Talking with Women of Wonder:
LaBruna Skincare
In celebration of Women’s History Month, SHOWFIELDS wanted to take this moment in time to highlight the female founders and artists who are pushing the envelope with mission-based topics that resonate most with our community. We like to refer to them as our Women of Wonder or “WOW.” This week we will be sharing an interview with the Founder of LaBruna Skincare.
Introducing Nina LaBruna, Founder of LaBruna Skincare
What motivated/inspired you to start your company, LaBruna Skincare?
NL: I’ve always been a very crafty person and have dabbled in all sorts of creative activities such as painting, jewelry making, knitting, and cooking. While an undergraduate student at NYU, I began studying nutrition and while I focused on consuming more nutrient-dense foods such as goji berries, chaga mushroom, moringa, gooseberries and more, I decided that I wanted to also supply my skin with the same phytonutrients. I had a difficult time finding reasonably priced superfood skincare, so I decided to make my own! I began sourcing high-density, nutrient-rich oils and powders such as sea buckthorn, goji berry, calendula, moringa to make my own serums and masks. I fell in love with my products, as did others and by senior year I launched LaBruna Skincare to share my products with the masses. LaBruna began as a hobby and as a way for me to apply my nutrition knowledge to my skin’s health. My goal is to provide healthy, phytonutrient-dense skincare to the public. I like to think of my skin as “food for the face, a way to nourish yourself from the outside in.”
As a female leader, what has been the most significant barrier in your career?
NL: Overall, I think it’s a wonderful time to be a female leader! I have felt so much support and encouragement from the public. Our generation is striving for societal change and working to break down systemic barriers to produce a more equitable future. Although being a female entrepreneur and leader during this time has felt very empowering, there still have been instances in my career where I feel systemic sexism come through. I have had multiple conversations with men who belittle my work, provide unwarranted advice, and loudly speak over me in an attempt to depict their prowess, skill and confidence. Although these conversations could discourage and sadden me, I usually find humor in it and turn the remarks and advice back on them. Most of the time, they do not know how to apply their own information and advice to their careers, and it affirms my suspicions about their character. There will always be people of all genders who feel threatened by a person in a leadership position, however this power dynamic seems to be most common between men and women. Although gender power struggles still exist, we are on a positive trajectory forward and most men in my life have been highly supportive and encouraging of my career aspirations.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
NL: I believe it is important to have a strong network of both women and men to confide in and seek advice from, however my female network is much smaller, and I know far fewer female entrepreneurs. I have found that since the female network is tighter, we feel more of a responsibility to see our peers succeed and grow. The few women I know have made such a beautiful effort to support and help my business flourish. I am constantly trying to meet more fellow female entrepreneurs and expand my network. My biggest piece of advice to the next generation of female leaders is to build a network of women you trust. You will all help each other succeed and strive!
If someone is new to your brand - what's the first thing you'd suggest they try?
NL: Our Nourishing Face Oil is our best-selling product and provides a smooth, glossy finish to the skin. Its ingredient content is so luxurious and unique. It’s a wonderful addition to everyone’s skincare routine and provides your skin with the extra nutrients, vitamins, and essential fats to take it to the next level of health and appearance.
What's a desert island product from your brand?
NL: My Anytime Créme! It provides the perfect level of hydration and is the staple product I couldn’t live without.
