How to Create a Skincare Brand Rooted in Nature and Tradition with Melissa Fuller

Beauty and the Brand

Melissa Fuller, founder of Gatherwise Skincare, shares how her personal battle with autoimmune issues and frustration with traditional skincare led her to create a plant-based skincare brand. She opens up about the early days, mixing herbal remedies in her kitchen, and how a passion for holistic healing grew into a thriving business. Melissa explains the deep connection between plants and skincare, discussing the importance of knowing exactly what goes into her products, from seed to bottle. This episode is a raw look at how personal struggles can fuel innovation and why trusting nature can be the key to lasting relief.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – The Link Between Seasons and Your Skin
• 00:01:17 – Meet Melissa Fuller, Founder of Gatherwise
• 00:01:38 – Battling Autoimmune Issues with Skincare
• 00:02:39 – The Birth of Gatherwise: A Personal Journey
• 00:03:47 – From Homemade Remedies to Professional Skincare
• 00:05:13 – Diving Deep into Herbalism
• 00:07:03 – How Melissa Built the Gatherwise Brand
• 00:09:52 – Starting Small: Handwritten Labels and Farmers Markets
• 00:11:09 – From Farmers Markets to Online Success
• 00:12:41 – Why Plant-Based Ingredients Matter
• 00:18:33 – Overcoming Challenges and Rebranding
• 00:19:49 – Key Ingredients Behind Gatherwise Products
• 00:23:31 – Scaling the Business After COVID
• 00:25:35 – Building a Loyal Community
• 00:29:10 – Crafting Seasonal Skincare Bundles
• 00:31:24 – Founder Challenges and How to Overcome Them
• 00:34:57 – Personal and Professional Growth as a Founder
• 00:39:52 – Upcoming Gatherwise Workshops and Classes
• 00:42:30 – Melissa’s Own Skincare Routine
• 00:44:01 – Advice for Aspiring Skincare Founders
• 00:45:55 – Where to Find Gatherwise Products
• 00:47:18 – Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell

Links and Resources:

• Melissa on LinkedIn
• Gatherwise Skincare
• The School of Botanical Alchemy
• Aggie on LinkedIn
• AB Creative
• Aggie on Instagram
• 5 Days to Growing Your Iconic Beauty Brand (and Having Your Most Profitable Holiday Season Ever)

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