A conversation with My Skin Feels founder Danielle

We spoke to Danielle, founder of Brighton-based skincare brand My Skin Feels, about building a wellness business in the city, what it’s really like growing a brand from the ground up, and the places she returns to when she needs to reset.

Could you tell us a little about how My Skin Feels first began and what inspired you to start the brand?

"I’ve been in the beauty industry for 15 years including being a part of the founding Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Team so I've seen first-hand how little sustainability is actioned.

I wanted to prove, if I could create a brand that does better, then what are we doing in the industry? We all need to do better."

What was the journey like building a skincare brand from the ground up?

"It's been a mad journey, full of so many highs and lows, but it’s been truly rewarding mainly because so many people have sent in such lovely messages about how our products are helping their skin which has been our greatest achievement."

What makes My Skin Feels different from other skincare brands?

"What makes us truly different is our rescued food ingredients. We take ingredients rescued from Italian food manufacturing including the by-products of Tomato Ketchup, Olive Oil, Breakfast Oats & Orange Juice.

We don’t believe in over-complicated routines. We focus on multitasking products that do the job, with better ingredients, better ethics & less impact on the planet.”

Manufactured locally in the UK, using recyclable EU-sourced aluminium and avoiding cargo shipping wherever possible, My Skin Feels also incorporates recycled water into its formulations through up-cycled orange juice, and donates 1% of sales to the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership.

Brighton has such a strong creative and entrepreneurial scene. What has it been like building a business here, and how has the local community shaped your journey?

"Actually very interesting! I work alongside so many entrepreneurs at Platf9rm so I'm surrounded by start-up buzz which has been a huge help, but the support of the wellness community has been invaluable. It’s so hard to look after yourself when your 'all systems go’ but having all the amazing wellness spots on our doorstep has been a huge help for both my mental and physical health."

Brighton has such a strong wellness scene. Where are your go-to spots across the city, from resetting and movement to coffee, food and hidden gems?

"Oh so many. Beach Box, Luna Hut, The Float Spa, The Tree of Life Centre and Be Well Massage Therapy in Five Ways, all game changers an very close to my heart."

"Preston Park is always my go-to especially because my gym Fitness Hub is based there which means I get to work out whilst looking at nature."

"YouJuice is my absolute favourite place in Brighton, then Mediterraneo on Portland Road and Rust is my weekend go-to."

"The Stanmer Sauna Garden in Stanmer Park is truly magical, plus there are so many small biz markets like The Makers Fair and Paper Daisy which are well worth a visit!"

What does your ideal slow Brighton / Sussex day look like?

"A slow day in Brighton rarely happens these days… but when I do get some time it starts with Pilates at Barefoot Pilates in St Anne’s Well followed by brunch at YouJuice. A stroll down the seafront to Infinity to pick up some of the very best fruit and veg you will ever eat followed by an evening sauna at Luna Hut."

Built in Brighton, shaped by community, and rooted in doing things differently.
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