kate & kate mcleod

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 excited to welcome Kate McLeod, founder of the natural skincare brand Kate McLeod. After discovering that a career in finance wasn't for her, Kate's journey led her to find a passion for cooking and eventually to the creation of her unique product, the Butterstone. This cacao butter-based skincare product blends her love for culinary arts with a commitment to self-care and natural ingredients. Kate's Butterstone has garnered attention and acclaim, landing a spot on Goop's gift guide in its first year. Join us as Kate shares her non-traditional career path, the inspiration behind her brand, and the challenges and triumphs of building a business rooted in passion and innovation.

Tune in to discover how Kate's culinary background and dedication to natural self-care products are reshaping the skincare industry.

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

Summary:

Kate McLeod, founder of the natural skincare brand Kate McLeod, shares her inspiring journey from finance to culinary arts, leading to the creation of the Butterstone, a cacao butter-based skincare product. Kate discusses the evolution of her career, the development of her product, and the importance of self-care and natural ingredients. The conversation explores her entrepreneurial experiences, the challenges of starting a business, and her vision for the future of her brand.

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Keywords:

natural skincare, entrepreneurship, brand building, cacao butter, Butterstone, Kate McLeod

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Takeaways:

1. Kate McLeod's journey from finance to founding her skincare brand is driven by a passion for natural self-care products.
2. The Butterstone combines culinary techniques with natural ingredients to create a unique skincare product.
3. Building a brand involves understanding market needs, listening to customer feedback, and maintaining a clear vision.
4. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges but also opportunities for brands like Kate McLeod to adapt and thrive.
5. Kate's dedication to innovation and quality drives the success of her brand.

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Sound Bites:

• "Creating the Butterstone allowed me to blend my love for cooking with my passion for natural self-care."
• "Our goal is to provide high-quality skincare products that people can trust and enjoy."
• "Building a brand requires understanding market needs and staying true to your vision."
• "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptability and innovation in business."
• "Kate McLeod is about providing natural, effective self-care solutions that people can trust and feel confident using."

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Chapters:

00:00 - Kate's Background and Journey-
Kate introduces herself and shares her journey from finance to founding her skincare brand.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Kate McLeod-
Kate discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired her to create the Butterstone and the early days of her brand.

12:30 - Transitioning from Finance to Entrepreneurship-
Kate explains her transition from working in finance to starting a skincare brand and the lessons learned.

23:17 - The Importance of Natural Skincare-
The conversation delves into how Kate emphasizes natural ingredients in her products to create a healthier skincare routine.

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

27:26 - Commitment to Quality and Innovation-
Kate highlights her brand’s dedication to creating high-quality, natural skincare products.

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 Kate McLeod-
Kate shares her vision for the future of her brand and her goals for the business.

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

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

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