Today we’d like to introduce you to Felipe Correa.
Hi Felipe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Santiago, Chile, but relocated to the United States at a very young age. My family and I moved around, residing in Arizona, California, and Maryland. In 1998, I arrived in Austin, invited by my sister, who was studying film at UT. Since then, I have witnessed the city’s growth and transformation, feeling a sense of belonging. Throughout my time in Austin, I’ve initiated several businesses predominantly centered around sustainability—a longstanding passion of mine. Beyond work, I thoroughly enjoy spending time on the lakes and immersing myself in outdoor activities whenever possible.
In my current professional pursuits, I established a new skincare brand right around the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which later evolved into Goodspread-Universal Skin Hydrators. The motivation behind entering this competitive industry stems from my belief that I have a compelling story; having endured severe eczema for numerous years, its impact extended beyond the physical realm to affect me mentally and socially. Similar to many eczema sufferers, I dedicated years to seeking skincare products that could alleviate the scars, itching, and intense dryness I experienced. Unfortunately, most of the products I purchased exacerbated the situation. Given the unregulated nature of the skincare industry, one must exercise caution in choosing what products to apply to their skin.
In my case, the endeavor was deeply personal. This is why I ventured into establishing a skincare company that prioritizes substance over hype, driven by the straightforward objective of conveying a message to the market: clean ingredients that feel good on your skin should not be a luxury but a standard. It is this principle that inspired the name of our company, Goodspread. Another distinctive aspect of our brand lies in our approach to skincare. We defy the conventional practice of making products for specific body parts. Instead, we focus on three distinct levels of hydration—Light, Medium, and Heavy hydration—allowing you the flexibility to use them when and where you prefer. Our philosophy rejects the notion of rigid routines and rules, freeing you from the constraints of a cumbersome 15-step skincare regimen that often yields minimal benefits in the long run. By embracing simplicity, we aim to grant you more time to engage in the activities you love, unburdened by the demands of an elaborate skincare routine.
I believe Goodspread has numerous strengths, and thus far, we’ve received a very positive response from the community, for which we are immensely grateful. Our goal for the next couple of years is to continue spreading awareness about our products and further expand our product line, potentially incorporating sunscreen and exploring other offerings. Fortunately, being based in Austin has proven advantageous, as the city welcomes and actively encourages entrepreneurship. This vibrant environment has seen the birth and success of many local brands. Like any fledgling business, we need help fundraising and securing retail traction despite the promising landscape. Yet, navigating these hurdles is part of the adventure, and it’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Starting Goodspread, a new skincare product line, came with its challenges and struggles. One of the primary hurdles was breaking into the competitive skincare industry. The market is saturated with established brands, making it difficult for newcomers to gain visibility and consumer trust. Building a distinct identity and differentiating Goodspread from existing products required careful planning and strategic decision-making. Fundraising posed another significant challenge. Like many startups, securing the necessary funds for product development, marketing, and operational expenses demanded resourcefulness and persistence. Convincing investors or securing loans in a market filled with uncertainties can be daunting, adding to the stress of launching a new venture. Achieving retail traction was yet another obstacle. Getting Goodspread products onto the shelves of stores and gaining acceptance from retailers involves navigating complex relationships, distribution networks, and competition. Establishing a presence in the retail landscape requires a compelling product, effective marketing strategies, and negotiations.
Moreover, introducing a skincare line involves meticulous attention to product formulation and compliance with regulations. Ensuring that Goodspread meets high-quality standards and adheres to industry regulations added layers of complexity and required collaboration with experts in skincare formulation. Despite these challenges, the team behind Goodspread embraced the journey with determination and resilience. The struggles in the early stages served as valuable learning experiences, helping refine the brand’s strategy and approach. The commitment to delivering a unique, quality product with a meaningful message fueled the perseverance needed to overcome the initial obstacles in launching a new skincare line.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As the founder of Goodspread, I take pride in being a creative brand builder who rejects the notion of creating copycat products. I thrive on innovating and exploring novel approaches to deliver timeless skincare solutions. My belief in reinventing traditional products sets Goodspread apart, emphasizing a commitment to uniqueness and originality in an industry often marked by conformity.
An integral aspect of my philosophy is the emphasis on assembling a team of exceptional individuals. I am passionate about attracting talented and dedicated professionals who share my vision for building great brands. Their contributions are invaluable, and I am deeply thankful for the collaborative spirit that defines our journey at Goodspread. In shaping Goodspread, we aspire to connect with customers who embrace a more minimalist lifestyle and seek an alternative to the status quo. The skincare industry, as it stands, often encourages excessive consumption, pushing specialized products for every conceivable skin concern, gender, race, and age. However, Goodspread challenges this paradigm by offering Universal products. This approach not only minimizes waste but also enhances the overall skincare experience.
Our mission is to communicate a simple truth about skincare: universal products can replace the need for a cluttered collection of specialized items. Customers can waste less and enjoy more by opting for a more streamlined approach. Goodspread is about cutting through the noise of the industry and providing a genuine skincare experience that resonates with those who are tired of the conventional and seek authenticity in their skincare routine. I want people to understand that a truly excellent skincare experience can be achieved without succumbing to the industry’s excesses. This message aligns with the principles of simplicity and effectiveness at the core of Goodspread.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought profound lessons to light as I embarked on starting Goodspread, my skincare business. Among the invaluable insights gained, two pillars emerged as particularly crucial: the importance of community engagement and the necessity of adaptability and resilience.
Firstly, the significance of community engagement became abundantly clear. In a world of uncertainty and isolation, establishing a solid connection with the community proved to be more than a business strategy—it became a lifeline. Understanding and responding to the community’s evolving needs not only fostered a sense of trust but also allowed Goodspread to tailor its products and messaging to address the unique challenges faced during the pandemic. Engaging with the community provided a platform for mutual support, creating a symbiotic relationship beyond transactional exchanges.
Secondly, the pandemic underscored the indispensable qualities of adaptability and resilience. The business landscape was constantly in flux, demanding nimble responses to unforeseen challenges. As a skincare entrepreneur, being adaptable meant adjusting to changes in consumer behavior and reevaluating supply chains, distribution models, and communication strategies. The ability to pivot quickly and thoughtfully was instrumental in navigating the uncertainties presented by the pandemic, allowing Goodspread to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.
The challenges posed by COVID-19 reinforced the understanding that success in entrepreneurship requires a dynamic approach that acknowledges the ever-changing external landscape and proactively adjusts to it. By embracing adaptability and resilience, I learned to view challenges as opportunities for growth, pushing Goodspread to evolve and innovate.
In essence, the lessons learned during the pandemic have become integral to the ethos of Goodspread. By prioritizing community engagement and cultivating an adaptable and resilient mindset, the business is not only better equipped to weather unforeseen challenges. Still, it is also poised to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of its community, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, positive connections and adaptability are indispensable pillars of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.goodspreadskincare.com
- Instagram: @goodspreadskincare
