shannon davenport & esker beauty

we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.

In this episode of Read Receipt, we are thrilled to welcome Shannon Davenport, the visionary founder of Esker Beauty. Shannon's journey from a successful career in trend forecasting to creating a natural body care line is a testament to her passion for innovation and wellness. After spending over a decade in New York City as a trend forecaster, Shannon realized the need for clean, safe, and effective body care products that elevate self-care routines. Founded in 2018, Esker Beauty is known for its commitment to honesty, integrity, and sustainability. Join us as Shannon shares her inspiring story, the challenges of transitioning from forecasting to entrepreneurship, and the importance of creating products that truly benefit the skin.

Tune in to discover Shannon's entrepreneurial journey, the story behind Esker Beauty, and what's next for this pioneering brand.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
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the Show Notes

Summary:

Shannon Davenport, founder of Esker Beauty, shares her inspiring journey from trend forecasting to creating a natural body care line. With a background in trend forecasting, Shannon spent over a decade identifying future trends for major fashion and lifestyle companies before launching Esker Beauty in 2018. Motivated by a desire to create clean, safe, and effective body care products, Shannon founded Esker with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and sustainability. She discusses the challenges of starting a new business, the importance of natural ingredients, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her brand. The conversation explores her entrepreneurial experiences, the development of Esker's products, and her vision for the future.

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Keywords:

natural body care, trend forecasting, entrepreneurship, clean beauty, sustainability, brand building, COVID-19 pivot, self-care, Esker Beauty

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Takeaways:

1. Shannon Davenport’s journey from trend forecasting to founding Esker Beauty is driven by a passion for clean, safe, and effective body care products.
2. Esker Beauty focuses on creating natural body care products with a commitment to honesty, integrity, and sustainability.
3. Building a brand involves understanding market gaps, listening to consumer needs, and maintaining a clear vision.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges, but also opportunities for brands like Esker Beauty to adapt and thrive.
5. Shannon’s commitment to natural ingredients and sustainability drives the success of Esker Beauty.

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Sound Bites:

• "I started Esker Beauty to create clean, safe, and effective body care products that elevate the way we take care of ourselves."
• "Our goal is to make body care products that not only feel good but are also good for the skin and the environment."
• "Building a brand requires staying true to your values and creating a strong connection with your community."
• "The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of our commitment to sustainability and clean beauty."
• "Esker Beauty is about making self-care a luxurious, yet attainable, experience for everyone."

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Chapters:

00:00 - Shannon’s Background and Journey-
Shannon introduces herself and shares her journey from trend forecasting to founding Esker Beauty.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Esker Beauty-
Shannon discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired her to create Esker Beauty and the early days of the brand.

12:30 - Transitioning from Forecasting to Entrepreneurship-
Shannon explains her transition from the trend forecasting industry to starting a natural body care brand and the lessons learned.

23:17 - The Importance of Natural Ingredients-
The conversation delves into how Esker Beauty emphasizes the use of natural ingredients and sustainability in its products.

25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities During the Pandemic-
Shannon talks about the challenges of pivoting during the COVID-19 pandemic and the opportunities it presented.

27:26 - Commitment to Honesty and Integrity-
Shannon highlights Esker Beauty's dedication to honesty, integrity, and transparency in its business practices.

31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
The discussion explores the importance of a strong brand identity and connecting with consumers authentically.

36:02 - The Vision for Esker Beauty-
Shannon shares her vision for the future of Esker Beauty and her goals for the brand.

47:37 - Patience and Persistence in Entrepreneurship-
Shannon emphasizes the need for patience and persistence in achieving long-term success.

51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
‍Shannon wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.