Donna is no stranger to the power and potency of natural skincare. After enduring injuries from a gas stove explosion at 17, her father healed her burns and scars with aloe vera from her family’s farm. That experience inspired Donna to learn more about the healing ingredients provided by nature, setting her on a decade-long path of research and development for what would become MODINC Skincare.
MODINC is a woman-owned brand that’s committed to the well-being of both people and the planet. Their soothing body washes, hand soaps, and lotions are 100% vegan and free of harmful chemicals, providing consumers with a safe alternative to standard market ingredients.
Recently, we caught up with Donna to learn more about her journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. Why did you start MODINC?
My journey with MODINC began with a personal crisis and an eye-opening realization about the power of natural remedies. At 17, I suffered a near-death experience which left me with severe burns when a gas oven exploded in my face. The healing effects of aloe vera, used by my father, not only healed my injuries but also sparked my passion for natural skincare. This traumatic experience inspired me to create MODINC Skincare, emphasizing vegan and cruelty-free, natural ingredients that are safe and effective for the entire family.
2. What obstacles did you face along the way?
One of the main challenges was entering a market dominated by established brands with synthetic products. Educating consumers about the benefits of natural ingredients and gaining their trust was initially difficult. Additionally, sourcing ingredients from Australia that were both effective and adhered to our ethical standards required extensive research and development. Thankfully, our commitment to sustainability, vegan, and cruelty-free products resonated well with our community, helping us overcome these hurdles.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
My biggest lesson has been the importance of resilience and authenticity. Starting a business is a journey filled with ups and downs. Staying true to your values, even when faced with challenges, is crucial. I also learned that listening to customer feedback is of the utmost importance. It helps refine your products and better meet the needs of those who love your brand. Lastly, never underestimate the power of a passionate and dedicated team!
4. What’s on the horizon for MODINC?
Looking forward, we are thrilled about the expansion of our skincare lines and our venture into new global markets. Our commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever, as we continue to explore innovative, eco-friendly ingredients that uphold MODINC's values. I am thrilled to be in Bristol Farms, making MODINC available on shelves across numerous Southern California locations. This partnership not only broadens our reach but also aligns perfectly with our mission to make natural skincare accessible. We are proud to partner with a company that shares our values of quality and sustainability to ensure we’re not only taking care of our customers' skin, but also the planet.
5. How do you keep work/life balance? What drives/inspires you?
Balancing work and personal life continues to be a learning process. It's crucial to prioritize and delegate when necessary. What drives me is the feedback from our customers who tell us how much MODINC has positively impacted their skin and their lives! It's incredibly rewarding and motivates me every day. Additionally, my family and the desire to make a positive impact in the world inspire me to keep pushing forward, ensuring we deliver the best natural skincare possible!