The Skin You’re In

How skincare, scent, and a moment on the subway led me toward my true calling

I originally went to college to study fashion design. Scent, at that time, was a personal
passion—something I loved, but not something I saw as part of my career. That started to change in small, meaningful moments.

Like when my suitemates gave me a gift certificate for a facial. I’d always struggled with my skin and covered it up with makeup, something I was quite good at thanks to years of practicing with my dad’s products. But that facial made something click. My skin felt different. Not perfect, but cared for. Even with breakouts, I started to feel more confident. I started saving up for more facials.

Then one day, a stranger complimented my skin on the subway. That compliment landed
differently. It wasn’t just about appearance—it was about freedom. I realized I didn’t have to hide anymore. Makeup became a costume, not a mask. That shift changed how I saw beauty and what I wanted to offer others.

Meanwhile, I was still following fragrance, even if it wasn’t my focus. During a study program in Paris with Jacques Courtin-Clarins, I discovered Eau Dynamisante—a product that blended herbs and fragrance into a body treatment. It was like a sophisticated splash of therapy. It changed my mood and made me feel something new: grounded, uplifted, connected.

That trip also introduced me to Coco by Chanel, which was launching in Paris but not yet
available in the U.S. I bought bottles and brought them home, excited to share what felt like a secret. Fragrance, once again, was leading me somewhere new—quietly guiding me toward a bigger vision I didn’t yet know I was building.