Today, we’re starting off my new interview series with Lucy Cardwell from Lucky Cloud Skincare. She founded the business, which creates luxurious botanical skincare for dry, damaged and sensitive skin, in 2015.
The products are vegan-friendly and made by hand in small batches in her Edinburgh workshop. With fantastic reviews in publications such as British Vogue Online, Grazia and Hello! Magazine the brand has recently gone international, with products now available in Madrid, Spain. Having celebrated Lucky Cloud’s second anniversary earlier this year there are grand plans for year three of business and the rest of 2017!
Why do you do what you do?
Lucky Cloud Skincare was born out of my own issues with sensitive and dry skin. I’d suffered with skin conditions like dermatitis from a young age and was quite reliant on steroid ointments. Because of this I’ve always had an interest in skincare and skin health, but never really understood it. Until, that is, I started researching ingredients and developing products for Lucky Cloud Skincare.
What are you most proud of?
I think the proudest I feel is when strangers leave me reviews or comment on my products. Knowing I’ve created something that someone really loves and is helping them feel better about their skin is so heartwarming. I do actually cry sometimes when I read things like this…
“Love your body balm and even use it on my face, it’s excellent! A little goes such a long way! Face oil next for me; thank you for such lovely cruelty free skincare it’s a delight.”
“Wow, your new oil is the best I’ve tried. I love it, it’s light, smells amazing and my skin is looking the best it’s been in ages. Plus you’re an Edinburgh business and use glass packaging. Win win!!”
What keeps you up at night?
As with pretty much every small business owner, my ever growing to-do list! It’s always when things are at their most quiet that the mind likes to start chattering; you suddenly remember all things that are still waiting to be done and the mental to-do lists start forming!
What was the best business decision you ever made?
Moving the business out of my flat and into an actual office/workshop was probably the best thing. It really helps to separate home from work (most of the time at least… Instagram doesn’t count right?). But in all seriousness, having everything stored correctly and visible makes life so much easier. I can focus on work when I’m at work and achieve so much more in a day.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever got?
Not exactly advice, but I do love this quote: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
It’s never too late to start. Anything. Just get out there and do that thing you’ve wanted to do!
How do you attract new clients or customers?
I attend a lot of markets and events to showcase my products to new potential customers. It’s great to get the chance to chat to people about what I’ve created and what’s in each product. It’s also really important for people to be able to smell and “try on” the products if they’ve not used them before.
What do you enjoy most about your marketing?
I love Instagram so much. I’ve developed so many lovely relationships on the platform and have lots of lovely interactions with other brands, businesses, shops and customers. I’m a visual person (my background is visual arts and photography) so I think that’s why it appeals so much.
I try to blog regularly as well. But it always feels like a chore. I know I should find a way of writing more and having more things scheduled, but… well, one day I’m sure I’ll get better at it!
How do you relax?
I love to read, sit in the sunshine (I’ve been called cat-like on more than one occasion), and catch up with friends. I also love to crochet, which I know is a bit of a granny hobby – but I love it!
Re-charging the batteries in nature is also a great way to relax. I love going for walks, especially in forests and national parks.
What is your favourite brand?
Gosh that’s a tricky one! I’m probably not very brand loyal if I’m honest… I chop and change things around a lot. I like to try new things and try to support smaller brands when possible.
What’s something you dream of doing?
I would love to have Lucky Cloud stocked in more countries. So far I’ve conquered Spain (laconicum.com) but I’d like my European stockists to grow and to aim for the USA and Australia too. The sky’s the limit!
What’s next?
I’ve started launching a range of face care products, which is mega exciting! So far there are two available. A Nourishing Cleansing Balm and Face Oil. There will be 6 in total and I’m so proud of the range that I can’t wait for them all to be out in the big wide world!
Find out more about Lucky Cloud Skincare on their website or by following them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter,
WANT TO READ MORE?
To read more of these interviews, have a look here:
Mica and Jo from Edinburgh Yarn Festival
Amanda Stewart from Illuminate Technology
Gino Crolla from Anima
Jane Banks from LaserFlair
