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Even if the beauty and wellness sector is always changing, some tales stick out because they have a distinct authenticity and vision. One such story is that of Steph Oller, the CEO and co-founder of Pure Culture, a company that is more than just a name in the beauty industry—it's a representation of a revolution in clean skincare and a source of enthusiasm. Her story, as she has shared it with us, is a powerful illustration of what it takes to be a genuine Multi-Glow Getter in the wellness and cosmetics sector.
Steph introduces herself with a blend of humility and pride, “We are a globally award-winning skincare company formulated and manufactured in the Philippines. Our products are all high performing, showing results in as fast as 4 weeks."
Now imagine a group of friends, all struggling with sensitive skin, turning their shared challenge into a groundbreaking business. That's how Pure Culture began. "All of us founders have sensitive skin! And it’s never easy to find products that we’re compatible with," Steph recounts with a blend of warmth and candor. Their journey wasn't just about finding solutions, but it was about understanding the deeper narrative behind skincare ingredients and their impact.
What makes Pure Culture stand out in a saturated market is its soulful approach. And mind you (pun intended!), mindfulness isn't just a buzzword here–it's the pulse of the brand.
"Understanding our skin type, what we put in our bodies, what it is made of, what it does to our bodies – understanding and knowing is the primary factor that gives us confidence and pushes us to move forward with grace," Steph explains.
A pivotal moment for Pure Culture came through an insightful experience of their Chief Innovation Officer, Alex Gentry. "Our Chief Innovation Officer, Alex Gentry, was pregnant and based in New Zealand at the time. She got curious about reading labels as she noticed the locals do the same all the time," Steph recounts. This marked the beginning of a more conscious approach to product formulation and consumption.
And so, discussions on the process of formulating skincare products commenced, and Steph highlights the brand’s unique approach, "Our products are all premium-formulated with sensitive skin in mind. Our mode of action happens on the microbiome level allowing that 'glow from within' effect within a matter of weeks." This focus on biocompatible natural and biotech ingredients, along with probiotics, is what sets Pure Culture apart in the realm of clean skincare.
Naturally, sustainability and safety are paramount in Pure Culture’s philosophy. "We are one of the very few biotech skincare companies based in the Philippines. We ensure that only the safest ingredients are being used but formulated in a manner that would deliver results. This way we can ensure that product development is sustainable," she asserts. The brand’s commitment to the environment goes beyond the lab, evident in their partnerships with NGOs and initiatives like CleanHub, contributing significantly to ocean clean-up efforts.
Despite the challenges faced in the initial stages, particularly in a price-sensitive market like the Philippines, Pure Culture has carved its niche. Steph speaks of these challenges with a note of triumph, "The Philippines is a price-sensitive market, so launching a premium skincare brand made locally is not an easy feat." The brand overcame these obstacles by finding relatable communication points, engaging the right audience, and building a high-performing team.
Customer feedback has been a source of inspiration for Steph and her team. She shares, "When customers randomly message us and share their transformation stories – from regularly getting several pimples to slowly losing them week over week – these kinds of feedback remain to amaze us." Such testimonials are a testament to the brand's impact and efficacy.
Steph also touches upon the challenges of educating consumers in the Philippines about clean skincare, a market with little to no regulation. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in this space is candid and encouraging, "Beauty is a cutthroat space in the Philippines. But armed with high-quality products that are made of safe ingredients and very good formulation, you will be loved and will thrive."
Reflecting on Pure Culture’s journey, Steph is most proud of their achievements like receiving the SafeCosmetics Australia certification and winning multiple global awards. The vision for Pure Culture is ambitious and clear – to be a game-changer in skincare, aiming for a presence on every vanity table in the Philippines.
Her advice for personal care is simple yet profound, advocating for a holistic approach that includes waking up early, working out, mindful eating, and staying hydrated. "Your skin is the biggest organ of your body so anything you consume will manifest in your skin," she notes.
Concluding the interview, Steph shares her perspective on beauty and life, "Beauty is anything that inspires. Living a beautiful life is making mistakes and getting up from the slump with grace and finding your balance over and over again." Her journey with Pure Culture is not just about skin care–it's about inspiring a lifestyle, a movement, and a belief in the power of clean, mindful beauty. And we’re absolutely here for it.
Parlon OG Club members can get exclusive discounts, including a free gift or 10% off on 8 collections from Pure Culture. For more information, visit Parlon’s OG Club.
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