Audrey Vassell of Glam Essentials — Great leaders find out what motivates others — and the only way…
By: Alexandra Spirer
Tags: Women In Business, Entrepreneur, Customer Engagement, Beauty, Skincare

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

My career in beauty started as a student in cosmetology school in the nineties. This is where I first learned about parabens and toxins in cosmetics. It changed how I chose cleaning and personal care products for myself and my family. The challenge was, although my regard for clean products was important, the beauty industry had not changed, which left me with no choice other than to manufacture my own in my bathroom and kitchen.

Fast forward years later, I had to have a necessary hysterectomy which immediately put me into menopause. I started noticing some not-so-flattering changes in myself and wasn’t quite sure how to overcome them. I learned how to embrace this mid-life journey, reach within, and practice a deeper sense of self-love and self-care. This journey can bring challenges and changes that can create chaos in one’s self.

I wanted to bring a voice to women going through these challenges to overcome the stigmas of menopause and to continue to feel fulfilled and happy instead of regret and contempt. I started speaking to women who are experiencing their own inner chaos and realized we’re all in this together and we need to help and encourage each other through this journey.

I started creating products that are specifically designed for women over the age of 40 that are experiencing changes in their skin and to offer viable, healthy solutions for these women to age with confidence and live unapologetically. This not just about products it is about empowering women to live their best life through this journey.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

There are so many to share, but my experience with one woman has stuck with me. She had recently turned 40 and was in a relationship where there was infidelity, abuse, leaving her feeling unattractive. She started using my products and I also gave her some wellness advice. A few weeks later she said her skin never looked so good and she shared how she felt more confident than ever and was ready to own this new chapter in her life. I was so humbled to have the opportunity to affect someone’s life in this positive way. This is where I adopted the tagline “age with confidence and live unapologetically.”

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I had created a label for one of my products and sent it to the printer for production. After I received the labels and placed them on a product I sent them to a friend to try it out. She noticed that there was a typo on the label. I was mortified and quickly fixed the error and had them printed again. I received the labels and realized they were printed portrait instead of landscape, which ended up looking better on the package than the original label. From this experience I learned that it’s okay to make mistakes, sometimes it works out better than expected.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

My brand is about women aging with confidence and living unapologetically. At this age we are extremely hard on ourselves due to our mid-life transition; it can take a toll on one’s mental health. I was extremely frustrated with the changes in my body and skin and I had to deliberately commit to self-care and self-love. It’s still a journey but self-awareness gives me a better understanding of what I’m going through and it empowers me to do something about it.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Glam Essentials is more than a skincare company. I’m looking to expand into beauty and home essentials. We are a lifestyle brand that wants to empower women over 40 in every area of their life.

What advice would you give to other female leaders to help their team to thrive?

Dream bigger than you ever have before. The mid-life journey is the opportunity to experience life on your own terms. If not now, when? Be prepared for the challenges but DON’T give up.

What advice would you give to other female leaders about the best way to manage a large team?

Lead with conviction, clarity, and compassion. Put them in a position to succeed and seek help when necessary. Always let others know how much you value and appreciate their service. It’s okay to be vulnerable, but not weak.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Yes, my husband of 26 years. When we met I was working at a hospital as a payroll coordinator and I would always share my dreams of being an entrepreneur. I was raised to work hard for twenty plus years and retire. At the time I had no idea in what capacity I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but he was so on board and that was refreshing. When we left New York and moved to Atlanta I started my entrepreneurial journey and have not looked back. He’s been my rock and support, when I want to give up he reassures me and gives me the confidence to keep moving.

How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?

I love to travel throughout the world. It brings me a lot of joy to connect with locals on a deeper level. We are so fortunate to live in a country that has the liberties and freedoms afforded to us. I’m always looking for opportunities to help people wherever I go.

What are your “5 Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Experience” and why. (Please share a story or example for each.)

1. Have a passion for people. In my experience, it’s more impactful to have a love of people than a love of profits. I truly love seeing people happy about the service I give and the products I make. I’m intentional about creating a people-based culture by creating great relationships from the vendors we work with to my employees. I want everyone around me to succeed in what they are passionate about. It’s important for people I hire to have a love of what they do and not just show up and do a job.

2. It’s okay to be wrong and make mistakes. I try my best not to, but I would not be human if I didn’t. When I make a mistake I own it, learn from it, and move on.

3. Be a great communicator. The best leaders are those who make commitments and follow through. I build trust by leading by example and don’t shy away from tough situations no matter how difficult it is. It builds trust and valuable relationships with others, and in turn, people will respect you.

4. Share your vision. It’s so important for people to know not only what you’re doing, but why you’re doing it. Make your vision clear and simple. I think people overcomplicate their vision making it difficult for others to understand and implement. I definitely have been there and often wonder why people didn’t share the same passion or excitement. Most people won’t get it initially, but it has to be simple enough so others will share your enthusiasm.

5. Listen and be attentive. You have to motivate others by what you want them to achieve, not just by what you want them to do. Great leaders find out what motivates others — and the only way to truly understand what others want is to listen and listen with intention. People want to be heard so it’s important to be attentive. In the age of digital distractions, the ability to connect with others can be challenging but is absolutely necessary.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

This may be cliche and corny but a movement of KINDNESS is so important, especially after this year. We all need more kindness in our lives. I have a passion for people, so I see how people are hurt by others and realize sometimes a simple kind act makes all the difference in a person.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson

Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)

Maria Baritomo is my business muse. I used to watch her when she first got on the NYSE floor. I was so impressed to see how she handled herself with boldness and confidence in an environment that was dominated by men. She’s empowering, beautiful, fearless, and successful.

How can our readers connect with you on social media?

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GlamEssentialsTM/

Instagram: @glamessentialsusa

Twitter: @Glam_Essentials

Website: www.glamessentials.com