Skincare Business Reality Check
One strategic conversation before you spend any more money
There has rarely been a better time to launch an independent skincare brand.
Consumers are informed, ingredient-aware, and actively seeking small brands they can trust. If you have a strong concept and a clear point of view, the opportunity is real.
But this is also where many capable founders make very expensive mistakes — not because they lack talent, but because they build in the wrong order.
The Skincare Business Reality Check exists to stop that happening.
Who this is for ?
This session is designed for early-stage skincare founders who:
- Are working or planning to work with labs or contract manufacturers
- Are preparing to invest significant money into production, packaging, or branding
- Want to avoid building something generic or commercially misaligned
- Care about long-term viability, not just a beautiful launch
- Feel confident in their skills, but want commercial clarity before going further
- Don’t want guesswork, hype, or generic advice
You don’t need to have everything figured out. You do need to be open to an honest, strategic conversation.
The problem I see again and again
Most lab-based skincare founders don’t fail because of poor product quality.
They fail because the strategy was wrong before production even started.
By the time many founders reach me, they have already:
- Built products before clarifying their true customer
- Positioned themselves as “premium” without a real differentiator
- Briefed labs based on assumptions, not strategy
- Invested heavily before validating commercial viability
Once those decisions become physical, they become expensive to reverse.
This hasn't happened because they’ve done anything wrong — but because no one helped them ask the right questions early enough.
What we focus on in the Reality Check
This is not a motivational coaching call
It is not generic business advice.
It is a focused, strategic review of your current plan before you invest further.
In our 60-minute session, we look at:
In our 60-minute session, we will look at:
- Who you can realistically sell to right now (not hypothetically)
- How you will reach them -and convert them.
- What truly differentiates your brand in a saturated market
- Whether your current concept is commercially viable
- Where you are most at risk of making expensive mistakes next
The goal is clarity, direction, and alignment — before further investment.
Why this works
Labs will create what you ask for.
They will not tell you if it will sell.
A sustainable skincare brand doesn’t start with products or packaging.
It starts with alignment:
- Between the customer and the concept
- Between the brand and the market
- Between ambition and reality
When those foundations are clear, decisions become easier — and far less expensive.
What’s included
- 60-minute Skincare Business Reality Check (1:1 strategic session)
- 30-minute accountability check-in two weeks later
- To review what you have implemented.
- To refine direction
- To prevent drift
This follow-up is an integral part of the process, not an add-on.
Investment
£495
If this conversation helps you avoid even one major misstep, it will more than pay for itself.
What this is (and isn’t)
This is: - Practical, commercially grounded strategy - Honest, experienced feedback - A preventative step before a major spend.
This is not: - Motivation or mindset coaching - Generic business advice - A long-term programme,
Is this the right time for you?
This session is most valuable before you:
- Finalise your concept
- Commit to large production runs
- Sign contracts with labs or suppliers
- Spend heavily on branding or packaging
If you are at — or approaching — that stage, this conversation can save you months and thousands.
Book your Skincare Business Reality Check
If you want to move forward with clarity, confidence, and commercial realism, this session is designed for you.
👉 To enquire or book, send me a message or use the booking link below.
Sometimes one honest conversation, at the right moment, makes all the difference.
Read what people are saying about working with me
The session was a real eye-opener for me. It really focused all the thoughts and ideas in my head. I took away not only a focused brand message but an action plan as well.
I really wished I found Melinda at the beginning of my brand journey, I would have saved a lot of time and effort.
Marwa A. Qatar.
Wonderful course and Mentor really felt like my plans were thought about thoroughly with a great interest and wanted to provide value and actionable takeaways in order for me to clarify my vision around the brand.
The deeper insight into my own story and how this could translate into the brand identity more and all the add ons that could be possible within the business. No nonsense, good sense and a thinker outside the box. Very insightful and helpful.
Thank you Melinda, a pleasure to work with you too. A great investment made!
Emily K. UK.
Wonderful! Melinda was very engaging, insightful, personable, and honest.
I found the session was very useful. She provided excellent feedback on what I have done so far with my brand, what is missing, what to consider changing, and several areas to focus on to further my niche in the men's grooming world. I value her honest critique. I have a clearer direction now on where to take my brand and where not to waste money. Melinda inspired some hope that I can make it in this industry. I'm running around with a notebook in my hand as ideas pop into my head from her suggestions.
