OF SKIN CARE & SISTERHOOD

Sharon Skaar and Erin Dodd, founders of skin care line TreCeuticals, on the power of tenacity

Sharon Skaar and Erin Dodd were living the high life. Skaar was happily retired from fulfilling career in finance with one of the largest banks in the world, Dodd from a 45-year career in the luxury fashion world. They had been leaders in their respective industries, high-level managers and executives, and now found time for a long list of hobbies, from golfing and shopping to world travel and self-care. But one night, while sitting around the firepit just three years into their friendship, the pair had a conversation that would start them on a whirlwind journey.

“We were talking about skin care – and yes, there was wine involved,” Skaar says. “There are a lot of skin care brands out there and they all promise a lot of things, but no one had really gotten the recipe right as far as we were concerned. I’ve walked out of a store with a bag full of bottles that I’ve had to write on – ‘a.m., p.m., first, second, third’ – all these different steps. It doesn’t have to be that hard.”

That night, they grabbed a cocktail napkin and began scribbling plans for their own line, one that combined CBD, a proven anti-inflammatory, with the scientifically-proven active ingredients that many existing products lack. The very next day, they got to work on their new passion project, TreCeuticals.

The cruelty-free, medical-grade skin care line combines the very best of nature and science, with plant-based oil, retinol, hydroxy acids, and antioxidants that work to nourish and brighten skin. The entrepreneurs knew they had a hit on their hands when their families – oftentimes the most honest critics – started using and loving the products just as much as they did.

“Skin care is not about having perfect skin, it’s about how you feel inside,” says Dodd, who knew from the very beginning that they needed to use their resources to give back to the community and empower others. That’s why they donate a portion of their proceeds to Fresh Start Women’s Foundation – a nonprofit that provides education and support to women make positive change in their lives. “That, and having the opportunity to mentor individual women, inspires me beyond anything else we’re doing.”

Overcoming Obstacles

Skaar and Dodd launched TreCeuticals (www.treceuticals.com) in May 2020, meaning that in March of that year, product orders had been placed and there was no turning back. It’s no surprise that inadvertently starting a company during a pandemic came with its fair share of challenges. From managing supply chain issues to boxing orders in their garages, the powerhouse duo saw every roadblock as a chance to put their tenacity to the test.

“I don’t think failure has to happen,” Skaar says. “Failure comes from how you deal with a situation – you can either let it take you down, or you can turn it around and find another way to resolve whatever’s happening. It’s always a learning opportunity.”

For Dodd, failure is not just a chance to grow, but to lean on support from the community.

“We always knew that in order to accomplish this, we would have to surround ourselves with smart, driven people. It’s so critical to connect with like-minded individuals, to become a sponge and absorb information from all sides,” she says.

Adversity hasn’t just helped the pair improve as entrepreneurs – it’s strengthened their relationship as best friends and business partners. One of the keys is a mutual admiration, which began the moment they met at a local women-supporting-women event.

“I was the new girl on the block, and I saw Sharon off in the corner,” Dodd says. “I call her an Energizer bunny because she’s like a magnet. People were just attracted to her, so of course, I was too. As I got to know her, I learned that she’s always pulling people together and making stuff happen. She’s a rainmaker, and together, we can make some serious rain.”

A Match Made in Heaven

Today, CEO Skaar serves as the duo’s critical thinker, while Dodd, TreCeutical’s president, handles the creative side of things. But at the end of the day, they’re glad to play the Thelma to the other’s Louise.

“When friends go into business together, it can go either way, but we started as friends and now we’re joined at the hip. We just complement each other perfectly,” Skaar says.

“It’s a beautiful partnership because we’re so different. I can’t do what she does, and vice versa,” Dodd adds. “It’s been really fun to watch her and learn. I hope I tell Sharon enough what an incredible partner, best friend, and sister she is.”

And with a few pinch-me moments under their belt – including a feature on The Jennifer Hudson Show – they’ve more than proven that two retired women without college degrees can accomplish amazing things.

“After three years of wins on this beautiful rollercoaster, I look at this whole journey as a blessing,” Dodd says. “We’ve been around the block a few times, but we’re still pushing and pushing. We just have so much more to give.”