Who are you, and what do you do?
Megan Ulrichs, MSHN. Holistic Nutritionist. Published author of Skinside Out : Listening to the red flags your body sends through common skin issues and glo Recipes for Inner Radiance. Owner/Creator glo Luxury Oils an organic skincare company (www.glō luxuryoils.com)
What has been one insight or lesson that has been most helpful in your career?
Trust your gut and don’t listen to those who say, “that’s already been done” or “do you know how many skin care businesses exist out there?”..if you’re passionate, hard working and willing to fail then you will succeed.
What has been your favorite mistake? A mistake that in retrospect led to a great lesson and progress.
It’s ok to fail and not know all the answers. When I began my career, I was afraid to not know every answer in my business. I quickly realized that I’d NEVER have ALL the answers and when my first opportunity to admit (much to my embarrassment) that I didn’t have an answer to a question and had to say, “let me get back to you”; the praise and respect I gained was so eye opening. I’ve always been a stickler for speaking my truth, but I can’t say it’s always easy..it’s indeed always worth it in the long run.
Project forward ten years. How will your industry or field be fundamentally different then? What opportunities do you see?
Hopefully the beauty and skincare industry will be held to stricter standards in revealing full ingredient lists and strict testing. I am hopeful that more people will understand the harmful effects of toxic ingredients in their skincare and cosmetics and will become empowered buyers as a result. I see the opportunity to rise above in non toxic beauty through integrity and full disclosure of natural efficacious formulas. I believe people will gravitate more to small companies like mine that care for the land, growers and customers alike.
What are some bad recommendations you hear in your profession or area of expertise?
Marketing with false claims is how you sell your product..I see it all the time. When customers ask if I make a product that gets rid of dark circles under the eyes or reduces puffy skin..I could easily exaggerate or out right lie..it’s against my DNA to do so. Always tell the truth..don’t exaggerate or false promote..
In the last two years, what have you become better at saying no to?
My mantra: when asked to collaborate, speak, lead, etc..” If it’s not a HECK yes, it’s a no thank you” I can’t possibly say yes to all of the opportunities that cross my path and while it’s often flattering or potentially a good opportunity for marketing to say yes, I can’t be my best or represent my company well if my whole heart isn’t in it. When I began my business 8 years ago, I said yes to everything and have so much product away. It was part of growing my business but in hindsight, I probably could’ve been more selective in who I said yes to and gave product to. I encourage young entrepreneurs to sleep on opportunities that arise before saying yes..check in with your head, heart and gut before saying yes.
What is the one book you recommend most often and why?
Girl on Fire by Cara Leyba –
It’s an inspiring book on breaking all the traditional rules of women in business and how to thrive in the entrepreneurial world without burning out..it’s contemporary, funny and motivating to work smart met not harder.
What advice would you give a smart and ambitious recent college graduate? What advice should they ignore?
Get off the treadmill of conventional work life, think outside the box and trust your instincts. A little hard, honest work combined with technology, creativity, social media and passion goes a long way.
Learn how to write and communicate!!! A well written email, post, blog, marketing piece goes a LONG way and a poorly written piece is a great way to lose credibility instantly.
What is your favorite quote, one you aim to live by?
“Stay true to you. Be compassionate. Lead with a soft heart and strong back”
My own quote I have lived by for years.