5 Things Anyone Can Do to Have Healthy, Radiant, Flawless Skin

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about networking, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

I’ve always loved the intersection between business and creativity. Marketing was a natural fit.

My career began during a recession, and I found a job at a small distributor of educational products to schools. It was a nice family-owned business, but it did not seem like a place that would catapult my career. I was hired as a marketing assistant, the sole member of the marketing department, which led me to forge my own path early on. Fortunately, I had several instrumental mentors throughout my career who assisted me in growing in my role.

One of those mentors was a new CEO who was hired to grow the business. He saw an opportunity to drive online sales since this was at the beginning of the .com era. A decision was made to split out the online portion of the business from the more traditional business. 5–6 of us formed a new online toy company featuring high-quality products. We were suddenly the poster company for Microsoft’s new SQL Server platform and found ourselves sitting at dinners with Jerry Yang, the Founder of Yahoo. We needed capital, so a group in our 20s had to find suits and attend meetings with Private Equity. At this time, being young and tech-savvy carried more weight than experience. Although we lacked knowledge, we had an abundance of energy and enthusiasm.

After receiving seed funding, we grew the company from 6 to 180 people in just a year and a half. Disney then acquired us. In the middle of all this, I knew I had to increase my skills and knowledge to keep pace with the organization’s growth, inspiring me to work towards an MBA at night while working crazy hours during the day. Like all fads, the .com boom came crashing down, and with it the online toy company. With my newly acquired MBA, it was time to evaluate my career options.

My experience at this point opened many doors. I worked in market research for a few years and helped a start-up in the tech accessory industry. In each of these roles, I was the primary marketing contact and led the organization’s marketing strategy and execution.

Following my move back to the Providence, RI, area, I took a job at a manufacturer of fine jewelry. I managed product development and marketing for several brands. I loved seeing raw materials transformed into products that made people feel beautiful. Although it was a new industry, it was still focused on consumer products and understanding end-consumer needs.

After working in jewelry for over 10 years, I transitioned to personal care products. Bradford was a 140-year-old company that manufactured many of the top brands we see on the market today. The products were different, but I loved learning about a new industry, and we were still manufacturing products that made people feel beautiful!

Despite my job changes across industries, there were always several common threads. A focus on consumer products, and a need to listen to consumers, customers, and suppliers to identify white space for product development. I would not have been able to rise to my current role without the support of my bosses, colleagues, and other mentors. No matter what career path you take, passion is essential — always love what you do. Remain curious and do your best to learn from those around you.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Every day brings a new adventure, and one of the most meaningful experiences has been traveling to Ghana to create a documentary on our shea butter supply chain. The experience was surreal, like stepping onto a National Geographic set.

Shea butter has traditionally come from western Africa, but the women who collected the shea nuts for use in their cooking and personal care did not have a way to connect with the broader market. In 2011, the Global Shea Alliance was created to connect these women and their shea industry with the world, while also promoting safe and sustainable harvesting practices.

We often hear about sustainable sourcing and the risks of greenwashing, which can make it easy to grow skeptical or overlook the real-life impact these programs can have. Visiting these communities in their simple mud huts with straw roofs brought everything to light. Because of the shea butter supply chain, the women described how they were able to become part of the economic engine of their villages, in which men were usually the source of income. They explained how the extra money could cover school fees for their children and essentials, easing financial stress and strengthening family life.

I was fascinated by the radiance and beauty of their skin, despite spending long hours in the sun picking and processing the shea nuts. They told me how the shea butter moisturized their skin and served as a barrier to the sun’s harmful rays. In that moment, I realized that behind the glossy pictures and marketing slogans, there were real people whose lives were visibly improved because of how we bought our ingredients. Their lives were simple but beautiful, and it stirred a deep sense of nostalgia for a time when things moved at a slower pace.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Listening and asking questions — You will never have all of the answers, but they are often right in front of you if you take the time to listen. I find that in life’s daily chaos, it is important to slow things down and listen to what those around you are saying. That can help you both personally and professionally, and when things aren’t clear, ask questions!

As a custom product manufacturer, our customers will tell us where they are struggling and what problems they are trying to solve. When you merge that together with industry trends and supplier innovations, voila — you have a winning formulation!

