INSIDE THE BOX: GREGORY DYLAN SKINCARE
What is the name of your company?
Gregory Dylan Skincare!
When was the company founded?
I started my skincare studio in West Hollywood in 2013 after ‘breaking up” with the world of corporate beauty. Then I launched my first product in 2019. And here we are today with 10 products and more coming!
Tell us the story of how you brought your company to life.
Well, I have always wanted to create my own skincare line. So a few years after I started the studio, it seemed like the right time to embark on making that dream come true. I was inspired by creating what I would consider “my perfect product lineup” and of course addressing the needs of my clients and their skin. My objective was to create a line that was straightforward and uncomplicated and that would be easy to use as a full regimen on its own or to pepper in key problem-solving products to your current regimen.
How did you feel after it launched?
It was quite surreal, actually. You do all of this work and planning, there are mockups and graphics and a million versions of copy…and then one day the final product arrives at your door. And there it is in real life. It’s a proud and special moment.
Where do you draw your design inspiration from?
I wanted something sleek and minimal but also bright and cheerful. While I love and appreciate scaled-down, neutral brands, I felt this was more reflective of me as a person. I wanted people to see these beautiful jewel-toned products and just smile as they used them, like little gems awaiting you on your bathroom counter, ready to make you look and feel your best!
Why was it important to you to create an “out and proud” LGBTQ+ company?
Out and proud is who I have always been! I was the kid that was out in high school in the 90s, so of course as a brand owner, that pride is carried into everything I do. It’s so important to show our strong presence in the business world and the power of our dollar in the marketplace. Many people don’t know this but the ombré stripe on the packaging is a subtle nod to the LGBTQ+ rainbow!
Was there a defining moment in your company’s history (so far) when you knew you created something special?
I think when people started to replenish products on their own. It hit me, like…oh people love these, they’re doing what I intended, getting the results I strive for in development. It’s easy to sell someone something once, the true test is if they keep coming back for more!
What has been the reaction of customers to your brand?
I’m very pleased to say that it has been very well received. I am so happy that people recognize and appreciate all of my expertise and attention to detail. My clients know that I won’t put my name on it unless it’s a truly effective and wonderful product.
Any special customer stories that you want to share?
Well speaking of customers, mine actually help in my development process! My long-time clients get sent lab samples to review and provide feedback on. I have coached them to know great skincare, so who better to help me refine and perfect my products as I make them?
At Fruitloots, we call all the amazing products that we find our “loot”. What's your favorite piece of “loot” you have created?
Well, they’re my little skincare children, so I do love them all. Right now I am obsessed with Eye Slept In. Being so busy and stressed and not getting enough beauty sleep, Eye Slept In keeps my eye area looking well-rested and bright. It’s a must-have and is delightful when stored in the fridge!
Tell us about the Fruitloots products that we have chosen.
Well of course you have my latest obsession, Eye Slept In! It features ingredients like kojic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and caffeine to brighten, hydrate, and de-puff, so nobody knows you decided to stay for the after-party last night, lol! And then you also have my amazing skin-smoothing mask, Velvet Glow. It retextures, calms, and deep cleans all in one with lactic acid, shiitake, and bentonite. These two are a total power couple for a fresh and rejuvenated complexion!
Where do you see your company in 10 years?
I’d love to see the company in a major retailer and perhaps with some international distribution. Of course, this all takes a lot of time and effort, but I’m a firm believer that hard work pays off and that growth is about being measured and intentional and of course with the right partners.
If you could do a special collaboration with any person in the world, who would it be and why?
Wow, that is a hard one! I think it would need to be a group collab, like maybe with all of my favorite supermodels from growing up. I grew up in the 80’s, so we are talking Cindy, Christy, Naomi. I mean, talk about iconic!
Any advice to queer entrepreneurs?
Don’t be afraid to be true to yourself and your vision, your authenticity and uniqueness will set you apart. Also, don’t give up! Running a small business is very rewarding but tons more work than a regular job, so be ready to brave the storm and take the bad with the good.
If you could throw a party, with an unlimited budget and you could invite anyone, tell us about the party and who would be there!
Ok, I would do a big cruise for all of my fellow small beauty biz owners! We never really stop working so a fabulous boat with endless champagne and delicious food would be perfect! Live entertainment, shopping, the whole thing! And of course lots and lots of SPF. Passed out by cute boys. In Speedos. (Well come on, it is a cruise! LOL)
Last question, If you could be any fruit, what would it be and why?
Shockingly this is not the first time I have been asked this! I would be a champagne grape, because it’s a bougie fruit, just like me. Hahaha!
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GREGORY DYLAN SKINCARE AND TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF THEIR COLLECTION, CLICK HERE
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Photos courtesy of Gregory Dylan Skincare