Today we’d like to introduce you to Oliver “Buddy” Byington.
Oliver “Buddy”, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
In 2012, I took a leap of faith with two friends and started a company dedicated to something we all believed in — bringing high-quality, plant-based products to market. Our first creation, a hemp-based protein, began to gain traction and the future felt wide open. Growth was steady, doors were opening, and the mission felt alive. Then came the blow no entrepreneur ever wants to face: we missed a critical round of investment funding and, just like that, the momentum we’d built began to stall. That moment forced me to make one of the toughest decisions of my career: fight to hold on until the resources we needed came through, or step away to protect my own financial stability. I chose the latter, wished my friends well and moved on into a consulting role. I walked away from a dream I was pouring my heart into.
Eight months later, the phone rang. My friends had secured a corporate buyout from a global MLM conglomerate, and their CEO wanted me back — this time as COO. The invitation felt almost surreal, yet a blessing for which I was grateful all the same. I was handed the reins for new product development, diving deep into formulation, sourcing, and scaling plant-based innovations for a global audience. In five short years, we went from just over $1 million in our first year to more than $50 million in revenue, expanding across borders and touching the lives of thousands in countries around the world.
Business has a way of taking twists and turns and, in 2020, I eventually opted to build something entirely my own. That’s how Young Ever After LLC was born: a plant-based skincare and wellness company rooted in years of expertise, with a motivation and desire to push forward with my own mission.
For me, skincare isn’t just business — it’s personal. I’ve enjoyed the activity of sailing for 50 years, racing competitively for 45 (even winning a North American Masters Championship in a class), and working as a sailboat charter captain as a side hustle. I absolutely love being on the water! In this #SailorLife I live, I’ve spent a lifetime in the sun, and I know firsthand how harsh it can be. Every product I’ve created is designed first for me — to protect, nourish, and preserve my own skin — before sharing it with others. In the process, I have spared no expense to ensure the products I bring to market are top of the line and, more importantly, that they work! Today, when people tell me how great my skin looks, I know it’s living proof of what our products can do because of all the passion, research and work that has gone into bringing them to market.
Young Ever After isn’t just about feeling vibrant and looking young — it’s about being confident in your skin, naturally, for as long as possible. My journey has been full of waves, storms, and thrilling wins, and every product we make carries that same resilience and spirit.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think there’s such a thing as a completely smooth ride in entrepreneurship — at least not one worthy of the adventure. My journey has definitely had its fair share of headwinds and gales.
Missing that early round of investment funding in my first health & wellness venture was a gut punch. At the time, it felt like the dream might be over. In reality, it was an affirmation of my commitment to resilience. Tacking out of the company was hard, but it set the stage for future opportunity and wins.
When I launched Young Ever After, the challenges were different. I was building from scratch — I was self-funded, had no corporate infrastructure, no big team – just a clear vision and an unwavering standard for what our products had to be – nothing short of functionally amazing! That meant navigating everything from sourcing unique, high-quality ingredients to formulating innovative products that could stand toe-to-toe with — and often outperform — the “chemical-heavy” giants in the market.
Being a “pandemic” startup also added complexity. Launching in 2020 meant dealing with supply chain bottlenecks, ingredient shortages, and shipping delays. At times, it felt like every step forward came with a subsequent squall. Even so, I’ve learned how important it is to nest in the gale and adapt to change.
But here’s the thing: every challenge has became part of the voyage that has helped define and shape the brand. They’ve taught me how to read shifts in business, adjust my sails, and keep steering a heading towards the prize even when the waters turned rough. Each trial has beckoned innovation, the forging of strong lines with reliable partners, and the discipline to stay true to course rather than drift toward quick fixes. Looking back, those choppy waters weren’t setbacks — they were the sea trials that have proved Young Ever After’s strength and has set it on a course that is built to last. We’ve made it to the 5-year mark, and that’s a success in itself!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Young Ever After is a company built on one core belief: you may not be able stop the years, but you can certainly decide how you show up for them. We specialize in bringing to consumers our own premium quality, plant-based skincare and wellness supplements designed to help people keep their skin looking radiant, their bedroom vitality strong, and their confidence high — naturally. Our goal, in other words, is to help people look and feel as young as possible, for as long as possible.
