Q: Jayde, what’s a self-tanning tip you wish you could tell your younger self?
A: Great question! As an avid self-tanner in my younger years you better expect that there have been some questionable sunless tanning moments along the way… ok let’s be real… there were some big doozies! If I could turn back the clock, I would say 'Jayde, the more natural-looking the tan, the better!'
Q: What is a piece of business advice you would give to someone wanting to start a brand?
A: What I’ve seen in business is that not all brands create a product with purpose and I think that’s why a lot of beauty and fashion products in particular fail. I’m very fortunate to have seen Sontse take off and wow the market, and whilst it’s tempting to assume that’s just luck, I’ve been very intentional in creating a product that served a purpose and filled a gap I noticed was missing.
So, my piece of advice:
Understand your why. Why do you want to start a brand? Why do you want to work for yourself? What makes you different? Once you have clarity on these aspects, just be realistic about the journey.
Building a brand takes time, there is no one way to do things and your journey is unique to you.
So don't compare, focus on what you are doing, where you are going, and what you are achieving. Success looks different to everyone and it's very personal. That’s the beautiful thing about business.
Q: If you could go to lunch with anyone in the world, who would it be?
A: Oooofttt.. How do you pick one person?! Honestly, I think this can shift as you grow and change throughout life.
If I could go to lunch with anyone right this moment, I'd love to sit down with Kathy Hilton, learn more about her business journey, and her charity work, and understand her why. I think she would have incredible insight and have such interesting advice. I really respect how she presents herself and her values and I’d love to glean from her wisdom.
Q: What’s a beauty/fashion trend you swear you’ll never give in to?
A: Crocs. NEVER ever will you see me wearing these.. Sorry, not sorry haha. But also no judgment on those who adore them - if that’s you, own it proudly. I’m all for you do you ;)
Q: Spotted: <said celebrity> is seen swiping a bottle of Sontse Golden Hour off the shelf… Who do you hope it is?
A: Can I pick a few? Drew Barrymore, Mila Kunis, Irina Shayk, or Emma Ratajkowski - these women really sum up my vibe. However, I have a sneaky suspicion they wouldn't be personally purchasing from the shelf! Haha.
Q: What is the kind of thing you’d like to be remembered for?
A: Oh my heart. I love this question. I’d hope to leave a legacy of helping others, and be a driving force of change around sun safety. Ultimately though, just like I’ve mentioned in previous discussions, I’d like to carry a unique trait of my grandmother – to be remembered for how I made people feel. She was a shining light in that way – a real example of genuine kindness. There can always be more kindness in this world, so yeah, I hope that is felt when connecting with me also.
Q: What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to jump over when creating a clean, non-toxic beauty product?
A: Hmm.. Not sure if you would technically call it a hurdle, however, the biggest challenge I actually had at the beginning of the journey was locking down our brand name. I knew what I wanted our brand to stand for, our story so to speak. I just wanted to find a way to link the brand name to our sun safety mission.
My dad played a huge part in this. My dad has always been such a great mentor and we talk often, he happened to be overseas at the time and I thought, my dad’s side of the family had really left a legacy and had such a beautiful impact on my life. Pondering this, I knew there had to be a way I could honour my Ukranian heritage and asked my dad ‘What is the word for sun in Ukranian?’ He answered, ‘Sontse’. I knew immediately… that was our name.
Q: What day of the week do you apply your sunless tan?
It’s the weirdest thing, but a funny little ritual we’ve noticed to be common around our community is that Thursday tends to be the day we are all in our bathrooms wherever we find ourselves in the world, applying a good, dewy layer of Golden Hour Sunless Tanning Solution.
I’m no different. You’ll catch me on a Thursday night lathering up in this bronze goodness after a good exfoliation.
Q: What can we expect in the next few weeks?
A: I’m super proud to announce that we have some incredibly influential names on the list to answer our bold, vibrant (and sometimes hilarious) questions about beauty, fashion and lifestyle. So stick around. Join our enlighten community if you’re not already on our email list, and get ready to see who pops up in our chats over the coming weeks!
Written By Liana Pantalone – Beauty & Skincare Copywriter at Climbing Vine Co.
