December 13, 2017
Daughter of the Land
Maker Spotlight
Ashley Spierer has created one of our favorite skincare lines to dates. Boasting recycled packaging, beautiful design, and multi-functional products, Daughter of the Land inspires to ditch our previous notions of fancy skincare and get back to the basics of natural, holistic living!
What sparked your interest in this particular craft?
While I was living in India (I moved there to work at a healthcare company), I noticed the majority of people used natural ingredients for their skincare, and it had been passed on through generations. Before moving I had thought I was an avid proponent of “natural” skincare, until I realized that so many of the products I was using were complicated, made with a long list of ingredients, and contain a plethora of specific-use products. When I realized that skincare didn’t have to be so complicated, I knew I wanted to make a line that was accessible, multifunctional, and made of simply natural ingredients.
What do you think sets your designs apart from others?
That’s a great question. Our mission is to have minimal impact on the environment by creating multifunctional products that reduce consumerism in the skincare space, using recycled packaging, and donating a percentage of sales to 1% For the Planet. Our goal is to get customers to rethink their skincare routines instead of complicate it!
List some of the most important lessons you’ve learned while running your business:
- Learning to ask people for help (especially being a solo entrepreneur)!
- Packaging is super important within the skincare space
- Listening and asking for customer feedback
- Growing pains are real and planning is helpful 😊
What has been your proudest moment since you’ve started?
- Each time I create a new product, seeing it come together for the first time feels so special and exciting.
- Working with Madewell on the launch of the Beauty Cabinet was so exciting and I felt so honored to be part of it!
How does the city or cultural environment you live in influence your work?
I lived in New York and New Jersey most of my life, so I think taking some time away from what I was used to and moving to India inspired me to see things differently!
What valuable experience did you have before starting your business?
Working for a social enterprise startup helped prepare me for having my own business. I was able to get the feel of what it was like working in an entrepreneurial environment, and I was inspired by the founder to start my own venture!
Do you have any favorite products? What makes them special to you?
They’re like my children, I love them all equally 😊
What are some inspirations for your work?
- Brands that are having a dual mission and are trying to send a positive message (Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher)
- Being outdoors and experiencing the magic of nature
- Traveling to new environments
