. I hated my stretch marks (as most women do), and I knew that I wanted to do something, anything to help my self-confidence, feel better about myself.

Even though I do have a great career, I always wanted to work for myself, but I didn’t know how to do it. I am a mother with children, so I always had to work for someone. It was about putting food on the table, a roof over our heads, and ensuring that my children felt supported.”

Regardless of the challenges she faced, Danielle started her skin care journey. Her research led into project creation, and she began to share her creations with friends and family. Getting feedback from people helped her to target her audience, and provided guidance on what products she should sell, and where to focus her marketing efforts. She began to tap into this underserved niche, and became an expert on their needs, wants, and problems.

“I started with charcoal soap. Then I started getting into skin care, which led to Yoni Bars, and then I got into body butters.

Before I did a big launch of my products, I gave some of my friends and family a chance to sample it. It was their reactions that gave me valuable insight on the viability of my product, and I was able to pivot and make changes without losing a lot of time and money.”

 “I love Glow Girl Beauty Bar & Turmeric Mask! My skin is so beautiful, and I get so many compliments.” Laura

“Glow Go Beauty soap was the first soap I made for my acne,” Danielle shares. “A question that I started to hear more and more was, ‘Why don’t you sell it?’ So, I started selling it and like that, the brand took off.

I want women to feel comfortable in their skin. I want to be very clear about something; my brand is not going to work overnight, it takes time. Using natural products takes time. I am always working on what I can do differently, or better than what everyone else is currently doing? An opportunity gap may exist in improving my product, in finding an untapped market, or even in marketing more creatively than my competitors. 

All of my support has come from people who I don’t know, and I have a strong market in the United States. I am doing a lot more this year to let the community in Canada know that I am here to help them out with their skin care needs too.

I have a Pop-Up coming up on July 29^th, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at 2237 Dundas St West. I am excited to have people use my product because I know how much it has done for me.”

Danielle has created a special promo code for our Toronto Caribbean Newspaper readers. When you visit https://skinenvybeautybar.com/, enter Promo Code: tocarib to get a DISCOUNT on your first order.

There are numerous ways to practice self-care, but Skin Envy Beauty Bar can help you focus your efforts on improving skin health. It’s when you’re engaged in an activity, including washing, toning, and moisturizing your face or body, that you can get out of your head and focus on self-love and self-care.