Ep. 27 | From Fashion to Skincare: How Sofie Pavitt Became 'the Acne Whisperer' of the Beauty Industry

quentin"THERE WASN’T REALLY AN OPTION FOR IT NOT TO WORK. I HAD TO MAKE IT WORK."


Sophie is a skincare expert and former fashion exec changing the way we care for acne-prone skin. You’ll hear us talk about her wild leap from fashion to skincare, honest lesson from entrepreneurship, why community matters and the science behind real results.


description:

In this episode, we step into the world of skincare with Sofie Pavitt, a pioneering esthetician and licensed skincare expert known as "the Acne Whisperer" by Refinery29. After 15 years in the fast-paced fashion industry, Sofie transitioned to skincare, becoming a sought-after expert for models, editors, and celebrities like Zendaya and Lorde. She shares her journey of building a business from the ground up, including her studies of Korean skincare and the sacrifices entrepreneurship demands.

Sofie opens up about embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth, the power of moving in silence, and the delicate balance between relationships and business. We explore her concept of "time confetti" and the principle of making five intentional daily choices to move closer to your goals. 

This enlightening conversation offers inspiration on personal growth, self-care, and the importance of a supportive village and partner on the path to success.

Show Topics:

  • Transitioning from fashion to skincare

  • Building a skincare business from scratch

  • Studying Korean beauty and skincare science

  • Embracing discomfort for personal and professional growth

  • The power of moving quietly and intentionally

  • Balancing motherhood, relationships and business

  • Understanding “time confetti” and daily intentional choices

  • The role of self-care and community in entrepreneurship

TIMESTAMPS

  • 0:00 Intro

  • 4:00 Why Omega Fatty Acids Matter for Skin Health

  • 6:40 Sofie’s Personal Journey and Inspirations

  • 9:00 Early Career: Working in the Fashion Industry

  • 11:18 Learning from Korean Skincare Culture

  • 13:35 Quitting Fashion

  • 14:47 Transitioning to Beauty and Skincare

  • 16:10 Embracing Change and Moving in Silence

  • 17:39 Hiring the First Team Member and Growing the Business

  • 18:45 Leadership Lessons from Managing in Fashion

  • 20:30 Investing in the Studio Space

  • 23:00 Being A “Yes” Person

  • 26:48 Having A Supportive Partner

  • 31:30 Building Studio Care to NYC Specializing in Problematic Skin

  • 35:35 Developing Product Ideas and Virtual Consults During the Pandemic

  • 40:00 Crafting the Perfect Skincare Formula

  • 42:00 Spotlight on the Mandelic Serum

  • 46:10 Introducing the Clean-Clean Cleanser

  • 49:00 The Story behind the Nice Ice

  • 54:05 Navigating Production and Building a Team

  • 58:00 Meeting Laura

  • 1:00:40 Investment and Launching Sofie Pavitt Face products

  • 1:02:00 The Story behind the Brand Name

  • 1: 03:00 Direct to Consumer Business Model

  • 1:04:15 Self-funding campaigns

  • 1:06:06 Managing Workload and Me Time

  • 1:08:11 The Concept of “Time Confetti” and Daily Choices

  • 1:10:00 Family, Motherhood, Community

ABOUT sofie pavitt

Sofie Pavitt is a licensed esthetician and skincare expert specializing in problematic skin. After 15 years in fashion, she shifted her focus to skincare, studying extensively in Seoul and becoming the go-to facialist for models, editors and celebrities. Her Grand Street studio is renowned for delivering her signature lit-from-within glow. In 2023, Sofie launched her own skincare line, Sofie Pavitt Face, bringing her customized approach to a global audience.

Follow Sofie on all social media platforms 

Instagram | YouTube

Explore Sofie Pavitt Face at https://www.sofiepavittface.com/ 

Instagram | TikTok

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE

Spotify | Apple


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