Dermalogica: Jane Wurwand (2016)

How I Built This · 23 Apr 2018 · 40m

What this episode covers

Jane Wurwand, founder of Dermalogica, explains how she identified a gap in the US skincare market by combining professional education with product sales, launching the International Dermal Institute in 1983. She details the process of formulating 27 products with a chemist, securing a contract manufacturer who took a risk on them, and launching the brand with zero marketing budget, relying instead on her students. Wurwand discusses the company's growth to $250 million in wholesale turnover and the eventual decision to sell to Unilever to ensure the brand's long-term sustainability after 30 years of founder-led leadership.

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