Subject: Vimla Black-Gupta
Provenance: NYC
Happy Birthday to us! Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Vimla Black-Gupta reflects on Ourself’s first anniversary.
It has officially been a year since Ourself launched! What moments have made you most proud?
First of all, the launch itself is a huge accomplishment because we achieved the impossible by truly making biotech and beauty come together as a new-to-the-world brand. Having it be so well received–so quickly–not just by the press but also consumers, and then continue that momentum with very early interest and execution from retail has been beyond my wildest imagination. And we’re appreciative that we were able to launch Ourself during a time with so much post-COVID consumer and economic uncertainty so successfully.
I’m also proud of all of the press recognition and awards we received from publications like "Elle" and "Ebony", but more importantly the consumer validation of our products and the true “before and afters” we’ve accumulated. Having launched major technologies like HA+ Replenishing Serum and our pigmentation control franchise and get awarded for them, but to also have consumers experiencing profound results is just amazing.
And finally, I’m astounded by the sizable growth that we've generated in such a short time not just within our own channels but across retail, which can take years for a new brand to accomplish. I think a lot of that has to do with our early decision to control the manufacturing process because of the technology that we're creating. Between partners like Violet Grey, Moda Operandi, Bluemercury, Nordstrom, and Ever/Body, our footprint continues to grow.
Obviously, you love our products. Reflecting back on the beginning and where we are now, do you have any new favorites?
For me personally, our "pigmentation control products" have always been staples. But now my second massive favorite is "HA+ Replenishing Serum". I simply cannot do without it and panic if I run out. Alongside the “Lip Filler”, I actually carry it in my purse for touch-ups and together they are my daily confidence boosters. And I cannot forget the "Brightening Peel", which I do religiously every two weeks. I make a big deal out of my at-home alone time with the peel and apply it while I’m having a glass of wine and getting ready to go out. It’s the perfect reset.
What is the best ageless advice you ever got?
Keep calm and carry on!
Ourself has had so much success since inception. Any advice to other people chasing their goals and dreams and how they may be successful?
I would say never ever (ever, ever ever!) let go of your north star and the big audacious goal. In fact, the more outrageous and seemingly impossible the goal, the more you're going to work for it. Whatever it is, the idea should scare you. I really believe that because the reality is that even if you only achieve half of it, at least it's big enough and crazy enough that you're going to be pretty damn excited.
What can we look forward to for Ourself in 2023?
Regimens are so important to this brand so we will be rounding that out in a big way next month. And I don’t want to give away too many surprises but let’s just say we are going to make your skincare routine even more fun in 2023.