Today we’d like to introduce you to Dara Levy.
Dara, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I owned a high-end med spa in Chicago, and decided before opening my doors, that dermaplaning was going to be our signature treatment. As an avid dermaplaner myself, I was addicted to the benefits of the treatment. The universe obviously had a plan in mind, because before opening my doors I trademarked DERMAFLASH and that is what we called our treatment. Dermaplaning removes the barrier to penetration and amps up the efficacy of any skin care regime.
We quickly became the go-to spa for local celebs and Chicago’s elite. Articles started popping up nation-wide about our DERMAFLASH treatment. The spa sold over 6k DERMAFLASH treatments in 5 years. Always looking for my next project, I began developing a skincare line. I was struggling with finding the anchor ingredient, should it be a stem cell, peptide unheard of oil etc. One day I was taking a shower, and I literally had an Oprah “aha moment”. I had an epiphany and screamed at the top of my lungs “OH MY GOD IT’S DERMAFLASH!!” From that moment forward I was laser focused and began creating an at home dermaplaning treatment.
Prior to the invention of DERMAFLASH an at-home dermaplaning solution did not exist. It is really very exciting, DERMAFLASH is truly a new paradigm in beauty, and based on the demand and enthusiasm for the product it is an idea whose time has come.
After three years of development, we launched DERMAFLASH in January of 2016. Women want to take beauty into their own hands, and DERMAFLASH empowers them to do just that.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Creating DERMAFLASH has been the most amazing experience.
It all started with an idea when I owned a high-end med spa in Chicago, and we specialized in dermaplaning. One day I realized that an at-home solution did not exist, so I set out to create it.
The journey to make smooth skin accessible to every woman was quite a rough ride! Translating my vision into an actual device was full of obstacles–I went through three industrial design teams before I found someone who could actually understand and implement what I had in mind. Once we agreed upon the design, we had to put the mechanics in place. The whole process was daunting!
I can say with confidence now that every struggle is a learning opportunity. Every step of the way has been a brand-new experience for me and I am so proud of the product we have created. In the beginning, there were just two of us running the whole business, and I was wearing all hats at once!
I have been lucky because we enjoyed rapid growth and incredible awareness in a very short period of time. We are now a team of 13 and continue to grow. I would not trade a single moment of this experience and have such a burning passion for my business.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have brought to market a new paradigm in beauty. I have invented something special, unique and useful for women everywhere. DERMAFLASH empowers women to take their beauty concerns into their own hands in the comfort of their own homes.
It is incredibly gratifying to give women the tool that enables them to achieve newly smooth, radiant, fuzz-free complexions. There’s no greater feeling than helping a woman glow from within.
There is a huge distinction between “shaving” and Flashing. First and foremost, with DERMAFLASH we are exfoliating with the added benefit of removing the vellus hair (aka peach fuzz) from a woman’s face. Men grow terminal hair, which is like a piece of copper wire. Women grow vellus hair, which is soft and delicate. Facial shaving with a razor designed for the tough skin and terminal hair on a man’s skin is counter intuitive.
Designed specifically for the delicate skin on a woman’s face, DERMAFLASH provides a superior level of exfoliation while simultaneously removing pesky peach fuzz. This is a first in class at home device that is safe, and painless. A subtle sonic vibration and proprietary edge instantly remove dead skin cells, built up debris and peach fuzz. Results are immediate. DERMAFLASH is like a magic wand, smooth, radiant, camera-ready skin is instantly revealed.
Dead skin cells, built up debris and peach fuzz act as a barrier to skincare absorption and truly get in the way of makeup application. When we remove the oldest, top, dull layer of dead skin cells, smooth, radiant, younger looking skin is instantly revealed. The magic of DERMAFLASH is the fact that results are immediate. That is why many of Hollywood’s A-listers get Flashed just before walking the red carpet. DERMAFLASH is the ultimate primer and truly creates a flawless canvas for make-up. As I always say, “The skin you want is lying just beneath the skin you see”.
I have brought to market a new paradigm in beauty. I have invented something special, unique and useful for women everywhere. DERMAFLASH empowers women to take their beauty concerns into their own hands in the comfort of their own homes.
It is incredibly gratifying to give women the tool that enables them to achieve newly smooth, radiant, fuzz-free complexions. There’s no greater feeling than helping a woman glow from within.
The brand is continuing to grow, and we just launched a brand new HOT PINK device. In fact, DERMAFLASH expending to double sales and headcount in 2017. Taraji P. Henson even used the device as part of her Oscars prep!
DERMFLASH also recently announced an equity investment by Guthy-Renker Ventures, the parent of the iconic infomercial producer and beauty product innovator Guthy-Renker LLC. DERMAFLASH produces a revolutionary hand-held exfoliating device inspired by the popular med spa procedure, dermaplaning.
In conjunction with its investment, Guthy-Renker LLC and DERMAFLASH are partnering to launch an infomercial to showcase the best-selling device and its related product family.
What do you like best about our city?
Chicago is a big, beautiful city with a small-town attitude. For the most part, everyone here is friendly and kind. I love the lakefront, the culture, the diversity, and of course, the food!
I could do without the brutal winters and the subsequent potholes they create!
Pricing:
- DERMAFLASH Retails for $189.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dermaflash.com
- Instagram: @dermaflash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dermaflash
- Twitter: @dermaflash
Image Credit:
DERMAFLASH
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