A perfect example is the recent launch of our radiance bar. I heard from quite a few customers that they were looking for products to promote radiant skin. I know from reading trend reports and industry publications that Gen Alpha is driving significant growth in skincare. Working with the R&D team, we launched our radiance bar, an exfoliating bar that removes dead skin cells to help improve skin shine, texture, and circulation. It includes mandelic acid as a chemical exfoliant and a silver, biodegradable effect pigment as a physical exfoliant. The pink color, biodegradable glitter, and fruity fragrance make it fun, as well as effective. By listening and asking questions, this product innovation was created.

Tapping into mentors willing to help me on my journey — I have been very fortunate to have multiple mentors in my professional journey. It doesn’t matter how motivated or ambitious you are, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having someone invest time and energy in your success. Whether it’s giving advice on how to handle a difficult situation, connecting you with potential jobs, or just encouraging you on a daily basis, it keeps you on the path of success. I have tried to pay it back by mentoring five different companies through the DESIGNxRI Catalyst program. These start-up design businesses have excellent products and skills, but they often lack the business acumen required to get a startup off the ground. By providing training in the areas of corporate strategy, finance, marketing, and legal advice, and pairing the business with a mentor, the program significantly increases their chance of success. The best part is that I learn as much from these businesses as they learn from me. A win all around!

Loving my job and feeling I can make a difference — Face it — you spend a lot of time working, so you better love what you are doing. If you spend the entire week waiting for the weekend, then you should reconsider your career. Regardless of your role, it is important to feel like you are having a positive impact. It can be the satisfaction of making something work better, or improving a particular aspect of people’s lives, or helping the planet. We all have the ability to do something positive in our roles. For me, I love creating products that help people feel beautiful and confident, finding new ingredients that are sustainably-sourced or better for the environment, and helping communities like the shea collectors in Africa. For almost 150 years, Bradford has supported families through good jobs, we make great products for some of the most iconic brands on the market, and we have been a strong member of our community. I am very proud of our heritage, and I love being part of the team that will help us thrive for another 150!

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. What are your “ 5 Things Anyone Can Do to Have Healthy, Radiant, Flawless Skin”?

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps moisturize the skin from the inside out and maintain its elasticity, softness, and appearance. The skin loses elasticity with less water, causing wrinkles and fine lines to become more noticeable. I notice when I go through periods of not drinking a sufficient amount of water that my skin tends to look and feel less vibrant. This is especially true as I age. While skin products are a great way to improve your skin, they work best in tandem with internal hydration.

2. Hydrate your skin

Moisturizers and serums can lock in moisture and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. These products will help maintain a youthful, flawless radiance to your skin.

Bradford’s serum and moisturizing sticks allow for targeted application to keep your skin hydrated. After using these products consistently, I have noticed a natural glow on my skin. I’ve had to change my routine as my skin changes. In my 20’s I was concerned about breaking out, and a light moisturizer was sufficient. Once I entered my 40’s, I started to layer products, with a targeted serum followed by moisturizer. I also occasionally use an overnight sleep mask for additional hydration.

3. Exfoliate Regularly

One of the most effective ways to reveal radiant skin is through exfoliation. There are two kinds of exfoliants: chemical and physical. Chemical exfoliants gently dissolve dead skin cells, allowing fresher cells beneath to reflect light more evenly, creating a smoother, luminous appearance without disrupting the skin’s delicate microbiome. Unlike harsh scrubs, these exfoliants avoid physical abrasions, which can sometimes cause micro tears in the skin, giving a redder, irritated look.

Physical exfoliants include natural ingredients like jojoba beads, apricot seeds, volcanic sand, and charcoal, providing gentle polishing. It is essential to choose exfoliants with rounded, non-abrasive particles to avoid microtears that can compromise the skin barrier.

Bradford’s Radiance Bar comprises a chemical exfoliant, mandelic acid, and physical exfoliation, the biodegradable glitter, leaving skin smoother, brighter, and ready to glow.

I used to be wary of chemical exfoliants because I have sensitive skin. The word sounds so harsh. I spent years using physical exfoliants. What I discovered is that chemical exfoliants are actually less irritating to my skin. They gently remove dead skin cells without too much abrasion. I do still use physical exfoliants, but I’ve learned to use products that are small in size and spherical in shape. The rounded edges are definitely less aggressive on my skin.

