According to the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, “globally, women only make 77 cents for every dollar men earn.” While it’s an astounding statistic to stomach, there is certainly hope. Within the beauty industry and beyond, there are millions of women who are fighting each day to help women thrive.
Our credo is to empower women. So, especially today, we’d like to encourage you to consider purchasing from a woman-owned or co-owned brand. Make a donation to a non-profit that supports women’s rights and equality. Or, simply, thank a woman in your life for shaping who you are today.
In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re rallying together to celebrate the dynamic forces behind the brands and talent we all know and love. We sat down with a small group of incredible women, including Dermelect’s very own co-founder Jodi Lavian, to share how they support other women and their favorite beauty tip they've received from the special ladies in their lives. Our hope is that it draws inspiration to help our Dermelect community connect and make the world a better place for us all.
Jodi Lavian, Co-Founder Dermelect Cosmeceuticals
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
By paying it forward! I remember the days when I first started out in this industry and looking back I'm humbled by how far I've come. However, I didn't do it alone - I am where I am today because of the generosity others have shown me along the way. You never know the difference you can make in someone's life with even the smallest gesture. I always strive to give chances to new and upcoming talent whether it be working with a beauty influencer that's just starting out or welcoming someone to our Dermelect team. Everyone has to start from somewhere and if I can give someone an opportunity to shine, I consider that a blessing!
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
Some advice that I take to heart is to make sure you treat yourself! As women we are so inclined to give and give to those around us that we often forget about ourselves. The truth is, we need to make sure we're taking care of ourselves to truly be at our best for our loved ones. Even the smallest indulgences- a new lipstick or a hair blowout can be the self-care pickup we need and deserve!
Dr. Mia Chae Reddy, P.H.D, Founder of Dehiya Beauty
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
I support other women in the beauty industry by paying it forward. Don’t forget your struggle start. No matter if you are self-funded or VC-funded, you will struggle in some area of your business and you will need help. I got help from some fabulous founders (and still do!). Women at early stages of their beauty business reach out to me often and I try to give insight where I can. I have two or three women who are a step or two behind me in the journey that I really connected with and now mentor. One is a lawyer by trade and, as you can guess, has helped me with our trademarks and IP. There is no reason why we have to go it alone. When you are in a position to help someone else, pay it forward.
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
I was with a friend at the spa about 12 years ago and after our treatment, we were in the spa boutique. She was slathering on every oil and cream that had a tester. I stared at her like she had a third eye and as she layered product after product on her face she said, “Moisture is key. My mother says, ‘Don’t be afraid of oils. She even puts a thick layer on before bed.’ It changed my whole perspective on how to hydrate and lock moisture into my skin. Bring on the face mists, oils and creams…I cannot get enough!
Deborah Kerner, Founder and President of Kerner Communications
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
Most of the people I know in the beauty industry are female and it’s important to recognize the camaraderie among us. Whether it’s fellow publicists or women in other aspects of the industry such as editorial, manufacturing, branding and marketing or advertising –– we are all working to achieve the same goal within the same industry. I try to encourage my colleagues (and myself) to live bolder, work harder and give back a little more each day. Paying-it-forward to a female colleague means celebrating them, inspiring them, supporting them. Finding friends in the industry who can support your journey, lift you up with humility and kindness is what makes my female friends in the beauty industry an integral part of my life.
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
I have two. One from my mentor, Andrea Robinson, when she took me along on a business trip when she was the President of Ultima II and I was her summer intern while I was still in college. She told me to never rub my face with a towel after washing. Instead, gently lay a tissue on your damp face and let it soak up the water. A towel breeds bacteria so you are basically putting bacteria on your face after cleansing.
The second was from the legendary Tova Borgnine which was to never rub your wrists together after spraying perfume. Doing so breaks apart the top notes in the fragrance PLUS mixing a fragrance with your natural oils changes the scent. It’s best to let your wrists air dry after spraying. I have never rubbed my wrists together since!
Barbara Warner, Celebrity Nail & Skin Care Expert
How do you support women in the beauty industry
I support women in the beauty industry in a lot of small ways. My entire business is about empowering women by making them feel good. I educate and share my knowledge so that other women can take better care of themselves and the people around them. I always boost women up by providing opportunities for growth and work, and support others however and whenever I can. I believe that we can succeed together, and when women in my circle thrive, I thrive. Anytime I find new trends or techniques in the industry I talk about them, share my experience, and give social credit to the originator so that they're getting more exposure and support. And, of course, I try to support other women in business by shopping small and local, and seeking out women-owned businesses and products.
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
My favorite beauty tip that a woman in my life shared with me was from my grandmother! She was so glamorous and she's the one who really got me started on my beauty journey. She would always make being beautiful a big treat. She'd draw me a foamy bubble bath and I'd love being clean and would feel so luxurious that it really instilled a love of beauty in my heart. She'd say, "Start at your head and go all the way down to your toes... and then start again!" And to me, that means love yourself. Embrace your own beauty, and have fun with your body and your routine. Start young and share your love of beauty with any of the kids in your life.
Lynn Power, Founder of Masami
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
Just be generous. With your time, with your ideas. With your contacts. And act assumptive that everyone is willing to help when you need it (like men do!)
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
Never get a perm. I wish I had listened to this when I was in high school!
Ruby Kular, Founder of Nazarr Cosmetics
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
I have really pushed for more multiculturalism and diversity in the beauty industry. Growing up in the West was definitely challenging and most South Asians can relate. It was a crush to my confidence when I'd open a magazine and all I'd see were 'blonde hair, blue eyed' beauties. I desperately wanted to look like that. I wanted to feel like I belonged. But no matter how much I dyed my hair or bleached my face, I was never going to fit in. That’s why our platform exists. Our mission is to empower people to confidently stand out –– not fit in –– with or without makeup. Our brand has now become an inspiration to other women entrepreneurs who were on the cusp of taking that next step or afraid to be different. We are silent mentors to a few beauty startups who need guidance in just the basic steps of starting. I firmly believe we all have the power to encourage other female leaders and should make every effort to do so.
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
I learned from a MAC makeup artist that you should line your upper waterline to make your eyes look even bigger!
Jackie Saulsbery, Celebrity Manicurist and Nail Expert
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
I support other women in my industry by always trading tips and knowledge to further perfect our craft. There are so many different ways to polish or create designs so we are constantly learning from each other!
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
My favorite beauty tip is to always use a ridge filler like Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler as a base so that your polish goes on smoothly with no lines.
Cheryl Behnam, Vice President Dermelect Cosmeceuticals
How do you support women in the beauty industry?
Whether it's female-led panels or partaking in their annual beauty awards, we are proud to take part in events hosted by CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) organization. It's especially inspiring to meet different kinds of women who are driven in the beauty industry, from founders, influencers, formulators and everyone in between who follow their passion everyday and are making strides in pushing beauty forward. Connecting with organizations that support women all year round makes me proud to be in our industry.
What is your favorite beauty tip a woman in your life has shared with you?
At Dermelect we love 'all things nails'. We are fortunate to work with some of the best nail experts in the industry. Over the years I've learned the following to achieve a long lasting manicure- to avoid breakage, never file down the side of your nails, only the tops and the corners and always wash your hand directly before applying nail polish to create a clean canvas for your mani!
How do YOU hope to show your support for women this International Women’s Day? If you have an amazing woman in your life, please share this post with her!
