Elly van der Heyden
On a sunny autumn day, we met Elly in the Herb Garden, wearing a lab coat and her eternal smile. Elly is a chemist and has translated her passion for skincare into her own product line: meet the inspiration behind Yui Skin.
THE IDEA
Many cosmetics contain allergens that can cause allergic reactions. I can relate, as my skin is very sensitive. That was also one of the reasons why I started studying chemistry. I wanted to investigate this problem and develop a natural alternative. The result is an innovative facial cleanser in powder form, without chemical ingredients. That basically sums up Yui Skin's story: innovative, sustainable and suitable for every skin type.
the challenge
I thought one innovative product would suffice, especially with all the media attention we got in the beginning. Nice touch, but it soon became clear that sellers were more interested in a complete skincare routine. In other words, a more extensive range. This changed my focus. Steady growth and expanding the product line are currently priorities.
THE SKILLS
As an entrepreneur, you really need to be flexible. Things turn out differently than expected? Keep going. I had to change my business plan, for example. A tough job, but setbacks and unexpected twists are part of it. Building a strong brand simply requires perseverance. And you don't have to do it all by yourself. Enlist the help of organisations such as LEJON or ask how other entrepreneurs do it. This is how you make new contacts and expand your network, indispensable for every entrepreneur.
THE FUTURE
It would be nice if Yui Skin Care becomes an established business in Belgium and the Netherlands. The dream? To reach all of Europe. But for me, it's about more than name and fame. I want to develop innovative, sustainable products that really help people with sensitive skin. If Yui Skin Care is known for those qualities, we will be on the right track.