What I Know For Sure

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be writing this from the perspective of a skincare founder, I probably would’ve raised a perfectly arched brow (serum-assisted, of course) and laughed.  Not because I didn’t believe I could do it—but because I didn’t yet know just how much I had to unlearn, relearn and trust myself in the process.

The Know was born from both curiosity and conviction. I’ve spent most of my life running businesses in male-dominated industries—from excavation to aviation—so beauty, in many ways, felt like an indulgent rebellion.  But underneath the serums and scents, I saw a gap: so much noise, too many promises, and not enough results. I didn’t want to make another “me too” product.  I wanted to create a skincare experience that felt uncomplicated, elevated, and real.

And so, with a deep breath (and a very long checklist), I launched The Know.

Lesson 1: Confidence is a practice, not a personality trait.

Starting a skincare brand meant stepping into unfamiliar territory: navigating ingredient science, regulatory red tape, packaging decisions that keep you up at night, and a consumer base that knows exactly what they want—and isn’t afraid to tell you when you’ve missed the mark. But I’ve learned that confidence isn’t something you arrive at.  It’s something you build each time you keep going despite not having all the answers.

When imposter syndrome comes knocking—when that inner dialogue starts spinning stories like, “Who do you think you are?”—I’ve learned to slow down.  To turn those intrusive thoughts into inspiration. What am I trying to tell myself? Is this fear or is this growth disguised as discomfort? Who am I not to think I can do this?

That shift in mindset has been one of the most powerful tools I’ve developed this year.

Lesson 2: It’s all about the little bits.

We launched with just a small range of 5 items.  Not a 10-step routine.  Just a few formulas that we worked on for years that we believed in.  It was our quiet little rebellion—a few powerful little superhero products designed to cut through the noise and deliver real results.  It worked because we focused, refined, tested, listened, adjusted, tested again, and never rushed it.

What I know for sure? Big moves come from little bits of consistent action. Staying the course, even when the shine wears off. Especially then. I think there’s something beautiful about committing to the slow build, to the daily progress that doesn’t always feel flashy but moves the needle where it counts.

Lesson 3: Feedback is a gift—compliments are a joy.

I used to deflect compliments.  Maybe that’s an Aussie thing.  Or maybe it’s just a woman thing.  But I’ve stopped doing that.  When someone tells me The Know is the best thing they’ve tried, or that their skin is finally glowing after years of frustration—I let it land. I soak it in.

At the same time, I welcome constructive feedback.  Some of our best tweaks came from comments that stung at first—but only because they hit a nerve that needed attention.  We’re not here to be perfect. We’re here to evolve. And our customers have become part of the recipe. The Know was never just mine—it’s ours.

Lesson 4: The experience matters.

From the packaging to the application, the way it smells, the way it feels on your fingertips—I wanted every part of The Know to feel like a moment.  A ritual, not a routine.  In a world rushing us toward the next thing, I wanted this brand to invite people to pause. To reconnect with themselves. To create their own kind of glow-up—from the inside out.

The Know’s motto is uncomplicated yet elevated, and I live by it.  Not just in skincare, but in life.

Lesson 5: Purpose is fuel.

What keeps me going isn’t the margins or the milestones—it’s the messages. The people who’ve never felt seen in the beauty world who now feel like there’s a brand that gets them. The women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond who’ve tried everything but never quite found the thing—until now.

What inspires me is the idea that we can simplify and still see serious results. That luxury doesn’t have to mean exclusion. That skin stories are real stories, and I get to be a part of people feeling better in theirs.

So, one year in, here’s what I know for sure (Thanks, Oprah, for the inspo!)

• You can reinvent yourself at any age.
• Your ideas are worth backing—even if no one claps at first.
• Quiet confidence built slowly is louder than a million trending reels.
• And the only way to really know if something’s meant for you is to do it. Messily. Bravely. Fully.

Running a skincare brand isn’t always glamorous. Some days I’m writing content at midnight. Other days I’m on the warehouse floor packing orders or on the phone about a batch delay. But I’m in it. Fully.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

This article first appeared in Fashion Field Magazine, July 2025