I feel the session definitely lived up to my expectations. Melinda is an expert in growing successful businesses and she understands the struggles we go through. That is very meaningful to me. I expected an honest assessment of what I have done so far, as well as some advice on what next, or what to improve. She hit it straight on with an honest assessment, what was missing, what to improve, and how and where to use my strengths. Melinda’s advice is invaluable to me. I am super excited to move forward.
Mary A. USA.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy. Let’s start with that. You have a clear business plan. Perfect! And, you’re an entrepreneur, which means you are intelligent, committed and equipped to work very hard.
While you are taking care of production, packaging, copy, web-development, photographs, social media, accounting, employees, taxes, and compliance... there is something else happening - CHANGE. The market is dynamic! It changes and so do you. It’s ok. It’s energy and growth in action. Melinda has the experience, intellect, and honesty to help you navigate shifting trends. She can help interpret how these changes relate to your brand. She will listen, then offer guidance to support an empowered mindset. As a brand mentor, Melinda, can be a very effective “true north” relationship in your toolbox.
Carol M - USA
I am amazed at the patience displayed during our one on one session. We found it immensely useful and it far surpassed our expectations. It was incredibly uplifting to find someone who understands the business and thinks this is achievable. The depth of Melinda’s knowledge has been surpassed only by her ability to explain ideas in a manner we can both understand and execute.
J&K Cox USA
If you want your brand to stand out from the crowd, please seriously consider this workshop with Melinda! If you are a bit lost or overwhelmed with your way forward, she will definitely find you the best and fastest route (a bit like the GPS in your car...truly!). The right brand message is crucial, and Melinda really knows her stuff! The session was more helpful than I had expected, and I expected something pretty great! :-)
Tracey Berne - Australia
A Bit About Me
Thirty years ago I started out as a single mum with no qualifications and three under twos to support. I wrote a list of what I could possibly earn money at and it was a very short list….. I could type, I could write great letters and I could knit.
Since then I have built three six figure businesses – one in the craft industry, (I’ve written 30 internationally published books on crafts), one in designer knitwear (which I created and sold worldwide) and one with handmade soap and natural cosmetics. (from my kitchen I built what became the largest handmade soap company in the UK supplying all the supermarkets and major store groups.)
For the past 20 years I have coached over 250 entrepreneurs helping them find the courage and discipline to monetize their passions and build their own empires. I found my true purpose and I love it.
Today I live in The People’s Republic of Facebook and in glorious South West France with my dog, ‘Raphy’ my cats ‘Chanel’ 'Mimi', 'Harry',' Maurice' and 'Bertie' and my two chickens 'Sophie' and 'Marilyn'.
Will this work for any kind of product business or only for skincare ?
Will you make this offer again ?
What is the investment ?
Happy Stories From My Clients
Melinda has provided invaluable guidance to us in all areas of our business, from direction of the company to product design. We would not be where we are without her expert assistance. Thanks Melinda!
The Camel Soap Factory was the Gulf Capital SME Awards 2014 winner. Products can be purchased in their web store or in branches of Dubai Al Jaber Gallery in Dubai and in other outlets worldwide. From starting production in a kitchen the company is now turning over in excess of $1,000000 a year!
Without a mentor is like walking blindly in circles, mentoring with the brilliant & very supportive Melinda has helped me take my vision to the next level, huge progress has been achieved. Thank you so much Melinda. You're my star
Lucia Best
Meeting Melinda in France was one of the best business decisions Robert and I have ever made! Our brainstorming session was truly transformational. We went to France knowing we have a solid idea somewhere, but with serious doubts as to whether we can ever make it into a sustainable operation. Getting out of our office and into the French countryside was exactly what we needed. In the space of a few hours spent in a former convent, now cozy boutique hotel, we not only found a way out of a business dead end, but left with many solid actionable ideas and a newly found determination. Our investment in the trip paid off many times over and Melinda’s guidance was (and still is) en pointe!
Hana Tisserand
What are you waiting for ?
You you are determined to go ahead with what you know is a great idea and you have probably invested a lot of time and money in it, I would just love the opportunity to weave some magic with you and to make sure you succeed. So come on in and let's make this happen.