Suzanne LeRoux is the Founder of One Love Organics, a skincare company that creates clean, luxurious, and effective products to support a healthy lifestyle. Raised on a farm in Georgia by pharmacist parents, Suzanne credits her dual interests in science and nature to her unique upbringing. A lawyer-turned-beauty entrepreneur, Suzanne began experimenting with green chemistry while practicing law full-time to address her own skin and wellness issues. Stunned by the efficacy of clean beauty, she formally launched One Love Organics in 2010 to empower others to embrace their healthiest, happiest skin—and to live and love well.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and what inspired you to start One Love Organics?
From the time I was 12, I had skin issues—and nothing in our family drugstore would help. It was when I started studying yoga and aromatherapy while in law school that I pared down my skincare routine to one that is simple, plant-based and particularly petrochemical free. The results were so stunning—especially after 12 years of trial and nothing but error—that I was truly amazed. I knew I had to share it with others.
What does success mean to you?
“Success” is when our customers share our products and company with their friends and family. Referrals are definitely the biggest compliment!
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you build yourself back up?
I remind myself to just take it day-by-day (or even hour-by-hour) when things start to feel overwhelming.
What’s your favourite book, podcast, or show? Why?
The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs helped to change my life over 20 years ago. She also gave up a law career and practices voluntary simplicity: The idea of doing more with less changed my outlook forever.
Did you always know you wanted to start your own business?
My parents were also entrepreneurs – they farmed and owned pharmacies—so it’s in my DNA. I’m a creative, enterprising person—and like to do things “my way,” so to speak—so I’m not surprised I ended up founding and owning a business.
What is your biggest challenge as a business owner?
In the beginning, my biggest challenge was knowing when to say “no.” As the years have passed, I’ve learned that many opportunities can distract from your core business and mission.
What is your favourite part of being a business owner?
As for what I love, it’s being able to focus on product quality and efficacy and customer service, the foundations of our business: It’s what makes us unique in a sea of beauty brands.
What tips or advice do you have for other women who would like to start their own businesses?
Get a good business and financial plan in place—these will be crucial to starting and staying in business. And find a support group! I have been lucky enough to have an amazing group of women who also founded their own skincare lines and it’s been such a valuable support system, being able to just talk things through that no one else may understand.
Do you have a regimented skincare routine? If so, what are some of your favourite products or steps in your routine?
Yes, double-cleansing has been a game-changer in my skincare routine for the past 12 years—I never miss a night of it! Double-cleansing is the use of an oil-based cleanser massaged on dry skin to first to break up grime, makeup, and sunscreen, followed immediately with a treatment-oriented cleanser to really work its magic and remove grime and sweat.
I use our Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil, an oil-based cleanser, followed by Botanical A Facial Cleanser, a foaming treatment cleanser with AHA and BHA exfoliants. Paired together with our Cleansing Sponge made of konjac plant fiber, this easy 2-step ritual leaves my skin exfoliated, cleansed, and conditioned and thoroughly prepped for treatment serums and my favorite moisturizers.
Follow One Love Organics:
One Love Organics Website: oneloveorganics.com
One Love Organics Instagram: @oneloveorganics
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