E22: Creating a Million Dollar Business: How PrettyBoy Skincare Plans to Revolutionize the Men’s Grooming Industry

How can you transform a dream into more than just a reality, but a thriving million-dollar venture? These two college best friends went from dreaming of entrepreneurship to creating a successful skincare company. Discover how Ben and Kevin, Founders of PrettyBoy Skincare, turned their college dream into a blossoming million-dollar brand. 

From product formulation to brand building, their story is packed with valuable lessons. Hear how they validated their concept through customer research, worked with experts to formulate their product, and built their brand experience. Ben and Kevin also share the challenges of scaling their business while staying true to their values.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

00:00

03:04 - Ben and Kevin’s background from college friends to business partners

11:47 - Creating a skincare brand for men

16:37 - The power of hiring experts

19:11 - Putting customers first and seeking support from the community

27:35 - Their approach to branding, marketing, and messaging

37:01 - Their vision of the future

45:03 - Tips for getting started with a business and finding the right partner

 

Episode Highlights:

[11:47] Creating PrettyBoy Skincare

Ben and Kevin built PrettyBoy from an idea sparked by their own struggles with skin issues and an unmet need in the men's skincare market. They validated their concept through customer surveys to understand pain points and product preferences. Armed with this research, they worked with dermatologists and chemists to formulate a simple, high-quality product containing clinically-backed ingredients. To launch their brand, they focused on creating an experience that resonated with their target demographic through messaging, imagery and a focus on quality. Starting as an online-only business, PrettyBoy is now a growing enterprise disrupting the men's grooming industry through authenticity and effective products.

[16:37] The Power of Experts

Ben and Kevin emphasized the importance of leveraging experts throughout their journey of building PrettyBoy Skincare. With a clear vision but limited technical knowledge, they were able to fill critical gaps by working with dermatologists, chemists and manufacturers who helped turn their concept into a reality. By providing directives based on customer research and prioritizing clinical efficacy, Ben and Kevin allowed experts to help implement their vision. This approach demonstrated that entrepreneurs don't need to know everything themselves - with a well-defined goal and willingness to learn, hiring the right experts can help overcome challenges and accelerate progress towards success.

[19:11] Building a Successful Brand: Putting Customers First and Seeking Support from the Entrepreneurial Community

When starting a brand, whether it's a restaurant or any other business, it's essential to prioritize the vision of your customers. Instead of beginning with the brand itself, focus on sourcing everything that your customers desire in a skincare product. By understanding their top concerns, preferred texture, and desired usage, you can build a brand and formulate products accordingly. Seek feedback from dermatologists and engage with the entrepreneurial community, as they are often willing to provide valuable support and guidance. Remember, being customer-obsessed and open to seeking help are crucial factors in creating a product that people want to buy and ensuring a successful journey in the business world.

Resources Mentioned:

PrettyBoy Skincare

The Gap and The Gain