What sets us apart is our uncompromising approach. Every formula starts with the self-directed question: ‘Would I use this every day on myself?’ If the answer is anything less than an absolute yes, it doesn’t leave the lab. We don’t cut corners, we don’t swap in cheaper ingredients, and we don’t settle for “good enough.” If it’s not amazing, we don’t bring it to market. Believe me when I say there have been a number of projects that went through scrutinizing research and consumer trials, yet didn’t get our approval for production. Every product has a purpose, and every ingredient is there for a reason.
Our skincare line is a perfect example. Max Revital-Eyes competently tackles fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Our Overnight Replenishing Lip Mask is an amazing and clean, plant-based answer to the chemical-heavy, industry favorite. YEA’s Premium-C+ Skin Optimizing Serum uses the Barbados Cherry (Acerola) — the second-highest antioxidant source of Vitamin C in the world — then supercharged with high-phenol, anti-aging botanicals. Our Aloe Vera Premium Skin Rejuvenation Gel is my personal go-to after long days in the sun. And ‘Liquid Gold,’ our blend of seven organic, non-comedogenic oils, deeply feeds the skin with nutrient-rich compounds. All these highly-rated products are amazingly well-suited for the discerning consumer who wants to protect their skin from the ravages of environmental stressors, premature aging, and the daily wear-and-tear of an active lifestyle — while nourishing it with the purest plant-based ingredients available. Try them and you’ll easily see why the common validation is a 5-Star review.
We didn’t stop with skincare. In the wellness space, our STAMINA Male Performance Supplement delivers up to three days of enviable results naturally — no pharmaceuticals, no harsh side effects. You might catch the nuance in how this product helps men perform at their loving peak! And when women began leaving 5-Star reviews for STAMINA (trying it for themselves), we launched FEMINA Enhanced Drive for Special Moments, the same powerful plant-based formula designed and packaged just for them. Both are now among our highest-rated products and making both men and women very happy when and where it counts.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise is that we’ve built trust and loyalty amongst our customers. They know they can count on Young Ever After to deliver real results without compromising product integrity, their health, or pocket book. And our customer service is amazing and responsive. And that’s what I want readers to know — we’re here to help you look and feel your best, inside and out, with products that are as intentional and pure as they are incredibly effective.
As a result of my passion for natural health, wellness and consumerism, a few years ago I founded a private group on Facebook called “All Things Aging Positively, Health & Wellness”. It’s dedicated mainly to holistic approaches to the namesake of the group. If this resonates, come find us!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I earned a law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. There, I read so much that, after I earned my J.D., I seldom ever wanted to pick up a book to read leisurely. The advent of tools like Audible changed all of that and I absolutely love to listen to books related to personal development, spiritual growth, consciousness, health and wellness, and business – these are the types of authored works I like to engage and recommend to friends and colleagues. I also enjoy listening to all kinds of podcasts focused on these topics, so it’s hard to play favorites. Functional substance and depth of topics matters to me on so many levels. I’m a consummate fan of knowledge/wisdom and enjoy learning new things.
Pricing:
- STAMINA / FEMINA $49.95/5-pack, $16.95/Single
- Max Revital-Eyes $79.95/1 oz pump bottle (occasional discounts)
- Premium-C+ Skin Optimizing Serum $69.95
- Liquid Gold Luxury Skin Oil $59.95
- Overnight Replenishing Lip Mask $59.95 and Aloe Vera Premium Rejuvenation Gel $39.95
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youngeverafter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yealifestyle/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yealifestyle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverbuddybyington/
