Daily, numerous women go through the same experience as ScrubzBody Skin Care Products’ Founder and CEO, Roberta Perry, had gone through. There was an unavailability of skin and body care products that could really take care of her skin and body as they all promised they would.
It was not like she hadn’t purchased and used so many products. She had experienced various brands and yet was completely dissatisfied. In her own words, “I was finally so fed up and frustrated, one day I found myself researching ingredients, processes, and formulas: maybe I could take the best of what I’d liked from mass-market products (Of course I told my husband that those 20+ jars in the bathroom were research and not compulsion), and combine them into something that actually worked. For the record, this was WAY harder than it seemed—and took much research and experimentation—but the trial-and-error process fascinated me, as I saw what different combinations, formulas, botanicals and fragrances, and other factors did–or did not do—to get me one step closer to the skin-softening, all-over the body (including the face and private parts) magical scrub I was seeking.”
“Pretty soon I was like a bonafide chemist (my late father-in-law would have been proud as he owned an essential oil factory with his brothers back in the 1980s) mixing just the right amount of 8 botanical oils that had been proven to offer different skincare benefits. I had discovered the power of another ingredient… pure refined sugarcane. When added to the proprietary botanical oil blend, it seemed to virtually turn back the clock on the skin, eliminating flakes while also soothing and nourishing big time. Most scrubs are based on salt—the infamous salt scrub, if you will—but salt can irritate the skin, further compounding irritation, itchiness, and even redness (And that makes sense if you’ve ever gotten salt in a wound!). “
“When one day, I finally tested it on my beautiful late sister, Michelle Tucker, she came back into the room screaming: “OMG, we have to sell this stuff…it’s seriously amazing!” And the proprietary formulation that would eventually become the official ScrubzBody line was born,” says Roberta.
She spoke in an exclusive with Enterprise Review Magazine, telling us the fascinating saga behind an almost 20-year-old brand, ScrubzBody Skin Care Products, that offers skin and body care products that really care for your skin and body.
Let’s explore that enchanting tale.
Ma’am, as a trailblazer in the skincare world, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into your field?
I was in my early 40s and busy taking care of my three kids (and a 4th one if you count my husband! LOL!), working two at-home jobs, and generally not taking care of myself. My skin was chapped and dry, and when I scratched my elbow and bled on some paperwork at a business meeting, I knew it was time to take care of my skin. I found and purchased exfoliating products of different types and from different places, but none completely satisfied what I was looking for. So, I made my own based on what I loved and what I wanted to change. My late sister, Michelle, had some retail background, so she helped me sell at all the craft and holiday-type events we could find. I saw the inside of many catering halls and school gyms. Slowly but surely, we have built an audience in person and online.
ScrubzBody Skin Care Products has emerged as one of New York’s best natural skincare enterprises that is shaping the future. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization’s success?
I believe in treating people with dignity and respect. Especially if they are spending their hard-earned money with us. I believe in listening to what my customers really need versus what I would potentially want to sell them. We see ourselves as a customer service business that makes 100% active ingredient skincare, and it is working.
The skincare landscape is continually evolving. How do you ensure that your company remains adaptable and ahead of industry trends, providing innovative solutions to your clients?
We are always researching different things, so we know what is going on in the industry, but our brand philosophy is really “less is more” and going back to basics to calm and nurture your skin, so we ask our customers what they might need and satisfy that.
Your most trusted leadership style is often recognized as an inspirational force behind your company’s achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization?
I lead the way I would want to be led. With respect to what my VP/manager, Wendy, and my team bring to the table, because they love our customers and our products, they treat them as I would, so that keeps the integrity and the level up to my own standards.
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial aspects of modern skincare. How does ScrubzBody Skin Care Products integrate these principles into its operations and contribute to a sustainable future?
We have a small footprint. We opt to manufacture in small batches, so there is very little waste. We have a refill program so customers can save money and never have to throw their jars or bottles away.
In the realm of skincare, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing efficiency. How does your company leverage technology to optimize its services and stay ahead in a digital age?
I would be lost without Dropbox, which gives me the ability to save things that I need to refer to. It lets me work on things at home or the store seamlessly. I also love online banking. I don’t think I have stepped foot in my bank in 10 years. What a pleasure to do it all from my computer or phone.
The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful skincare organization. How does ScrubzBody Skin Care Products foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among its employees?
It goes back to treating my staff with respect and learning from the ideas they share. Wendy could run the store without me because she is trained in everything, so it means I can go on vacation without worries.
As a leader in New York’s skincare sector, your company has likely faced its share of challenges. Could you share an instance where your team’s resilience and ingenuity triumphed over adversity?
When my sister Michelle passed, I was lost for quite a while. So, when Wendy quit her job to work with me, everything changed for the better. When the COVID-19 shutdowns occurred, we had to pivot our event and party business because everyone was cancelling, and no new bookings were happening. We decided to create a “Make Your Own Scrubz” at-home box to ship out to customers who could not come to the shop. It was a great pivot, and we still do them years later.
Apart from your business, what are your hobbies?
I have hiked to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro and hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I went skydiving for the first time at 61 and did it again at 62.
I have published a book called: The Power of Free Publicity: Using HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to Build Relationships and Get Free Press, as well as three Jot Down Journals and three children’s ABC books.
What is your advice to budding entrepreneurs?
Be willing to make mistakes and learn and grow from them. Listen more than you speak. Pivot when you have to. Always lead from a place of respect. Treat your customers like the gold they are. Go for it!
Looking to the future, what is your vision for ScrubzBody Skin Care Products?
We are always focused on growth, but not at the expense of quality and integrity. I love it when my customers share us with their family and friends. This kind of organic growth is lasting.
For further information, please visit the website: https://scrubzbody.com/, call 5168270800 or email greatskin@scrubzbody.com.
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