Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Takisha Engrum. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Takisha, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Wow, that’s a good question. My drive to succeed started early. As a child my mother instilled in me that I must get good grades, graduate high school, go to college, and land a good paying job in Corporate America. That was my mother’s purpose for me.
One day I was watching a television show that featured a businesswoman and she was the CEO of her own business. I was enamored. I’d never seen anything like that. She was kickass. She was a boss. I remembered seeing her business title flash on the screen and it said “Entrepreneur.” In that moment that’s what I wanted to become, an entrepreneur. However, there was a problem. I didn’t know what entrepreneur meant or how to get there. So, my mother’s purpose became my life’s plan and playbook.
Years later the thought of becoming an “entrepreneur” still tugged at my soul. I was ready to set aside the fears, ignite my purpose and embrace that profound sense of fulfillment within me. Thanks to an urge and passion for natural and clean beauty, I decided to embark on a natural clean journey for myself and daughter. Not knowing it then, but that was the ignitor. What started as a hobby in 2013, I soon realized there was an opportunity to lead in the natural space by creating a skincare brand focused on modern appeal—specialized for men, cruelty-free, and committed to creating high-performing formulas is what led to the creation of Sean Remy.
Behind the inspiration was my husband. He was diagnosed with pseudofolliculitis barbae and suffered from inflamed, dry patchy skin, blemishes, and skin discoloration. Having to meet the standard military grooming regulations while on active duty, I witnessed his frustration with the lack of available men’s skincare products to address his skin issues. He tried everything from over the counter to prescription products, but none yielded him relief. So, I set out to create solutions to address the root causes of his skin care problems.
The sweetest rewards in life come from living in your purpose, but doing so can sometimes take you outside the boundaries of your comfort zone. My journey of becoming was loaded with personal and transformative experiences. As I continued to venture down my purpose driven path, I also experienced the unwillingness of other entrepreneurs in the beauty industry to freely help or give advice. As frustrating and difficult it was to accept, it helped me to realize my even bigger purpose.
My purpose is not just a fleeting passion to become an entrepreneur, but to also be a hand to the next aspiring entrepreneur and pass down the lessons I’ve learned. I live by the concept of “each one, teach one.” In living your purpose, you give the gift of being on purpose to everyone you meet.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Absolutely! So, I am the Founder and CEO of SEAN REMY.
Sean Remy is an affordable luxury men’s skincare brand that specializes in next-generation natural skincare, where we focus on balanced skin health. Our philosophy revolves around creating high-quality products using scientifically proven ingredients, in advanced pH balanced formulas to support the natural pH level of the skin. Sean Remy’s skincare range is formulated naturally and transparently, eliminating synthetic and chemical ingredients that can cause skin sensitivities, or worse. We hold a strong commitment to share the exact pH levels and the natural ingredients of each of our products. We are rewriting the rules for natural skincare for men by redefining the art and science of grooming. Crafted with precision and purpose, our products are designed to deliver results and the versatility to provide consumers with everything they need to confidently be who they are.
I am so excited to announce Sean Remy will officially launch in November 2023! Just in time for the holiday season. Our product range features four products:
Detoxifying Face Cleanser (4oz): This heavy-duty cleansing wash creates an effective lather, dissolving dirt and grime, rinsing away pore-clogging impurities and excess oil. With the help of natural oils, including olive, rosehip, and tea tree plus botanical extracts from burdock root and geranium, combined with a kick of bamboo, this cleanser refines skin texture, brightens skin clarity, balance oil levels without irritating your pores.
Exfoliating Charcoal Face Scrub (4oz): This deep cleansing face scrub is a gentle exfoliant that works its activated charcoal magic to draw out impurities, while the olive seed exfoliating granules scrub away dryness and rough patches. Working on all areas of your face, this scrub will hydrate and speed up the natural rejuvenation process of your skin cells. Deeply nourishing and conditioning leaving you with smooth, supple skin.
Face Moisturizing Gel-Cream (3oz): This lightweight, intensely hydrating formula is full of highly beneficial natural ingredients like red raspberry seed oil, rich shea butter, jojoba oil, prickly pear cactus, and bamboo extracts. It promotes the formation of collagen, tightens the skin. Provides all day hydration and nourishment to improve the overall condition of your skin, all while providing natural protection against UVA and UVB rays.
The Essentials Set: Enjoy the Detoxifying Face Cleanser for a high performing, cleanse and aromatic experience. Treat the face with the Exfoliating Charcoal Face Scrub to deeply clean and soften skin and finish your routine with the Face Moisturizing Gel Cream to replenish vital nutrients, and intensely hydrate for smooth, healthy skin. All the essentials you need for perfect skin.
Men’s skincare should be simple, but effective. Discover how the right products can help you put your best face forward. We have everything it takes to make sure your skincare routine is complete. Unlock your personalized skincare routine today. I invite you to join the Sean Remy movement towards healthier, happier skin. Learn more about the range at www.seanremyskincare.com.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would have to say the three most important areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were understanding the requirements for entering this market, determining my niche, and being able to articulate what makes my brand unique.
For those looking to start a brand, listening to your community and solving their problems is critical. But also, don’t forget to infuse your authenticity into the storytelling because your story is your superpower. Understand what makes you unique and don’t fall victim to “comparisonitis” and analysis paralysis. Just get started, even if you don’t think you’re ready. Nimbleness, agility, and scrappiness will get you far. Entrepreneurship is all about constantly learning and reframing failure as insight. Lastly, you need support. Perspective is tough when you’re wearing many hats and constantly working with your head down. You need people who have been there before and who you trust to talk you through the endless challenges, share how they scaled or what strategies worked and what didn’t.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Another good question! I would say my biggest area of growth was finding ways to help me power through the struggles of overcoming indecision.
I suffered from a condition called analysis paralysis. Analysis paralysis occurs when a decision-maker overthinks or overanalyzes a situation, halting the ability to move forward with action. In my business this inevitably, slowed down my progress as I spent more time than needed trying to reach a decision. I would research and overanalyze data out of a desire for a perfect solution where none existed. This paralysis caused me delays that negatively affected my business outcomes. While analysis paralysis came from a good place, one where I wanted to make the most informed decision, it was without a doubt one of the most debilitating things. I realized if not dealt with in time, this phenomenon could quickly become a very stressful way of life and I knew something had to give. Although it was hard, I made the necessary changes needed to make significant strides to overcome analysis paralysis and as a result I made tremendous progress in my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.seanremyskincare.com
- Instagram: @seanremyskincare
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareseanremyskincare
Image Credits
Photographer: Ebes Olumese, EandR Photography – @ebes31 Product Photographer: Amalia Abdalfatah, Amalia Clicks – @amalia.clicks
