Reprint from WIW.hk:
https://wiw.hk/magazine/nude-story-interview
Local brands have become a trend, with skincare products being a major part of the scene. Many people are now willing to switch from Western brands to local skincare, creating a vibrant landscape of diverse options. Among them, the local skincare brand Nude Story has been caring for the skin of Hong Kong people with aromatherapy for seven years and has even developed numerous internationally certified products. Women In Work exclusively interviewed the two founders, Jessie and Carmen, to talk about the entrepreneurial journey of the two sisters.
Jessie: About ten years ago, I suffered from severe skin sensitivity. My skin was sensitive from head to toe in an exaggerated way. My sister, who was already passionate about aromatherapy, saw my condition and suggested making some skincare products for me to try. Gradually, my skin condition improved as I kept using them. At that time, I was very into making YouTube videos and blogging, so I shared this experience with everyone. I found that many people were actually dealing with skin sensitivity as well. Word of mouth spread, which became the turning point for us to start Nude Story.
Q: How do you two divide your work, and can you share your secret to working together harmoniously?
Carmen: She handles the external affairs, and I focus on internal operations. I am more reserved and not very good with words, so I take the initiative to do more of the product development or packaging tasks. My sister, on the other hand, deals with the public; she has a better understanding of what customers need and can clearly communicate product information to them. "The product" is our middle ground—we develop products from the customer's perspective, then research formulas, textures, and feel, and we are both involved in that process.
Jessie: My sister studied aromatherapy extensively and earned a certification as a senior aromatherapist. I also took an aromatherapy course at her suggestion, so that I would at least know what we are applying to ourselves and our customers.
Q: The brand is entering its seventh year. What are your development directions and plans for the future?
We have just launched new packaging, hoping to give everyone a fresh feeling. Regarding boxes, we initially didn't use them because we didn't want to create waste, but we also understood that customers have a right to know, and the information on the packaging is very important to them. Therefore, we chose FSC™-certified paper for our packaging, printed with soy-based ink, which is easier to recycle and allows waste paper to biodegrade more effectively.
Additionally, we will soon launch lip makeup products, which is a novel thing for us. We had delayed this for some time because we were wearing masks constantly. We hope our new 2023 products will bring everyone a fresh surprise!
Q: What have been the most heartwarming and heartbreaking moments on your entrepreneurial journey?
Let's start with the unhappy story! At the time, we put a lot of effort into building our own website, and many things on it were written with great care, only to be plagiarized by others. Since that incident, we have learned how to protect ourselves—bringing more information to everyone while also protecting our own work. As for the happy moments, it's seeing our own products receive recognition and awards.
We thought about how to show people we weren't "just playing around," so a few years ago we tried applying for international awards, hoping to gain certification and build confidence in us. Of course, the most heartwarming and happiest thing is when people use our products and it truly helps improve their skin condition.
Q: Please share your life motto in one English word.
Nude—this is part of our brand name. We hope everyone returns to their most original and authentic self, without the need for so much packaging, without giving themselves so many constraints. Let others see and understand your most natural and naked side; that is what makes the healthiest person.
Don't over-package—just be yourself.
Q: In recent years, many people have started focusing on wellness, and it is predicted that aromatherapy will become a trend in 2023. Do you have any tips for readers who have never been exposed to aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is led by scent. If you are choosing essential oils, you must let the scent be the priority, and decide based on that. If they like the fragrance, it means their body already needs that scent and its benefits. The most important thing is safe usage; after all, essential oils are very concentrated, so they must be used in safe dosages.