4. Wear Sunscreen Daily

The sun is one of the biggest threats to the skin. Sunscreen is a crucial barrier to block the UV rays. Applying sunscreen is one of the most critical steps in a skincare routine. Without this layer of protection, the effectiveness of other skincare steps, such as moisturizing, anti-aging treatments, or acne care, is greatly diminished. No skincare routine is complete or fully adequate without sunscreen!

I am a huge advocate for sunscreen! I am blond and fair-skinned. My husband finds it amusing that I will go for a walk in March in New England and come back sunburned. I heard a statistic that most people think of sunscreen when they go to the beach, but 80% of your exposure is running errands and performing daily tasks. Protect your skin and apply sunscreen every day.

5. Apply Oil to the Skin’s surface

Replenishing the skin’s natural barrier is essential for maintaining long-term hydration and resilience. Facial oils play a key role in these processes by replenishing the lipid layer, which locks in moisture and prevents water loss.

Oil restores many of the missing factors, some ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, pull moisture onto the skin and help the skin moisturize for a longer period.

Oil is another ingredient that used to concern me. As I mentioned earlier, I had acne-prone skin into my late 20s. At the time, oil would clog my pores, but now I find it is fine with occasional use. If I apply it too often skin will still break out, but if I avoid the T-zone and apply oil once a week, my skin feels more hydrated and looks more radiant. It’s all about finding a balance of products that work well for your skin and making changes as you age.

What are the most common misconceptions about daily skincare routines that prevent people from achieving radiant skin?

In reality, each person’s skin is unique. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all strategy. Skin type, lifestyle, genetics, and climate all play a role in determining your skin’s daily needs. Ignoring these variables and not taking the time to understand your skin often leads people to use products or routines that are ineffective and sometimes harmful, preventing them from achieving radiant skin. A good skincare routine can be very beneficial, but there is no silver bullet. Good skin takes consistent maintenance and a holistic approach, especially as you age.

Could you share your insights on how diet and nutrition directly affect skin health, and perhaps suggest some superfoods for skin radiance?

Let’s face it, you are what you eat. Superfoods are great for ingestion to keep the skin radiant, but they can also be used as ingredients in personal care products. When eating superfoods that are good for your skin, they will be dispersed in your body, so it is not the most targeted approach. If it is topical and it can cross the skin barrier, there is a better chance it will be absorbed and get to where it needs to be. Foods that are rich in antioxidants or fatty acids are great for skin radiance. Berries, avocado, and green tea are good examples.

How do you recommend individuals tailor their skincare routine to address the unique needs of their skin type and environment?

The first step is to understand your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone. Seasonal changes also require alterations in daily skincare routines. Dry skin tends to be in need of moisturizing ingredients such as oils, waxes and lipids. While individuals with oily skin tend to respond better to beta-hydroxy ingredients such as salicylic acid because they draw oil from the skin.

What advances in skincare science or new ingredients are you most excited about that promise to enhance skin health and radiance?

The microbiome trend continues to evolve, and there are lots of new ingredients that support skin health while limiting disruption to the skin’s natural barrier. Ingredients include probiotics and prebiotics that work despite the skin’s inhospitable environment. The microbiome is interesting because your skin has a limited amount of space for all of the microorganisms, so if you can use ingredients that promote healthy bacteria, that will actually give bad bacteria less room to propagate. There is also a strong focus on replenishing ingredients that are found naturally in your skin, like hyaluronic acid and collagen. Or alternatively, ingredients that promote the body’s production of natural ingredients, like pro-collagen additives. Remember, hydrated skin is radiant skin.

Can you describe a holistic approach to skincare that encompasses not just topical treatments but also lifestyle and wellness practices?

There is not just one answer. It is a challenge to balance everything, but sleep, nutrition, exercise, hydration, and skincare all play a role. However, don’t stress about all of those things, because stress is also bad for your skin!

On a serious note, though, think of healthy skin as a part of your lifestyle, and do your best to help your skin where you can. Not everything has to be perfect, but every bit helps. In terms of skincare, be consistent with your skincare routine, customize your routine to your skin type and environment, and create good skincare habits. Consistency goes a long way!

How can our readers further follow you online?

You can stay connected with us by following Bradford Soap Works on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. We regularly share skincare tips, ingredient spotlights, and behind-the-scenes insights on our blog — perfect for brands and anyone passionate about conscious beauty and wellness.

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!