As Women's History Month unfolds, we're thrilled to spotlight Adeline Koh, Ph.D, founder of Sabbatical Beauty in our Let's Chat series. Born from frustration with mainstream beauty products, Sabbatical Beauty crafts small-batch, handcrafted skincare solutions infused with a high concentration of active ingredients. Influenced by Korean beauty trends, Sabbatical Beauty's products soothe and rejuvenate the skin. Beyond skincare, Sabbatical Beauty embodies a commitment to social justice, actively supporting causes aimed at fostering a more equitable society. In honor of this special month, we're partnering with Sabbatical Beauty for an exciting giveaway of their rejuvenating products, symbolizing our collective commitment to uplifting women and embracing their stories. Keep reading to learn more the giveaway!
Roots of Sabbatical Beauty: A Testament to Women's Influence
How did the women in your life play a role in, or respond to, your brand in its early days? Did any particular woman in your life inspire your brand, or help it bring it to fruition? What role do the women in your community currently inhabit in supporting your business?
Women played a pivotal role in shaping Sabbatical Beauty from its inception. Experimenting with skincare formulations, I initially sought feedback from my Facebook group of mostly academic women. Their enthusiastic response fueled my determination to launch Sabbatical Beauty's first website. The women in my community continue to be instrumental in supporting my business, offering invaluable insights and encouragement along the way.
The women in the Facebook group that were my first testers were also featured in this Slate article on the 10 Step Korean Skincare routine as an act of radical feminist self care - this article really created the brand, because of how many products I sold when it first came out.
Customer-Centric Innovation: Empowering Through Feedback
In what ways do you incorporate feedback and input from your customers, particularly women, in the development and improvement of your products and services?
Customer feedback, especially from women, is the lifeblood of Sabbatical Beauty's product development. Many of our products were born from addressing the specific skincare needs of friends and customers. For instance, the Bethany Charcoal Mask and Piper’s Peat Serum were inspired by individuals within our community, highlighting the collaborative nature of our brand.
Promoting Self-Confidence and Self-Care: Embracing Authentic Beauty
What role do you see your brand playing in promoting self-confidence and self-care among women?
At Sabbatical Beauty, our mission is to promote self-acceptance and self-love through skincare. We prioritize creating products that nurture and celebrate individual beauty without perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. Our goal is to empower women to embrace their natural beauty and skincare journey, fostering a sense of confidence and self-care along the way.
Diversity and Inclusion: Redefining Beauty Standards
What efforts do you make to promote realistic and inclusive representations of beauty in your marketing campaigns and product imagery?
In our marketing campaigns and product imagery, inclusivity is at the forefront of our brand identity. We strive to represent the diverse spectrum of beauty, showcasing real people with varied body sizes, skin tones, ages, and textures. By challenging conventional beauty norms, we aim to inspire authentic self-expression and celebrate the beauty of diversity.
Fostering Community and Connection: A Space for Empowerment
In what ways does your brand foster a sense of community and connection among your customers?
Sabbatical Beauty serves as a platform for fostering community and connection among our customers. Through our active Facebook group and in-person skincare parties, individuals come together to share experiences, seek advice, and forge meaningful connections. These spaces provide a supportive environment where skincare enthusiasts can empower one another and celebrate their unique journeys.
Advocacy and Social Justice: Empowering Through Action
Can you discuss any initiatives or partnerships your brand has undertaken to support organizations or causes related to gender equality and/or racial justice?
As a brand rooted in social justice, Sabbatical Beauty actively supports organizations and causes aimed at promoting gender equality and racial justice. From creating skincare and social justice collections to partnering with progressive nonprofits, we strive to effect positive change in our community and beyond. Through donations and advocacy, we are committed to building a more just and equitable society for all.
Sabbatical Beauty isn't just about skincare—it's about redefining beauty, empowerment, and community. I’m a firm believer in supporting brands like Sabbatical Beauty, which is why we’ve partnered up as we celebrate Women's History Month! I'm SO excited to announce our giveaway: enter to win a Sabbatical Beauty 6-piece Skincare Kit (your choice of Revitalize or Rescue + a travel size of Dorian Gray!) and a set of Minimal Chaos Turkish Towels and a Kilim Wristlet of your choice – a $350 value!
Discover more about Sabbatical Beauty and join the movement of empowered skincare enthusiasts at Sabbatical Beauty!
Giveaway closes on Sunday, March 17 at 11:59pm. Winner is announced via email on Monday, March 18 – remember to check your inbox!